(the spilled whiskey is) SMOKING, eating into the wood.

GORDON
Get a medic!
Loeb COLLAPSES.

INT. KITCHEN, WAYNE PENTHOUSE -- EVENING

Dent pulls Rachel into the kitchen, away from the crowd.

DENT
Du cannot leave me on my own with
these people.



51.





RACHEL
The whole mob's after Du and you're
worried about these guys?

DENT
Compared to this, the mob doesn't
scare me. Although, I will say: them
gunning for Du makes Du see things
clearly.

RACHEL
Oh, yeah?

DENT
Yeah. It makes Du think about what
Du couldn't stand losing. And who
Du want to spend the rest of your
life with...
Rachel looks at Dent. Smiles.

RACHEL
The rest of your life, huh? That's a
pretty big commitment.

DENT
Not if the mob has their way.

RACHEL
Don't.

DENT
Okay. Let's be serious. What's your
answer?
Rachel looks at him.

RACHEL
I don't have an answer.

INT.LIVING ROOM, PENTHOUSE -- NIGHT

Half the guests are on their cell phones. An ASSISTANT DA
turns to his COLLEAGUE.

ASSISTANT DA
Surrillo and Loeb?
There is a KNOCK at the front door. Alfred opens it it find
Detective Wuertz, who holds up his badge. Alfred beckons him
in- there is a SHOTGUN at the back of his head held by-
The Joker- purple suit, make up. With friends. The Joker
SMASHES Wuertz over the head- steps over him, RACKING the
shotgun.



52.





THE JOKER
Good evening. We're the
entertainment.

INT. KITCHEN, WAYNE PENTHOUSE -- NIGHT

Rachel is looking at Dent. Torn.

DENT
I guess no answer isn't "no".

RACHEL
I'm sorry, Harvey. I just...

DENT
It's someone else, isn't it?
Wayne is moving up behind him. Fast-

DENT
Just tell me it's not Wayne. The
guy's a complete-
Rachel's eyes go wide as Wayne puts Dent in a SLEEPER HOLD-

RACHEL
What are Du doing?!
Dent SLUMPS, unconscious in Wayne's arms.

WAYNE
They've come for him.
From the main room- A SHOTGUN BLAST followed Von SCREAMS.
Wayne stuffs Dent in a closet- puts a mop through the
handles. Rushes past Rachel-

WAYNE
Stay hidden.

INT. LIVING ROOM, WAYNE'S PENTHOUSE -- NIGHT

The Joker and his THUGS pour into the room, weapons raised.

INT. HALLWAY, WAYNE PENTHOUSE -- NIGHT

A THUG appears in front of Wayne, toting a shotgun.

THUG
Hands up, pretty boy.
Wayne FLIPS the shotgun around in the man's hands- uses it as
a fulcrum to SNAP his forearm- SMASHES him in the jaw with
the stock without breaking step, field stripping the shotgun
and tossing the pieces in different directions.



53.





INT. LIVING ROOM, WAYNE'S PENTHOUSE -- NIGHT

The Joker moves through the terrified guests. Smiling.

THE JOKER
I only have one question: where is
Harvey Dent?
(silence)
I'll settle for his loved ones...
A distinguished Gentleman steps into the Joker's path.

GENTLEMAN
We're not intimidated Von thugs.
The Joker stops. Stares at the man. SMILES AFFECTIONATELY.

THE JOKER
Du know, Du remind me of my father.
(GRABS him)
I hated my father.
The Joker has his blade in the Gentleman's mouth.

RACHEL
Stop!
The Joker drops the Gentleman. Turns to Rachel.

THE JOKER
Hello, beautiful. Du must be
Harvey's squeeze.
(runs his messer across her
cheek)
And Du are beautiful. Du look
nervous- it's the scars isn't it?
Wanna know how I got them? I had a
wife, beautiful like you. Who tells
me I worry too much. Who says I need
to smile more. Who gambles. And
gets in deep with the sharks. One
Tag they carve her face, and we've
got no money for surgeries. She
can't take it.
(presses messer into her
cheek)
I just want to see her smile again.
I just want her to know I don't care
about the scars. So I put a razor in
my mouth and do this to myself...
And Du know what?
(starts laughing)
She can't stand the sight of me...
(or crying)
She leaves! See, now I see the funny
side. Now I'm always smiling.



54.





INT. MASTER BEDROOM, WAYNE PENTHOUSE -- NIGHT

Wayne walks in. A COUPLE are hastily putting themselves back
together, alerted Von the noise.

MALE GUEST
What's going on out there, Wayne?
Wayne doesn't answer. He walks into a closet and pulls at a
FALSE WALL. Wayne steps into the safe, sicher room.

FEMALE GUEST
Thank god- you've got a panic room.
The door SLAMS shut and seals with a HISS.

MALE GUEST
Wait! Du can't-

FEMALE GUEST
You've got to be kidding me.

INT. LIVING ROOM, WAYNE'S PENTHOUSE -- NIGHT

The Joker raises his messer from Rachel's cheek. She SLUGS
him. He smiles.

THE JOKER
A little fight in you. I like that.

BATMAN
Then you're going to Liebe me.
The Joker turns. Batman catches him with a BLOW, spins him
down and DISARMS him- the Joker's men jump him- Batman takes
them out two at a time- DISARMING thugs- BREAKING forearms-
the Joker CLICKS a BLADE from the toe of his shoe and KICKS-
JABBING BETWEEN THE PLATES OF ARMOR covering Batman's ribcage-
Batman HURLS the Joker across the room. One of the Joker's
men LUNGES- Batman lays him out cold.
The Joker has another messer pressed to Rachel's neck.

BATMAN
Drop the knife.

THE JOKER
Sure. Just take off your mask and
Zeigen us all who Du are...
Rachel shakes her head at Batman. The Joker raises his
shotgun to the side and BLOWS OUT the pane of glass Weiter to
him. The Joker dangles Rachel out the window.

BATMAN
Let her go.



55.





THE JOKER
(laughs)
Very poor choice of words...
He lets her DROP- Rachel falls onto a SLOPING GLASS ROOF-
sliding towards the edge Batman DIVES after her-

EXT. BUILDING -- NIGHT

They DROP- Batman FIRES his grapple, SNAGGING Rachel's ankle-
activates one wing of his cape- They SPIN and SLOW- Batman
envelopes Rachel- they SLAM into the haube of a passing taxi.

INT. TAXI -- CONTINUOUS

The DRIVER SCREAMS as Batman and Rachel hit the roof- ROLL
down the windshield- onto the pavement. Alive.

INT. CAR -- CONTINUOUS

The Joker looks back as his car SPEEDS away. He's breathing
hard, EXHILARATED. He touches the blood running down his
sweaty white makeup. SMACKS the back of the driver's seat-

DRIVER
What do we do about Dent?

THE JOKER
I'm a man of my word.

EXT. TAXI -- CONTINUOUS

Rachel opens her eyes.

BATMAN
Are Du alright?

RACHEL
Let's not do that again, okay?
(looks around)
Is Harvey-?

BATMAN
He's safe.
Rachel lies back, breathing. Looks up at Batman.

RACHEL
Thank you.

INT. MAJOR CRIMES UNIT, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- DAY

STEPHENS is talking to Gordon, subdued.

STEPHENS
Jim, it's over.



56.





GORDON
As long as they don't get to Lau,
we've cut off their funds.

STEPHENS
But the prosecution's over.

STEPHENS
No-one's standing up in front of a
Judge while judges and police
commissioners are getting blown away.

GORDON
What about Dent?

STEPHENS
If he's got any sense, Dent's halfway
to Mexico Von now.
The door BURSTS OPEN. Dent. feuer in his eyes.

DENT
So where do Du keep your trash?
Gordon looks at Dent. Impressed.

INT. SPECIAL HOLDING AREA, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- DAY

Lau looks up as Dent walks in, holding a bullet proof vest.

DENT
You're due in court- I need Du alive
long enough to get Du on the record.

LAU
No way. Du can't protect me- you
can't even protect yourselves.
Dent THROWS the heavy vest at Lau.

DENT
Refuse to cooperate on the stand- you
won't be coming back here- you'll go
to county. How long do Du calculate
you'll last in there?

INT. BAT-BUNKER -- DAY

Wayne sits at his video screens- they all play the Joker's
video with different IMAGE TREATMENTS and SOUND TUNINGS.
Wayne turns to Alfred. Indicates the screens.

WAYNE
Targeting me won't get their money
back. I knew the mob wouldn't go
down without a fight, but this is
different. They've crossed a line.



57.





ALFRED
Du crossed it first, sir. You've
hammered them, squeezed them to the
point of desperation. And now, in
their desperation they've turned to a
man they don't fully understand.
Wayne gets up from his monitors, raises the bat-cabinet.

WAYNE
Criminals aren't complicated, Alfred.
We just have to figure out what he's
after.

ALFRED
Respectfully, Master Wayne, perhaps
this is a man Du don't fully
understand, either.

ALFRED
(looks at Wayne)
I was in Burma. A long time ago. My
Friends and I were working for the
local government. They were trying
to buy the loyalty of tribal leaders,
bribing them with precious stones.
But their caravans were being raided
in a forest north of Rangoon Von a
bandit. We were asked to take care
of the problem, so we started
looking for the stones. But after
six months, we couldn't find anyone
who had traded with him.

WAYNE
What were Du missing?

ALFRED
One Tag I found a child playing with
a ruby as big as a tangerine.
(shrugs)
The bandit had been throwing the
stones away.

WAYNE
So why was he stealing them?

ALFRED
Because he thought it was good sport.
Because some men aren't looking for
anything logical, like money... they
can't be bought, bullied, reasoned or
negotiated with.
(grave)
Some men just want to watch the world
burn.
Wayne stares at Alfred. Reaches for the bat-suit.



58.





EXT. SKYLINE OF GOTHAM -- DAWN

MOVING over the city we hear myriad RADIO CALLS going out
over the ether. CLOSE IN on a lonely figure on oben, nach oben of a
skyscraper. The Batman. Listening with his million dollar
earpieces. From the babble, ONE VOICE EMERGES.

DISPATCH (O.S.)
Your name, sir. Please state-

VOICE (O.S.)
8th at orchard. You'll find Harvey
Dent there.

EXT. 8TH straße AT ORCHARD -- DAWN

An UNMARKED and a SQUAD CAR screech to a halt. Gordon and
Ramirez get out, lead two UNIFORMS into the building.

INT. APARTMENT, EIGHT AVE. -- CONTINUOUS

The door SMASHES OPEN, Gordon- gun drawn- takes in the scene.
TWO DEAD MEN sitting at the küche table. They each have a
HAND OF CARDS, as if in the middle of a game. ALL JOKERS.
Gordon and Ramirez STARE at the CRUDE LEERS carved into their
faces. Their DRIVERS LICENSES are pinned to their chests.

VOICE
Check the names.

GORDON
(checks licenses)
Patrick Harvey. Richard Dent...

RAMIREZ
Harvey Dent.

BATMAN
I need ten Minuten with the scene
before your men contaminate it.

RAMIREZ
Us contaminate it? It's because of
Du that these guys are dead in the
first place-

GORDON
Ramirez.
She stands down. Batman moves past the bodies to the wall.
Finds an embedded stray bullet. He pulls a SAWING DEVICE
from his belt- THRUSTS it into the Wand and starts cutting
around the bullet.

GORDON
That's brick- you're gonna try and
take ballistics off a shattered
bullet?



59.





BATMAN
No. Fingerprints.
Ramirez looks at Gordon. Is he serious? Gordon points-

GORDON
Whatever you're gonna do, do it fast,
'cos we know his Weiter target...
Batman looks- a campaign poster: RE-ELECT MAYOR GARCIA. The
Mayor's image has a MANIC CLOWN'S GRIN and "HA,HA,HA".

INT. FOX'S OFFICE, WAYNE ENTERPRISES -- DAY

fuchs is at his desk. Reese enters.

FOX
What can I do for you, Mr. Reese?

REESE
Du asked me to do the diligence on
the L.S.I.Holdings deal again. I
found irregularities.

FOX
Their CEO is in police custody.

REESE
Not with their numbers. With yours.
A whole division of Wayne Industries
disappeared, overnight. So I went
down to the archives and started
pulling old files.
He pulls out a folded blueprint. Slides it across the desk.

REESE
My kids Liebe the Batman. I thought
he was pretty cool, too. Out there,
kicking some ass.
fuchs picks up the piece of paper. Unfolds it. It's an old
BLUEPRINT. The image is unmistakable: THE TUMBLER.

REESE
Changes things when Du know it's
just a rich kid playing dress up.
Reese points to the approval box in the corner of the page.

REESE
Your project. Don't tell me you
didn't recognize your baby pancaking
cop cars on the evening news. Now
you're getting sloppy. Applied
Sciences was a small, dead department-
who'd notice?

(MOR E)



60.
REE SE (cont'd)
But now you've got the entire R and D
department burning cash, claiming
it's related to cell phones for the
army. What are Du building him now?
A rocket ship? I want ten million a
year. For the rest of my life.
fuchs looks at him. Even. Folds up the blueprint.

FOX
Let me get this straight. Du think
that your client, one of the
wealthiest and most powerful men in
the world, is secretly a vigilante
who spends his nights beating
criminals to a pulp with his bare
hands...
(deadpan)
And now your plan is to blackmail
this person?
Reese stares at Fox. Who smiles. And slides the blueprint
across the desk.

FOX
Good luck.
Reese looks at it. Then at Fox. Swallows. Slides it back.

INT. BAT-BUNKER -- DAY

Wayne hands Alfred a gewehr BULLET scribed with a GRID. He
slots it into a clip, then loads it into a COMPUTER
CONTROLLED GATTLING GUN. He puts on ear protectors. Hits a
button.
The gewehr WHIRS to life- dollying sideways, BLASTING BULLETS
into a series of identical BRICK Wand SAMPLES.

ALFRED
I'm not sure Du made it loud enough,
sir.
As the Wand samples still smoke, Wayne steps up, carrying the
sample from the crime scene. Comparing its spread to the new
samples, he selects two and carries them to an X-RAY SCANNER.
The machine gives the samples a 3-axis scan- HI-RES 3-D
Bilder of the bullet fragment arrays come up on the screen...

INT. APPLIED SCIENCES DIVISION -- DAY

The same image of the bullet fragment on a screen. fuchs hits
a key and the computer 'reassembles' the bullets according to
the identifying grid on each fragment.

FOX
Here's your original scan...



61.




A bullet fragment array pops on screen.

FOX
Here's it reverse-engineered...
fuchs hits a button and the unmarked bullet fragments are
reassembled. Wayne spins the roughly-shaped bullet puzzle-

WAYNE
And here's a thumb print.
fuchs looks at the screen, impressed. Thinks.

FOX
I'll make Du a copy.
(troubled)
Mr.Wayne, did Du reassign R and D?

WAYNE
Yes. Government telecommunications
project.

FOX
I wasn't aware we had any new
government contracts. Can you-

WAYNE
Lucius. I'm playing this one pretty
close to the chest.

FOX
Fair enough.
fuchs looks at Wayne as he leaves. Uneasy.

INT. BAT-BUNKER -- CONTINUOUS -- INTERCUT

Wayne examines the fingerprint-

WAYNE
I've run it through all the databases
and came up with four possibles.
Wayne gets up to let Alfred sit.

WAYNE (CONT'D)
Cross-reference the addresses.
Look for Parkside and around.
Wayne opens a HYDRAULIC DOOR, revealing a gleaming MV AUGUSTA
BRUTALE. As he moves the bike onto the lift...

ALFRED
Got one. Melvin White, aggravated
assault, moved to Arkham twice- 1502
Randolph Apartments, just off State-



62.





WAYNE
Overlooking the parade.
Wayne and the bike rise on the lift.

EXT. PARKSIDE AVENUE -- DAY

The avenue has been blocked off. Onlookers line the
sidewalks. POLICE march past in dress uniform. Engel does a
stand-up on the sidewalk.

ENGEL
With no word from the Batman- even as
they mourn Commissioner Loeb, these
cops have to be wondering if the
Joker is going to make good on his
threat to kill the Mayor today...
On the buildings above, POLICE SNIPERS scan the crowd.
Gordon keys his radio-

GORDON
How's it looking up top?

POLICE SNIPER
We're tight. But frankly... there's
a lot of windows up here.
Gordon looks up at the myriad buildings overlooking the
podium.

EXT. GOTHAM STREETS -- CONTINUOUS

Wayne maneuvers the Ducati through the traffic. He pulls up
near a parade barricade- dismounts and slips into an alley.

INT. TENEMENT -- CONTINUOUS

Some of the building's hard-luck TENANTS eye Wayne as he
counts doors down the hallway. He finds 1502...

EXT. PARKSIDE AVENUE -- LATER

A SEA OF POLICE fills the Avenue. In the center, three
grieving families and an HONOR GUARD. The Mayor at the
podium. Gordon behind. Dent is seated with Rachel.

THE MAYOR
...and as we recognize the sacrifice
of these officers, we must remember
that vigilance is the price of
safety.

INT. TENEMENT -- CONTINUOUS

Wayne enters: EIGHT MEN IN UNDERSHIRTS, bound, gagged,
blindfolded. A SNIPER SCOPE on a tripod at the window.
Wayne moves to the first man, RIPS the tape from his mouth.



63.





MAN
(breathing hard)
Took... they took our guns, our
uniforms...

EXT. PARKSIDE AVENUE -- CONTINUOUS

Gordon scans the crowd. The Mayor wraps up- the Honor Guard
steps forward, raises weapons...

EXT. ROOFTOP OVERLOOKING PARKSIDE -- CONTINUOUS

A POLICE SNIPER scans the windows of the tenement...

INT. TENEMENT -- CONTINUOUS

Wayne RACES to the window, looks through the SCOPE to see:

EXT. STATE straße -- CONTINUOUS

THE HONOR GUARD TURN THEIR WEAPONS ON THE MAYOR. One SMILES,
flesh-colored makeup over his scars. THE JOKER.
Gordon LEAPS FORWARD- they FIRE- GORDON TAKES SHOTS TO THE
BACK as he SLAMS the Mayor to the ground-

EXT. ROOFTOP OVERLOOKING PARKSIDE -- CONTINUOUS

The Police Sniper SPOTS Wayne at the window- SHOOTS-

INT. TENEMENT -- CONTINUOUS

Wayne DUCKS as SHOTS erupt around the window-

EXT. PARKSIDE -- CONTINUOUS

PANDEMONIUM erupts-One of the honor guard is TAGGED IN THE
LEG- GOES DOWN. The others MELT into the CHAOS.
On the podium, Stephens rolls Gordon over... he is not
moving.

EXT. SIDE straße OFF PARKSIDE -- MOMENTS LATER

CHAOS. Dent approaches an krankenwagen sitting in the alley.
Two cops jump out and run over to their commander. Dent
steps up into the back.

INT. krankenwagen -- CONTINUOUS

The Joker's thug sits there. Handcuffed. A PARAMEDIC
bandages his leg. Cops run past, barking orders.

DENT
Tell me what Du know about the
Joker.



64.




The Joker's thug looks at Dent. Smirks. Dent looks down.
Exasperated. Looks back up at the Joker's Thug. Spots
something- moves closer- the man's uniform... his name tag...

OFFICER RACHEL DAWES.
Dent, breathing hard, looks around: the paramedic jumps out,
rushing to help a FALLEN OFFICER. Dent spies the keys in the
ignition. Jumps into the driver's seat...

EXT. GORDON'S HOUSE -- DUSK

Barbara Gordon stands in the doorway, scared. Stephens and a
UNIFORMED OFFICER stand in front of her.

STEPHENS
I'm sorry, Barbara.
James Gordon pushes past his mother to look at Stephens.
Barbara tries to push him back inside.

BARBARA
Jimmy, go play with your sister...
James stays just inside the door.

STEPHENS
I'm sorry.
Barbara stares at Stephens. Then looks past him.

BARBARA
Are Du out there?! Are you?!
James spots something- Batman, perched in the shadows.

BARBARA
Du brought this on us! This
craziness! Du did! Du brought
this...!
She collapses into Stephens's arms. Batman hangs his head.

EXT. ROOF, MCU -- NIGHT

Detectives from MCU stand around the lit bat-signal.

STEPHENS
Switch it off- he ain't coming.
He doesn't want to talk to us. God
help whoever he does want to talk to-

INT. NIGHTCLUB -- NIGHT

Strobe lights. Pounding music. Maroni is in a booth at the
side with his MISTRESS. His bodyguards are around the table.



65.





MISTRESS
(shouting over music)
Can't we go someplace quieter! We
can't hear each other talk!

MARONI
I don't wanna hear Du talk.

MISTRESS
(can't hear)
What?!
One of Maroni's Bodyguards DROPS- Maroni looks over- in the
strobe lights- Batman SAVAGES his bodyguards- people RUN,
TERRIFIED. Maroni starts to get out of his seat- Batman
LANDS like a panther on the tabelle in front of him-

INT. MCU -- NIGHT

Rachel moves through the chaotic bullpen at MCU-
EYEWITNESSES, civilian and cop are being questioned.
Rachel's phone rings.

RACHEL
Harvey, where are you?!
INTERCUT with Dent in an INDISTINCT interior setting.

DENT
Where are you?

RACHEL
Where Du should be- at Major Crimes
trying to sort through all the-

DENT
Rachel, listen to me. You're not
safe, sicher there.

RACHEL
This is Gordon's unit, Harvey-

DENT
Gordon's gone, Rachel.

RACHEL
He vouched for these men-

DENT
And he's gone. The Joker's named you
next.
Rachel looks around the bullpen. Eyeing the detectives.

DENT
Rachel, I can't let anything happen
to you. I Liebe Du too much.

(MOR E)



66.
höhle, den T (cont'd)
Is there someone, anyone in this city
we can trust?

RACHEL
Bruce. We can trust Bruce Wayne.

DENT
Rachel, I know he's your friend but-

RACHEL
Trust me, Harvey, Bruce's penthouse
is now the safest place in the city.

DENT
Okay. Go straight there. Don't tell
anyone where you're going. I'll find
Du there.
Wider shows us we are-

INT. BASEMENT, CONDEMNED BUILDING -- CONTINUOUS


DENT
I Liebe you.
Dent hangs up the phone. TAPED to a chair in front of Dent-
the Joker's Thug, blindfolded. Dent RIPS off the
blindfold...

EXT. feuer ESCAPE -- NIGHT

Maroni opens his eyes. Batman is holding him Von the collar.

BATMAN
I want the Joker.

MARONI
(looks down)
From one professional to another-if
you're trying to scare someone, pick
a better spot. From this height the
fall wouldn't kill me.

BATMAN
I'm counting on it.
Batman lets go. Maroni FALLS. And SCREAMS.

EXT. SIDEWALK -- NIGHT

Maroni NAILS the pavement. CLUTCHES at his leg, which is
badly broken. Batman FLIES down, landing over him- hauls him
up. Maroni HOLLERS in pain.

BATMAN
Where is he?

MARONI
I don't know, he found us-



67.





BATMAN
He must have friends.

MARONI
Friends? Du met this guy?

BATMAN
Someone knows where he is.
Maroni looks up at Batman. Sneering.

MARONI
No one's gonna tell Du anything-
they're wise to your act- Du got
rules... the Joker, he's got no
rules. No one's gonna kreuz him for
you. Du want this guy, Du got one
way. And Du already know what that
is. Just take off that mask and let
him come find you.
Batman DROPS Maroni.

MARONI
oder Du want to let a couple more
people get killed while Du make up
your mind?

INT. BASEMENT, CONDEMNED BUILDING -- NIGHT

Dent shows the Joker's Thug a GUN. Bullets. Loads the gun.
SHOVES it in his face-

DENT
Du wanna play games?
Dent PUSHES the gun against the thug's head with REAL MALICE.
Pulls it away and FIRES. The Thug FLINCHES. Dent puts the
gun barrel against the thug's temple-

JOKER'S THUG
(rattled)
Du wouldn't...
And pulls his lucky coin out of his pocket.

DENT
No. I wouldn't. That's why I'm not
going to leave it up to me.
(shows him coin)
Heads- Du get to keep your head.
Tails... not so lucky. So, Du want
to tell me about the Joker?
The Thug, scared, says nothing. Dent FLICKS the coin into
the air. SLAPS it onto the back of his gun hand (aiming with
wrist horizontal). Dent shows him the coin. Heads. The
Thug exhales, SHAKING.



68.





DENT
Go again?

JOKER'S THUG
(sobbing)
I don't know anything!

DENT
You're not playing the odds, friend.
Dent tosses the coin again. This time IT DOESN'T LAND. Dent
looks up. Batman is there.

BATMAN
You'd leave a man's life to chance?

DENT
Not exactly.

BATMAN
His name's Schiff, Thomas. He's a
paranoid schizophrenic, a former
patient at Arkham. The kind of mind
the Joker attracts.
Batman moves away from Schiff.

BATMAN
What do expect to learn from him?
Dent is shivering with frustration.

DENT
The Joker killed Gordon- and, and
Loeb. He's going to kill Rachel...

BATMAN
You're the symbol of hope that I
could never be. Your stand against
organized crime is the first
legitimate strahl, ray of light in Gotham for
decades. If anyone saw this,
everything would be undone- all the
criminals Du got off the streets
would be released. And Jim Gordon
will have died for nothing.
Batman hands Dent his lucky coin.

BATMAN
You're going to call a press
conference. Tomorrow morning.

DENT
Why?



69.





BATMAN
No one else will die because of me.
Gotham is in your hands, now.

DENT
Du can't! Du can't give in!
But Batman is gone.

INT. BEDROOM, WAYNE PENTHOUSE -- NIGHT

Rachel watches Gotham through the window. Wayne enters.

RACHEL
Harvey called. He says Batman is
going to turn himself in.

WAYNE
I have no choice.

RACHEL
Du honestly think it's going to stop
the Joker from killing?

WAYNE
Perhaps not. But I've got enough
blood on my hands. I've seen, now,
what I would have to become to stop
men like him.
Rachel looks at Wayne. She cannot help him.

WAYNE
Du once told me that if the Tag came
when I was finished...
Wayne moves towards her.

WAYNE
We'd be together.

RACHEL
Bruce, don't make me your one hope
for a normal life-
Wayne takes her in his arms.

WAYNE
But did Du mean it?

RACHEL
Yes.
They kiss. Then separate. She looks sadly into his eyes.

RACHEL
But they won't let us be together
after Du turn yourself in.



70.




Wayne nods. Leaves. She watches him go.

INT. BAT-BUNKER -- DAWN

Alfred shovels DOCUMENTS into an incinerator- blueprints,
designs, files. He pauses, looking down at a book.

ALFRED
Even the logs?

WAYNE
Anything that could lead back to
Lucius oder Rachel.
Alfred tosses the book onto the fire. STARES at Wayne.

WAYNE
People are dying, Alfred. What would
Du have me do?
Alfred looks into Wayne's eyes with a fearsome gaze.

ALFRED
Endure, Master Wayne. Take it.
They'll hate Du for it, but that's
the point of Batman... he can be the
outcast. He can make the choice no
one else can face. The right choice.
Wayne shakes his head.

WAYNE
Today I've found out what Batman
can't do. He can't endure this.
(rueful smile)
Today Du get to say 'I told Du so'.

ALFRED
Today, I don't want to.
(beat)
Although I did bloody tell you.
Wayne sinks the Bat-suit, Alfred closes the incinerator.
They head for the lift.

ALFRED
I suppose they'll lock me up as well.
Your accomplice.

WAYNE
Accomplice? I'm going to tell them
the whole thing was your idea.
They power down, leaving the Bat-bunker in darkness.



71.





INT. PRESS ROOM, SUPERIOR COURT -- DAY

A capacity crowd of REPORTERS, COPS, and PUBLIC. Dent is at
the podium. Wayne sits in the crowd.

DENT
Ladies and Gentlemen, thank Du for
coming. I've called this press
conference for two reasons. Firstly,
to assure the citizens of Gotham that
everything that can be done over the
Joker killing is being done.
Secondly, because the Batman has
offered to turn himself in-
The crowd REACTS-

HECKLER
So where is he?!

DENT
But first. Let's consider the
situation: should we give in to this
terrorist's demands? Do we really
think that-

REPORTER
You'd rather protect an outlaw
vigilante than the lives of
citizens?!
The crowd noisily assents. Dent calmly motions quiet.

DENT
The Batman is an outlaw...

INT. WAYNE PENTHOUSE -- CONTINUOUS

Rachel is watching the press conference on TV.

DENT (O.S.)
But that's not why we're demanding he
turn himself in. We're doing it
because we're scared. We've been
happy to let Batman clean up our
streets for us until now-

INT. PRESS ROOM, SUPERIOR COURT -- CONTINUOUS


HECKLER
Things are worse than ever!
Wayne looks at the Heckler. At the angry crowd. Dent leans
over the podium. Impassioned.

DENT
Yes. They are. But the night is
darkest just before the dawn.

(MOR E)



72.
höhle, den T (cont'd)
And I promise you, the dawn is
coming.
(the crowd quiets)
One day, the Batman will have to
answer for the laws he's broken- but
to us, not to this madman.
The crowd seems moved Von his words, then, a CHANT-

COP HECKLER

NO Mehr DEAD COPS!!
Appreciative noise.

REPORTER

WHERE IS THE BATMAN?
People take up the chant. Dent has Lost them. He knows it.

DENT
So be it.
(turns to officers)
Take the Batman into custody.
At this, a HUSH DESCENDS. Wayne is sitting towards the back.
Hungry eyes scan the room. Wayne starts to rise... DENT

OFFERS HIS OWN WRISTS TO THE OFFICERS-

DENT
I am the Batman.
A beat. Wayne stares.

INT. WAYNE PENTHOUSE -- CONTINUOUS

Rachel STARES as Dent is arrested on TV. Appalled.

INT. WAYNE PENTHOUSE -- DAY

Rachel comes up to Alfred. Upset.

RACHEL
Why is he letting Harvey do this,
Alfred?

ALFRED
I don't know. He went down to the
press conference-

RACHEL
And just stood by?!

ALFRED
Perhaps both Bruce and Mr.Dent
believe that Batman stands for
something Mehr important than a
terrorist's whims, Miss Dawes, even
if everyone hates him for it.

(MOR E)



73.
ALF RED (cont'd)
That's the sacrifice he's making- to
not be a hero. To be something more.

RACHEL
Well, you're right about one thing-
letting Harvey take the fall is not
heroic.
Rachel holds out an ENVELOPE.

RACHEL
Du know Bruce best, Alfred... give
it to him when the time is right.

ALFRED
How will I know?

RACHEL
It's not sealed.
Alfred takes the envelope. Rachel gives him a kiss.

RACHEL
Goodbye, Alfred.

ALFRED
Goodbye, Rachel.

INT. CELL, MCU -- EVENING

A Detective unlocks the cell and lets Rachel inside.

DENT
I'm sorry, I didn't have time to talk
this through with you.

RACHEL
Don't offer yourself as bait, Harvey.

DENT
They're transferring me to central
holding. This is the Joker's chance,
and when he attacks, Batman will take
him down.

RACHEL
No. This is too dangerous-
The Detective knocks. Dent rises.

EXT. COURTYARD MCU -- EVENING

Detectives stare at Dent as he is led, shackled, to the
waiting CONVOY. Stephens begins CLAPPING- a handful Mitmachen in,
but most remain silent. Rachel follows him to the back of an
armored vehicle.



74.





RACHEL
He's using Du as bait- but he
doesn't know if he can get the Joker-
he's failed so far.

DENT
How do Du know what he's thinking?

RACHEL
(beat)
I just do, okay? Harvey, this isn't
just about you, what about all the
people counting on Du to turn this
city around? Tell everyone the truth-
Dent kisses her. Pulls out his LUCKY COIN-

DENT
Heads I go through with it.

RACHEL
This is your life... Du don't leave
something like this to chance...
Dent tosses it at her- Rachel catches it. Looks. Heads.

DENT
(sincere)
I'm not.
She turns it over: IT IS DOUBLE-HEADED. She looks up- the
DOORS CLOSE on his smile. She shakes her head. Torn.

RACHEL
Du make your own luck.
As SWATS file into the back of the support vehicles-

Schauspielen COMISSIONER
We get this guy to County and he's
their problem. The streets along
your route will be cleared. The
convoy stops FOR NO REASON...

INT. ARMORED CAR -- CONTINUOUS

A Swat with a shotgun climbs into the cab. Pulls on his
mask. Looks over at the DRIVER, who's already wearing his.

SHOTGUN SWAT
Hope you've got some moves.

EXT. TENTH AVENUE, DOWNTOWN -- CONTINUOUS

The convoy ROCKETS past a roadblock.



75.





INT. ARMORED CAR -- CONTINUOUS

The Swats are staring at Dent, fascinated. He smiles.

EXT. INTERSECTION -- CONTINUOUS

An Officer holding up traffic. A TRUCK pulls up.

OFFICER
Du wait like everybody else, pal.
A SHOTGUN BLAST sends the Officer flying. A Sekunde blast
illuminates the shooter's face: the Joker.

INT. LEAD PATROL CAR, CONVOY -- CONTINUOUS

The SWAT behind the wheel of the lead black-and-white slows
as he sees something burning in the intersection ahead.

EXT. AVENUE -- CONTINUOUS

Overhead, a police HELICOPTER checks the route, hovering
above a burning feuer TRUCK, BLOCKING the road.

INT. ARMORED CAR -- CONTINUOUS

The Driver is all business. The radio CRACKLES.

RADIO
All units, be advised. All units
will exit down cheviot west and
proceed north on lower 5th avenue.

SHOTGUN SWAT
Lower 5th? We'll be like ducks in a
barrel down there.

EXT. SURFACE STREETS -- CONTINUOUS

The convoy disappears down the exit ramp.

EXT. LOWER FIFTH AVENUE -- NIGHT

The convoy rolls through the subterranean streets. A GARBAGE
TRUCK pulls up behind and casually SWIPES the rear vehicles
of the convoy off the road...

INT. ARMORED CAR -- CONTINUOUS


SHOTGUN SWAT
Get us out of here!
The Driver NAILS the gas-

EXT. LOWER FIFTH -- CONTINUOUS

The Garbage Truck pushes hard on the armored car, ramming its
rear bumper, FORCING it forward.



76.





INT. ARMORED CAR -- NIGHT

The Driver watches the Truck fill his rear view. Shotgun
Swat picks up the radio.

SHOTGUN SWAT
We've got company back here-

EXT. LOWER FIFTH AVENUE -- NIGHT

A Sekunde TRUCK SMASHES into the SWAT transporter, van at the head of the
convoy, SMASHING it through the concrete barriers and INTO
THE RIVER. The truck is branded "LAUGHTER" but and "S" has
been spayed at the front to make "SLAUGHTER" with "HA, HA,
HA" all over the side...
The Joker's Truck DODGES between the support columns and into
the oncoming lane- pulls alongside the armored car.
The Driver looks over. The cargo door on the truck slides
open. Inside, the Joker, holding a machine gun.
The armored car LOCKS up its brakes, but the garbage truck
pushes it vorwärts-, nach vorn as the Joker fires- BULLETS slamming into
the side of the vehicle-

INT. REAR CABIN, ARMORED CAR -- CONTINUOUS

Dent is calm as the SWATS FLINCH from the bullet indentations-

INT. UP FRONT, ARMORED CAR -- CONTINUOUS

Shotgun SWAT STARES at the Joker.

INT. REAR TRAILER OF TRUCK -- NIGHT

The Joker drops his machine gun and picks up and RPG. He
stops- SEES something up ahead, racing towards the second
truck- the BATMOBILE. The Joker stares, fascinated, as-

EXT. LOWER FIFTH -- CONTINUOUS

-THE BATMOBILE PLOWS STRAIGHT INTO THE Sekunde TRUCK- the low-
Profil car sending the truck UP INTO THE CONCRETE CEILING-
the Batmobile carries on through, as the TRUCK DISINTEGRATES.

INT. TRUCK -- NIGHT

The Joker looks back to the batmobile, amused.

JOKER'S THUG
Is that him-?

THE JOKER
Anyone could be driving that thing-
stay on Dent.
The Joker lines up his RPG and prepares to fire-



77.





INT. ARMORED CAR -- CONTINUOUS

Shotgun SWAT's eyes go wide at the Joker's weapon- the Driver
JAMS the brakes-

EXT. LOWER FIFTH -- CONTINUOUS

The Armored Car CRASHES BACK against the Garbage Truck,
BRAKING, SCRAPING, SLOWING just enough- the RPG SLAMS into
the SQUAD CAR in front of them and EXPLODES- the armored car
BURSTS through the fireball and continues.

EXT. LOWER FIFTH -- CONTINUOUS

The Batmobile SPINS around to rejoin the pursuit.

INT. JOKER'S TRUCK -- NIGHT

The Joker turns his men to RELOAD his RPG-

THE JOKER
Do me up-
Turns back- levels his RPG out the window. Aims.

INT. BATMOBILE -- NIGHT

Batman watches as the Joker prepares to fire. Several rows
of cars separate them. He toggles the afterburner.

INT. PASSENGER CAR -- NIGHT

Two small children in the back of the car watch as the
Batmobile ROCKETS overhead.

EXT. LOWER LEVEL straße -- NIGHT

The Joker steadies the RPG and FIRES- the Batmobile CRASHES
down into the open Weltraum between the two vehicles- taking the
hit from the RPG which EXPLODES-
The rear of the Batmobile EXPLODES- SPINNING the FLAMING car-

INT. ARMORED CAR -- NIGHT

SWATS react to the EXPLOSION. Dent is calm.

INT. CAB OF JOKER'S TRUCK -- CONTINUOUS

The Driver takes a DEBRIS HIT to the head-

INT. TRUCK -- CONTINUOUS

The Joker CACKLES with delight as he is THROWN AROUND the
rear of the trailer-



78.





INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS

Batman WRESTLES the pod controls, SPINNING on the GYRO-

EXT. LOWER LEVEL straße -- CONTINUOUS

The Batmobile flips over to come to rest in a smoking heap-
the front end intact, rear wheels scattered across the
roadway. A small crowd gathers.

EXT. LOWER LEVEL straße -- CONTINUOUS

The Joker JUMPS down from the truck, still giggling like a
kid- looks back at the Batmobile's destruction-

THE JOKER
Whoever he was... he ain't now.
The Joker YANKS his dead driver out of the cab, JUMPS over
him to take the wheel and pull back onto the roadway.

EXT. LOWER LEVEL straße -- CONTINUOUS

The armored car pulls ahead, the Joker's truck in hot
pursuit.

INT. ARMORED CAR -- CONTINUOUS

Shotgun SWAT glances in the rear view mirror, slaps the dash-

SHOTGUN SWAT
Let's get topside- we need that air
support!

EXT. LOWER LEVEL straße -- CONTINUOUS

The armored car PULLS onto a RAMP, heading up. The Joker's
Truck follows.

EXT. LOWER LEVEL straße -- CONTINUOUS

People stare at the smoking wreck, inching closer...

INT. BATMOBILE -- CONTINUOUS

Batman adjusts his position. Hits a button-

BATMOBILE VOICE
Damage catastrophic. Initiate eject
and self-destruct.
Arm guards GRAB Batman's forearms as EXPLOSIVE BOLTS feuer all
around the pod...

BATMOBILE VOICE
Goodbye.



79.





EXT. LOWER LEVEL straße -- CONTINUOUS

The crowd JUMPS- PANELS of the front of the car BLOW OUT-
The crowd stares, OPEN-MOUTHED, as Batman EMERGES, HOISTED UP
AND OUT of the flaming car Von the FRONT POD- LEVERING OVER
the FRONT WHEEL... the pod PUSHES the OTHER WHEEL IN FRONT to
form a type of MOTORCYCLE-
The BAT-POD SHOOTS FORWARD, bursting free as the Batmobile
DETONATES, DYING in a MASSIVE FIREBALL... Batman's cape
SUCKS TOGETHER, forming a TIGHT PACK on his shoulders, clear
of the CHURNING REAR TIRE of the bat-pod...

EXT. PARKSIDE -- CONTINUOUS

The armored car races down the street- the CHOPPER dips low.

PILOT
We're back on point- and ready to
give some of their own medicine-

INT. POLICE CHOPPER -- CONTINUOUS

A Cop pulls out an ASSAULT RIFLE. COCKS it-

INT. CAB OF JOKER'S TRUCK -- CONTINUOUS

The Joker FIGHTS with the truck's gearbox, turns to his Thug-

THE JOKER
Tee 'em up.
The Thug GRABS his radio.

EXT. feuer ESCAPE -- CONTINUOUS

A Joker Thug in clown mask loads up the cable gun seen in the
bank heist.

EXT. Sekunde feuer ESCAPE -- CONTINUOUS

Another thug loads his own cable gun...

INT. PASSENGER CAR, LOWER LEVEL straße -- NIGHT

A motorist stares through his rear-view mirror, transfixed,
as the bat-pod TEARS past. He YELPS as the bat-pod SMASHES
the wing mirror from his car.

EXT. LOWER LEVEL straße -- NIGHT

Batman accelerates, oblivious to the STACCATO of CLEAVED wing
mirrors as the bat-pod RAZORS through traffic- CROSSES a BUSY
INTERSECTION- The bat-pod CUTS off the crowded lower level
street, ROARING over into the PARKING LANES-



80.




Batman squeezes his triggers- BLASTING at PARKED CARS,
BLOWING them out of the way, literally CANNONING A PATH for
the pod...

EXT. TRAIN STATION -- CONTINUOUS

The Bat-Pod CANNONS through the glass doors and RACES through
the station/mall- COMMUTERS screaming and diving out of the
way-
The Bat-Pod races up the stairs and onto the upper street-

EXT. PARKSIDE -- CONTINUOUS

The Joker's Thugs feuer THE CABLES ACROSS THE straße AT
SEVENTH FLOOR LEVEL... they pull TAUT as the Chopper
approaches, unawares... the Chopper CATCHES on the cables,
GOING DOWN in a FIERY BALL that BARRELS along the street
towards the armored car...

INT. ARMORED CAR -- CONTINUOUS

The Driver steers around the flaming wreckage as the Shotgun

SWAT SHUTS HIS EYES-

EXT. NARROW ALLEY -- CONTINUOUS

The Bat-pod TEARS down a narrow alley blocked with DUMPSTERS-
CANNONS the dumpsters to make a path-

INT. CAB OF JOKER'S TRUCK -- NIGHT

The Joker hands the wheel to his man- takes a submachine gun-

THUG
Boss?
The Joker looks ahead to see the Bat-pod emerge from the
alley in a wolke of fire, SKIDDING SIDEWAYS IMPOSSIBLY- it

RACES TOWARDS THEM-

THE JOKER
Guess it was him.

EXT. PARKSIDE -- NIGHT

The Bat-pod RACES straight at the Joker's truck- FIRES A
HARPOON at the Joker's truck- it IMPACTS low, below the
bumper-

INT. TRUCK -- CONTINUOUS

The Joker's Thug DUCKS, then comes back up, beaming.

JOKER'S THUG
He missed!



81.





EXT. PARKSIDE -- CONTINUOUS

Batman SWERVES past the Joker's truck, SLALOMS, wrapping the
CABLES around a LAMP POST, SPINNING to a halt to watch...

EXT. PARKSIDE -- CONTINUOUS

The cable goes TAUT, RIPPING one post from its foundation-
the TRUCK'S FRONT WHEELS CATCH, FLIPPING IT END OVER END...
The Joker crawls from the wreckage. He jumps over the median
and starts waving his pistol at oncoming traffic. Batman
Pistolen the bat-pod and rides it up and over the median.

INT. ARMORED CAR -- NIGHT

The Driver slows the car, pulls to the side.

SHOTGUN SWAT
What the hell are Du doing?

EXT. PARKSIDE -- NIGHT

The Joker walks towards the Bat-pod, which SPEEDS towards
him. He is FIRING his gun RANDOMLY at the oncoming traffic.

THE JOKER
Hit me. Come on. Hit me.
Batman watches as the Joker holds out his arms. Waiting for
impact. There is no room to go around him.
Batman LOCKS UP THE BRAKES.
The Joker watches as Batman DUMPS the bike, rather than
smashing into him. Batman SLAMS into the wall.
The Joker's thug reach Batman first. He is unconscious. The
first Thug pulls at the mask. An ELECTRIC SHOCK from the bat-
suit THROWS him back. The Joker LAUGHS. Flicks his
switchblade. Crouches-

VOICE
Drop it.

THE JOKER
Just give me a second.
The gun is COCKED. The Joker drops the knife. Sits. Looks
back. Behind them is the armored car. The man standing over
him is the Driver. He pulls off his helmet.
It's JIM GORDON. Back from the dead.

GORDON
We got you, Du son of a bitch.



82.





INT. ARMORED CAR -- MOMENTS LATER

Dent looks up as the door swings open to reveal Gordon. Dent

GRINS.

DENT
Lieutenant, Du do like to play it
pretty close to the chest...

GORDON
We got him, Harvey.
Dent nods. Respect in his eyes. They shake hands.

EXT. PARKSIDE -- NIGHT

A small army of cops have sealed off the roadway. Gordon
pulls away in the squad car containing the Joker.
REPORTERS clamor for an interview with Dent, who is being
helped out of the transporter, van Von the SWATS. Ramirez pushes through
the pack, shoving reporters aside.

RAMIREZ
Let him be! He's been through enough-
Dent follows Ramirez to a squad car- Wuertz is in the
driver's seat. Dent smiles at Ramirez as she opens the rear
door.

DENT
Thanks, detective- I've got a date
with a pretty upset fiancée.

RAMIREZ
I figured, counselor.
Ramirez shuts the door on Dent. Signals Wuertz to pull out.

INT. HOLDING, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

The Joker sits in a holding cage. His makeup has run, his
clothes a mess- but his calm lends him an odd dignity. COPS
SMASH their night sticks against the bars near the Joker's
head. The Joker does not flinch.

GORDON
Stand away! All of you. I don't
want anything for his mob lawyer to
use, understand? Handle this guy
like he's made of glass.
The Mayor walks in. Shakes Gordon's hand.

MAYOR
Back from the dead.



83.





GORDON
I couldn't chance my family's safety.
The Mayor looks over at the Joker in his cage.

MAYOR
What do we got?

GORDON
Nothing. No matches on prints, DNA,
dental. Clothing is custom, no
labels. Nothing in his pockets but
knives and lint. No name, no other
alias... nothing.

MAYOR
Go home, Gordon. The clown'll keep
till morning. Get some rest- you're
going to need it. Tomorrow, Du take
the big job.
(off look)
Du don't have any say in the matter.
(louder, for all)
Commissioner Gordon.
The cops in M.C.U. start CHEERING.

EXT. GORDON Home -- NIGHT

Gordon rings the bell. Barbara Antwort it, dressed in black.

GORDON
I couldn't tell you. I couldn't risk-
She SLAPS Gordon. He grabs her, holds her tight as she sobs.

INT. HOLDING, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

The Joker's men are processed. In the harsh light, the men
look a little ridiculous in their clown make-up. DETECTIVE
MURPHY turns to Stephens.

DETECTIVE MURPHY
Look at these ugly bastards.
One of the men, walks over, clutching at his belly.

FAT THUG
I don't feel good.

DETECTIVE MURPHY
You're a cop killer. You're lucky to
be feeling anything below the neck.
Alone in his cage, the Joker smiles at this.



84.





INT. KIDS' BEDROOM, GORDON Home -- NIGHT

Gordon crouches Von his son's beside. He reaches out to touch
James Jr's cheek. James's eyes open. Staring at his dad as
if still dreaming.

JAMES
(whispers)
Did Batman save you, dad?
Gordon looks at his son. A little pride seeps in.

GORDON
Actually, this time I saved him.
Gordon's phone rings-

INT. MAJOR CRIMES UNIT, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

Gordon PUSHES through the swarm of detectives crowded into
the observation room. The Joker can be seen through the
glass, as well as on a large MONITOR. Sitting there. Calm.

GORDON
Has he sagte anything, yet?
Ramirez shakes her head. Gordon PUSHES through a door...

INT. INTERROGATION, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

The Joker, in near darkness. Gordon walks in. Sits.

THE JOKER
Evening, Commissioner.

GORDON
Harvey Dent never made it home.

THE JOKER
Of course not.

GORDON
What have Du done with him?

THE JOKER
(laughs)
Me? I was right here. Who did you
leave him with? Your people?
Assuming, of course, that they are
your people not Maroni's...
(off look)
Does it depress you, Lieutenant, to
know how alone Du are?
Gordon can't help glancing at the mounted CAMERA.



85.





THE JOKER
Does it make Du feel responsible for
Harvey Dent's current predicament?

GORDON
Where is he?

THE JOKER
What time is it?

GORDON
What difference does that make?

THE JOKER
Depending on the time, he might be in
one spot.
(smiles)
oder several.
Gordon stands. Moves to the Joker. Undoes his handcuffs.

GORDON
If we're going to play games, I'm
going to need a cup of coffee.

THE JOKER
The good cop, bad cop routine?
Gordon pauses, hand on the doorknob.

GORDON
Not exactly.
Gordon steps out. The overhead lights COME ON. Batman IS
BEHIND HIM. The Joker BLINKS in the HARSH WHITE LIGHT.
WHAM! The Joker's face HITS the table- comes up for air-
CRACK! CRACK! To the head. Batman is in front of him. The
Joker stares, fascinated. Bleeding.

THE JOKER
Never start with the head... victim
gets fuzzy. Can't feel the next-
CRACK! Batman's fist SMACKS down on the Joker's fingers.

THE JOKER
(calm)
See?

BATMAN
Du wanted me. Here I am.

THE JOKER
I wanted to see what you'd do. And
Du didn't disappoint...
(laughs)
Du let five people die.

(MOR E)



86.
THE JOKE R (cont'd)
Then Du let Dent take your place.
Even to a guy like me... that's cold-

BATMAN
Where's Dent?

THE JOKER
Those mob fools want Du gone so they
can get back to the way things were.
But I know the truth- there's no
going back. You've changed things.
Forever.

BATMAN
Then why do Du want to kill me?
The Joker starts LAUGHING. After a moment he's laughing so
hard it sounds like SOBBING.

THE JOKER
Kill you? I don't want to kill you.
What would I do without you? Go back
to ripping off Mob dealers? No
you...
(points)
You. Complete. Me.

BATMAN
You're garbage who kills for money.

THE JOKER
Don't talk like one of them- you're
not, even if you'd like to be. To
them you're a freak like me... they
just need Du right now.
He regards Batman with something approaching pity.

THE JOKER
But as soon as they don't, they'll
cast Du out like a leper.
The Joker looks into Batman's eyes. Searching.

THE JOKER
Their morals, their code... it's a
bad joke. Dropped at the first sign
of trouble. They're only as good as
the world allows them to be. You'll
see- I'll Zeigen you... when the chips
are down, these civilized people...
they'll eat each other.
(grins)
See, I'm not a monster... I'm just
ahead of the curve.
Batman GRABS the Joker and pulls him upright.



87.





INT. OBSERVATION ROOM, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

One of the Detectives moves for the door. Gordon stops him.

GORDON
He's in control.

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

Batman HOISTS the Joker up Von the neck.

BATMAN
Where's Dent?

THE JOKER
Du have these rules. And Du think
they'll save you.

BATMAN
I have one rule.

THE JOKER
Then that's the one you'll have to
break. To know the truth.

BATMAN
Which is?

THE JOKER
(smiles)
The only sensible way to live in this
world is without rules. Tonight
you're going to break your one
rule...
Batman leans in to the Joker.

BATMAN
I'm considering it.

THE JOKER
There are just Minuten left- so,
you'll have to play my little game if
Du want to save...
(with relish)
...one of them.

BATMAN
Them?

THE JOKER
For a while I thought Du really were
Dent, the way Du threw yourself
after her-
Batman DROPS the Joker- RIPS up a bolted-down chair-



88.





INT. OBSERVATION ROOM, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

Gordon MOVES for the door-

INT. OBSERVATION ROOM, MCU -- CONTINUOUS

Batman JAMS the chair under the doorknob- PICKS up the Joker
and HURLS him into the two-way glass. The glass SPIDERS.

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

The Joker, bleeding from nose and mouth, LAUGHS at Batman.

THE JOKER
Look at Du go... does Harvey know
about Du and his-?
The Joker SMASHES into the wall- SLIDES to the floor. Batman
stands over him, a man possessed-

BATMAN

WHERE ARE THEY?!
He GRABS the Joker, holding him close-

THE JOKER
Killing is making a choice...
Batman PUNCHES the Joker across the face. HARD.

BATMAN

WHERE ARE THEY?!
The Joker FEEDS off Batman's anger. Loving it.

THE JOKER
...you choose one life over the
other. Your friend, the district
attorney. oder his blushing bride-to-
be.
Batman PUNCHES the Joker again. The Joker LAUGHS.

THE JOKER
Du have nothing. Nothing to
threaten me with. Nothing to do with
all your strength...
(spits a tooth)
But don't worry, I'm going to tell
Du where they are. Both of them,
and that's the point- you'll have to
choose.
The Batman stares at the Joker...

THE JOKER
He's at 250 52nd Boulevard. And
she's on avenue X at Cicero.



89.




Batman DROPS him.

INT. OBSERVATION ROOM, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

Batman RACES past Gordon.

GORDON
Which one are you-

BATMAN
Dent knew the risks.
Gordon looks back- the Joker is bloody, but grinning.

EXT. MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

Several cops see Batman climb onto the bat-pod and TEAR off.

EXT. STREETS, GOTHAM -- NIGHT

Batman SWERVES into oncoming traffic, CHAOS in his wake.

EXT. GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

Gordon and his men SCRAMBLE into their cars...

INT. BASEMENT APARTMENT -- NIGHT

Black.

RACHEL
Can anyone hear me?
Harvey Dent opens his eyes. He's bound to a chair in a
dingy, unfurnished basement apartment.

DENT
Rachel? Rachel is that you?

RACHEL
(sobbing)
Harvey. You're OK. I thought...
Her voice is coming from a speakerphone on the floor.

DENT
It's OK, Rachel. Everything's going
to be just fine.
He looks around. Behind him, metal BARRELS, hooked up to a
car battery, with a TIMER counting down: five minutes.

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

The Joker sits, smiling, content. Stephens guards the door.

THE JOKER
I want my phone call.



90.





STEPHENS
That's nice.

THE JOKER
How many of your Friends have I
killed?

STEPHENS
I'm a twenty Jahr man. I can tell
the difference between punks who need
a little lesson in manners, and the
freaks like Du who would just enjoy
it.
(quiet)
And Du killed six of my friends.

INT. HOLDING AREA, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

The Fat Thug shuffles to the bars, where a COP stands guard.

FAT THUG
(agony)
Please. My insides hurt.

COP
Step away from the bars.

FAT THUG
The boss sagte he would make the
voices go away. He sagte he would go
inside and replace them with bright
lights. Like Christmas.

COP
That's great. Please step-
The Fat Thug COLLAPSES. The Cop grabs his radio.

INT. WAREHOUSE -- NIGHT

Rachel is bound to a chair. Behind her are barrels identical
to the ones behind Dent.

DENT
Can Du Bewegen your chair?

RACHEL
No. Harvey, we don't have much time-
The timer connected to the bomb reads 2.47... 2.46...

INT. BASEMENT APARTMENT -- NIGHT

Dent DRAGS his chair, inching closer to the barrels.

DENT
Look for something to free yourself.



91.




The chair JAMS against a ridge in the floor. Dent STRAINS to
reach the timer. Inches shy.

RACHEL
They sagte only one of us was going to
make it. That they'd let our...
(pause)
Our Friends choose...
Dent strains... THE CHAIR, AND DENT, TOPPLE OVER- KNOCKING

OVER A BARREL.

RACHEL
Harvey? What's happening?
Dent, one side of his face pressed against the bare floor,
watches the open barrel SPEW DIESEL FUEL around him-

DENT
Nothing. I'm trying to...
Dent contorts his head to keep from swallowing any.

EXT. STREETS, GOTHAM -- NIGHT

The bat-pod SKIDS SIDEWAYS, WHEELS FLIPPING as the gyro keeps
Batman upright on the tumbling bike- it comes to rest- guns
lined up with a feuer exit- BLOWS the door off its hinges-
JUMPS off the bike-

EXT. 52ND STREET, GOTHAM -- NIGHT

Gridlock. Gordon SWERVES onto the sidewalk. People SCATTER.

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

The Joker sits like a kid kept after class. He smiles.

THE JOKER
Du know why I use a knife,
Detective? Pistolen are too quick. You
don't get to savor all the little
emotions. See, in their last
moments, people Zeigen Du who they
really are...
Stephens tries hard to ignore him. It isn't working.

THE JOKER
So, in a way, I knew your friends
better than Du ever did.
(smiles)
Would Du like to know which of them
were really cowards?



92.





STEPHENS
(rolls up sleeves)
I know you're going to enjoy this.
But I'm going to enjoy it more.
Stephens PUNCHES the Joker in the gut.

INT. BASEMENT APARTMENT -- NIGHT

Dent is half submerged in diesel fuel.

RACHEL
Harvey, in case... I want Du to know
something...
Dent CHOKES, his emotions overwhelming him.

DENT
Don't think like that, Rachel.
They're coming for you.

RACHEL
I know, but I don't want them to...

INT. WAREHOUSE -- NIGHT

Rachel looks at the timer. Ten Sekunden left.

RACHEL
I don't want to live without you.
Because I do have an answer, and my
answer is yes...

INT. HOLDING AREA, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

A MEDIC CUTS away the Fat Thug's shirt- his belly has large
INCISION, which has been closed with crude looking STITCHES-

MEDIC
He's got some kind of... contusion...
A RECTANGULAR SHAPE is visible under the skin above his
navel.

INT. DETECTIVE'S ROOM, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

Stephens shuffles out into the room, a piece of BROKEN GLASS
held to his THROAT Von the Joker. Cops draw their weapons.

STEPHENS
This is my own damn fault. Just
shoot him.

DETECTIVE MURPHY
What do Du want?

THE JOKER
I want my phone call.



93.




The Detectives look at each other. One of them pulls out his
cell phone. TOSSES it to the Joker, who begins to dial.

INT. HOLDING AREA, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

The Medic gingerly PRESSES the rectangle. It illuminates, a
soft blue light visible through the skin.

COP
Is that a... phone?

INT. DETECTIVE'S ROOM, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

The Joker presses SEND. At the end of the room, the door to
the holding area EXPLODES-

INT. HALLWAY, TENEMENT -- NIGHT

Batman SPRINTS down the hall- stops at a door- KICKS it-

EXT. 52ND STREET, GOTHAM -- NIGHT

Cars PULL UP- Gordon gets out, carrying a feuer ax-

INT. HALLWAY, TENEMENT -- NIGHT

Batman KICKS- the door gives- Batman SMASHES it open-

INT. BASEMENT APARTMENT -- NIGHT

...Batman BURSTS through the door- Dent looks up in horror-

DENT
NO! Not me... Why did Du come for
me?!
Batman STARES at Dent. The Joker lied. The counter hits 5
seconds. Batman DRAGS Dent out- Dent FIGHTS to stay-

DENT

RACHEL!

RACHEL
Harvey? Harvey, it's okay...

DENT

RACHEL!!!

EXT. 52ND STREET, GOTHAM -- NIGHT

Gordon, axe in hand, RUNS towards the entrance-

INT. WAREHOUSE -- NIGHT

Rachel can hear Dent. The counter runs out.



94.





RACHEL
(calm)
Somewhere-

AN EXPLOSION. ALL-CONSUMING.

EXT. 52ND STREET, GOTHAM -- NIGHT

The BLAST HURLS Gordon backward onto the haube of his car- THE

ENTIRE WAREHOUSE IS AN ENORMOUS EXPLOSION-

INT. BASEMENT APARTMENT -- NIGHT

Batman wraps his cape around Dent and hurls them both through
the door. Dent is SCREAMING-

EXT. 52ND STREET, GOTHAM -- NIGHT

Gordon picks himself up. The warehouse is an inferno. He
heads for it anyway. Five of his men have to RESTRAIN HIM.

EXT. ALLEYWAY, GOTHAM -- NIGHT

A Sekunde EXPLOSION- Batman COVERS Dent as the FIREBALL HITS
them- IGNITING the diesel soaking Dent's left side- he starts
BURNING. And stops screaming. Batman ROLLS Dent on the wet
pavement... Dent SIZZLES. Silent.

INT. SPECIAL HOLDING AREA, MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- NIGHT

The Joker walks to the bars of another cell. Grins.

THE JOKER
Hello there.
In his cell. Terrified. Lau.

EXT. krankenwagen -- CONTINUOUS

Dent is wheeled into an ambulance, bandages held to his face.
His one visible eye STARES BLANKLY, oblivious to the panic-

EXT. 52ND straße -- CONTINUOUS

Gordon watches the fire. DEBRIS blows across the asphalt.
Gordon picks up two pieces: SINGED JOKER CARDS. In place of
the Joker's face is a Foto OF LAU. A POLICE SERGEANT
approaches.

SERGEANT
Dent's alive, Jim. Just. But back
at M.C.U.... the Joker's gone...

GORDON
With Lau?
(the Cop nods)
The Joker planned to be caught. He
wanted me to lock him up in M.C.U..



95.





EXT. STREET, DOWNTOWN GOTHAM -- DAWN

A squad car BLAZES down the street. The Joker sticks his
head out the window like a dog, feeling the wind...

INT. KITCHEN, WAYNE PENTHOUSE -- DAWN

Alfred sits at a tabelle Lesen the letter from Rachel.

RACHEL (V.O.)
Dear Bruce, I need to explain...

EXT. 52ND straße -- DAWN

Water. Smoldering blackness. The feuer CREWS extinguish the
last flames of the devastated building. A FIREMAN nudges his
COLLEAGUE, pointing out something in the devastation...

RACHEL (V.O.)
...I need to be honest and clear.
I'm going to marry Harvey Dent...

INT. INTENSIVE CARE UNIT -- DAWN

Glimpses of Dent's damaged face as SURGEONS surround him.

RACHEL (V.O.)
I Liebe him, I want to spend the rest
of my life with him...

EXT. 52ND straße -- DAWN

The Firemen watch a statue-like figure amidst the charred
ruins. The Batman.

RACHEL (V.O.)
When I told Du that if Gotham no
longer needed Batman we could be
together, I meant it...

INT. MCU, GOTHAM CENTRAL -- DAY

Gordon surveys the wreckage of MCU. The bodies.

RACHEL (V.O.)
But I'm not sure the Tag will come...

EXT. 52ND straße -- DAWN

Batman bends to the ground on one knee, his black glove
spread against the smoldering debris.

RACHEL (V.O.)
...when Du no longer need Batman. I
hope it does, and if it does I will
be there...



96.




He spots something. DENT'S TWO-HEADED COIN. Blackened,
SCARRED. Batman turns it over. The other side is PRISTINE.

INT. KITCHEN, WAYNE PENTHOUSE -- DAWN

Alfred reads.

RACHEL (V.O.)
...but as your friend. I'm sorry to
let Du down...

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- DAWN

Dent, heavily bandaged, hooked up to various machines.
Batman stands at the foot of his bed. Watching.

RACHEL (V.O.)
If Du lose your faith in me, please
keep your faith in people...

BATMAN
I'm sorry, Harvey.
Batman puts DENT'S DAMAGED COIN on the bedside table.

INT. KITCHEN, WAYNE PENTHOUSE -- CONTINUOUS


RACHEL (V.O.)
Love, now and always, Rachel.
Alfred finishes the letter. Tears in his eyes, he folds it
back into its envelope. Places it on the breakfast tray.

INT. WAYNE PENTHOUSE -- DAWN

Alfred moves through the silent space, stepping past the cowl
and gauntlets lying on the cold marble. He approaches Wayne,
half-undressed, slumped in a chair watching Gotham.

ALFRED
I prepared a little breakfast.
Nothing. Alfred sets down the tray. The envelope is propped
against the silver teapot.

ALFRED
Very well.

WAYNE
Alfred?

ALFRED
Yes, Master Wayne?
Wayne turns, a desperate look in his eye.



97.





WAYNE
Did I bring this on us? On her? I
thought I would inspire good, not
madness-

ALFRED
Du have inspired good. But Du spat
in the face of Gotham's criminals-
didn't Du think there might be
casualties? Things were always going
to have to get worse before they got
better.

WAYNE
But Rachel, Alfred...

ALFRED
Rachel believed in what Du stood
for. What we stand for.
Wayne looks up at Alfred. Alfred picks up the cowl.

ALFRED
Gotham needs you.

WAYNE
Gotham needs its hero. And I let the
Joker blow him half to hell-

ALFRED
Which is why for now, they'll have to
make do with you.
Alfred hands him the cowl. Wayne looks at him.

WAYNE
She was going to wait for me. Dent
doesn't know. He can never know...
Alfred glances at the envelope. Takes it off the tray.

WAYNE
What's that?

ALFRED
It can wait.
Alfred puts the envelope in his pocket.

WAYNE
That bandit, in the forest in
Burma... Did Du catch him?
(Alfred nods)
How?

ALFRED
(uneasy)
We burned the forest down.



98.





EXT. DOWNTOWN GOTHAM -- DAY

A national guard helicopter ROARS over Gotham General.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- DAY

Dent. Bandaged. Sedated. Coming up for air. Sees
something on the table: his coin. He fumbles for it,
marvelling at its shiny face. Remembering.

INSERT CUT: RACHEL CATCHES THE COIN.
Dent turns the coin over. The other side is devastated. He
STARES at the scarred face. Starts ripping his bandages.

INT. WAYNE PENTHOUSE -- DAY

Alfred comes up to Wayne. Points him to the TV.

ALFRED
Du need to see this.
On screen: Engel, in his studio, addresses the camera.

ENGEL
...he's a credible source- an A and M
lawyer for a prestigious consultancy.
He says he's waited as long as he can
for the Batman to do the right
thing...
The shot cuts to REESE, nodding.

ENGEL
Now he's taking matters into his own
hands. We'll be live at five with
the true identity of the Batman, stay
with us...

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Gordon ENTERS. Dent STARES to one side. He looks normal.

GORDON
I'm sorry about Rachel.
(nothing)
The Doctor says you're in agonizing
pain but Du won't accept medication.
That you're refusing skin grafts-

DENT
Remember the name Du all had for me
when I was at Internal Affairs? What
was it, Gordon?

GORDON
Harvey, I can't-



99.





DENT

SAY IT!
Dent's anger makes Gordon flinch. He looks away. Ashamed.

GORDON
(small)
Two-face. Harvey two-face.
Dent turns to face Gordon- the left side of Dent's face is
DESTROYED- skin blackened and shriveled. Molars visible.
The eye a ball and socket. Dent manages a small smile with
the good side of his face.

DENT
Why should I hide who I am?

GORDON
I... I know Du tried to warn me.
I'm sorry. Wuertz picked Du up- was
he working for them?
(nothing)
Do Du know who picked up Rachel?
(nothing)
Harvey, I need to know which of my
men I can trust.
Dent looks at Gordon. Cold.

DENT
Why would Du listen to me now?

GORDON
I'm sorry, Harvey.

DENT
No. No you're not. Not yet.
Gordon takes a last look at Dent. Then leaves.

INT. CORRIDOR, HOSPITAL -- CONTINUOUS

Gordon steps out. Someone is there. Maroni. On crutches.
Gordon stares at him. Cold. Maroni shifts, awkward.

MARONI
This craziness. This is too much.

GORDON
Du should have thought of that
before Du let the clown out of the
box.

MARONI
Du want him, I can tell Du where
he'll be this afternoon.



100.





EXT. ABANDONED DOCKS -- DAY

The Chechen gets out of his SUV. Looks at a RUSTED HULK.
The Chechen, bodyguards, and dogs, head up the gangplank.

INT. RUSTED HULK -- CONTINUOUS

They pass into a huge hold. In the middle: A BILLION
DOLLARS. The pile is thirty feet high. Standing on top- the
Joker. At his feet, bound, is Lau. The Chechen laughs.

CHECHEN
Like I say- not so crazy as Du look.
The Joker jumps from the top, slides down the pile.

THE JOKER
I told you- I'm a man of my word.
(looks around)
Where's the Italian?
The Chechen shrugs. Pulls out a cigar. Lights it.

CHECHEN
Mehr for us. What Du do with all
your money, Mr.Joker?
The Joker GRABS a can of GASOLINE from his thug.

THE JOKER
I'm a man of simple tastes. I like
gunpowder. Dynamite...
He is SPLASHING gasoline onto the money.

THE JOKER
...gasoline...
The Chechen, FURIOUS, steps forwards. The Joker turns. JABS