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In an arguably oversaturated market of comic book films, ‘The Batman’ finds a way to stand out in the best possible way. Matt Reeves’ directed take on the cape crusader finds the balance between taping into what fans love about the character with also giving them something new. The end result is a masterful work of art that will highly likely stand the test of time.
Behind the Scenes
Over the last decade, the world of Batman was viewed through the lens of Ben Affleck who anchored the character through the DCEU. The reaction from fans, however, was mixed, leaving the fate of the Dark Knight ambiguous at best. After an Affleck-led solo film was scrapped due to creative differences, Warner Brothers set their sights on a new vision. Enter Matt Reeves, director of ‘Cloverfield’ and two ‘Plant of the Apes’ films. Robert Pattinson was brought on board to play the titular character, with Colin Farrel and Zoe Kravitz added to the impressive cast. Despite the trials and tribulations of filming through the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘The Batman’ was released on March 4, 2022.
‘The Batman’: Movie Review
Quick Summary:
Bruce Wayne, via his Batman persona, narrates us from the start, informing us that he is only two years into the life. Gotham mayor Don Mitchell Jr. has been murdered by a serial killer known only as The Riddler. Batman joins the crime scene investigation with friend Lieutenant James Gordon. Gotham PD are also by their side, though they have reservations about the cape crusader. The Riddler leaves a clue which sets in motion a manhunt to find the mysterious killer before the city of Gotham is turned on its head.
Ending: With Spoilers
As Batman continues his investigation, he’s led to several different characters and clues. The dark knight meets cocktail waitress Selina Kyle, whose alternative personality is revealed to be Catwoman. Kyle is on the hunt to find a friend who was kidnapped. The clues point towards mob boss Carmine Falcone and his underboss Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin. It’s revealed that high-ranking members of the GCPD are being paid off by Falcone, who is hiding secrets from both Batman and the Riddler.
The climax is reached inside Gotham Square Garden, which becomes the haven of a massive flood as the backdrop of Batman’s battle with the Riddler. It’s at this moment where Batman realizes that he can’t just symbolize fear against the enemies of Gotham. Batman is forced to change his mindset, giving Gotham a hero to look up to who is a beacon of hope for the city. With the Riddler in prison, he speaks to a fellow cellmate who hints of being The Joker.
‘The Batman’: Movie Thoughts
With several different live-action Batman films to reference, Matt Reeves had a tall task in front of him. Despite the challenge, Reeves framed his own Gotham and told a grounded, more detective-style driven narrative for the world’s most famous detective to live inside. The cinematography from Greig Fraser paints the most dark and gitty visualization of Gotham ever put on screen. If one was to read the comics and graphic novels of Batman, Reeve’s interpretation would feel eerily similar. Michael Giacchino’s score sets the tone early on, with heavy drum and bass that distinguish the film from its predecessors.
David Lynch’s “Seven” was a clear influence, therefore, delivering a film focused more on the detective side rather than action. The comic history of Batman doubles down, and Matt Reeves brought it to life in a way that hadn’t been seen before on the big screen. Other influences can be taken from the horror franchise ‘Saw’ when it comes to various actions of The Riddler.
Breaking through
The elephant in the room is Robert Pattinson, who received eye-rolling cringe when he was cast in the lead role. Many linked Pattinson back to his early work in the ‘Twilight’ series without looking beyond. Films like ‘Good Time’ and ‘The Lighthouse” have helped establish Pattinson as one of the best of his generation. Pattinson’s work as the Batman should quiet the naysayers as he presented a more novice take on the character in brilliant fashion. Bruce Wayne’s time on screen was limited, so the dark knight persona dominates the run time. Pattinson’s performance is on par with the best of the past while laying the groundwork for the future.
‘The Batman’- Rating
‘The Batman’ is currently sitting with mostly rave reviews from critics and fans. Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score of ‘The Batman’ is sitting at an impressive 85 percent. The audience score is even better, with 91 percent of fans giving it a recommendation. In conclusion, the consensus is that ‘The Batman’ is a must-see. That sediment is difficult to argue against. 5 out of 5.