The Annihilation of Bruce Wayne: How the Batman Becomes a Popular Avenger

Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne (Image Credit: Warner Bros.)

[Warning: This article assumes you’ve seen The Batman or don’t care about spoilers.]

I knew I’d love The Batman about thirty minutes in when Robert Pattinson (as Bruce Wayne) locks eyes with the mourning son of Gotham City’s slain mayor. It’s a weighted moment, heavy with meaning but free of the excessive, drawn-out cinematic melodramatics…