Batman movies are like seasons of Doctor Who. Every now and then a new season will come with a new Doctor and a perspective on a classic character that will appeal to a new group of fans. in a similar way, The Batman employs a new pool of creative talent to give us a version of the DC Comics hero we’ve never seen on screen before.
While it might not be everyone’s favorite, for some this will definitely be the Batman they’ve been waiting for.
The Batman, Directed by Matt Reeves (War for the Planet of the Apes) is set in the early years of the Dark Knights Crusade. Those worried about sitting through Bruce Wayne’s origin story for the umpteenth time need not worry. The Batman jumps right into his dark portrayal of Gotham City, where the world’s greatest detective isn’t quite that big yet, trying to unravel a series of clues left behind by a masked serial killer known as The Riddler.
One of the most important things that sets The Batman Other than that, it’s his departure from being a simple superhero film. The story is familiar, but instead of blockbuster glitz, it chooses to anchor itself in neo-noir and detective genres.
From the use of reflective voice-over to the choice of camera angle, this film almost feels like Seven-meets-Batman.
It’s a huge tonal shift from previous Batman films but not an unwelcome one. The Batman at the same time manages to be a lot more grounded than Burton’s films but has more style than Nolan’s blockbuster. It must not tilt The dark knightbut The Batman is a clear example of how different approaches to the same character can both be good.
As you have probably already noticed Batman’s Marketing this film is synonymous with the term ‘gloomy’ and it really takes that to another level. Well, as much as an M rating goes.
Raindrops pelt the camera lenses, dim neon lights glow in the haze, and dance music thunders as Batman pummels idiots in the gloomy Ice Club Lounge. Every aspect of this film is designed to transport you into the dark underworld of Gotham City. One who is often physically and metaphorically lightless.
The Batman however, there are many reasons why his Batman is so dark and brooding.
We quickly learn that it’s not just the character’s tragic backstory that has affected him, but also the result of months of psychological damage from his obsession with getting revenge on a corrupt city. It’s an approach that doesn’t work.
With two years of crimefighting under his belt, this isn’t a tale of Bruce Wayne’s attempt to pull the hood on. This is a tale of Batman’s quest to cross the line from vigilante to hero – and it’s a surprisingly poignant arc.
To maintain such an arc, Reeves singled out Robert Pattinson — who we can now describe as more of an emo superhero than a teenage heartthrob. He may be an unlikely choice, but there’s no denying he’s Batman.
Pattinson spends most of the time Batman’s Running time not recognizable behind the bonnet. His Bruce Wayne is far from the charismatic billionaire playboy, instead he is a silent beholder with simmering resentment and turmoil lying just beneath the surface. Textbook emo kid.
Bruce Wayne is Pattinson’s character in this film. When he dons the robe, he can communicate with little and brings with him an attitude towards the Dark Knight that feels comic-accurate. (Plus, thankfully, his Batman voice is easy to understand.)
Reeves isn’t afraid to put his own spin on these classic characters. The Riddler in particular is a villain who feels right at home in this downtrodden version of Gotham City. He’s a mastermind and terrorist with a penchant for duct tape and gory metaphors.
Paul Dano’s performance is outstanding as he brings to the screen an unexpectedly insane Riddler who manages to capture the character’s inherent narcissism along with his more psychotic aspects.
Zoe Kravitz’s Selina Kyle is another welcome constant throughout the film. Her role in the story isn’t far removed from that of a femme fatale in classic detective stories, but Kravitz’s grounding of the role makes it clear that she’s not just here to serve as Batman’s love interest. Kravitz’s performance gives Catwoman both a cunning and a vulnerability that helps her steal any scene she finds herself in.
Colin Farrell’s penguin is ripped straight from the pages of a Batman comic book in one of the film’s more stereotypical portrayals. Farrell is completely unrecognizable in the role but is clearly having the time of his life as Gotham’s most enigmatic gangster.
On the other side of the law, Jeffrey Wright’s Jim Gordon is a consistently good cop for Batman’s Dark Knight. The partnership between the two gives us more camaraderie than we’ve seen in previous Batman films. Wright’s Gordon isn’t shy about commenting on the oddity of his new partner – who dresses like a bat – but will just as easily turn to him as a sounding board.
It’s just one of many partnerships throughout the film that highlight the excellent cast of The Batman. Scenes between Pattinson and Kravitz are filled with chemistry and when Batman and Riddler finally meet it’s downright electrifying.
There’s no shortage of aesthetically pleasing scenes The Batman expertly framed by Greig Fraser. The sequences play out like pages from a graphic novel, and are equally supported by Michael Giacchino’s score, which alternates between grand epic themes and haunting melodies.
All this said The Batman is not without problems. At 2 hours and 56 minutes, the film is ridiculously long and even if it rarely gets boring, you can hardly leave its gloomy mood behind when you leave the cinema.
Some people will no doubt be disappointed by that too The Batman is not so blockbuster-heavy with its action sequences. The film focuses more on mystery than violence, but when the time comes to act, it really delivers. From fast-paced car chases to brutal hand-to-hand combat, The Batman has plenty of adrenaline pumping moments that deserve to be seen on the big screen.
Speaking of secret, Batman’s The plot is an engaging but at times overly complex story as it tries to tie all of its different storylines together.
The wit and intelligence of The Riddler and Batman’s detective skills from the comics are finally done justice on screen in a series of Zodiac-style puzzles. Reeves isn’t shy about playing with Batman’s comic book stories, and the story is filled with intriguing twists and character developments that break with tradition.
Unfortunately, like many superhero movies before it, The Batman also suffers from problems in the third act, where the finale doesn’t quite live up to everything the film was built upon.
The long and short of it is that if you loved what The Batman promised with his atmospheric mysterious traileryou will like this movie.
The Batman keeps every promise it makes. A realistic, gritty Gotham City? Check. A down-to-earth, comic book-style detective story that leaves you guessing? Check. Nirvana’s “Something in the Way”? Check.
The Batman wants to achieve a lot and for the most part is able to deftly handle a mix of horror, thriller and noir to create an original story. Reeves’ take on Batman is an injection of life into the character’s story and holds great promise for a new franchise. (Things that are of course teased at the end of the film).
Whether Keaton, Batfleck or Bale is your Dark Knight, The Batman makes a compelling case for it becoming your new favorite Batman movie.
The Batman: The Judgment
Advantages: Waste no time with Batman’s origin story, excellent performances, unique style, intriguing mysteries and a much-needed tonal shift.
Disadvantage: Long running time, a disappointing third act.
Check it out if you like: Se7en, Zodiac and Batman movies (obviously)
The Batman hits theaters on March 4th.
This article is republished by Kotaku Australia. Read the article here.
