The Batman Rises from the Shadows
It might be hyperbolic to state that The Batman feels different from past iterations, but it does. Instantly, the Gotham City of Matt Reeves differs from the films of Tim Burton, Joel Schumacher, Christopher Nolan, and Zack Snyder. This Gotham is more akin to a decaying gothic metropolis that’s corrupt on every level and engaging in self-cannibalism for survival. If anything, it shares similarities with Seven both in plot and setting. The film throws out the origin story and picks up during Batman’s second year as a crime fighter and right when he’s at a crossroads over his decision to become a vigilante. Is vengeance enough by beating up criminals on his own, or does he need to be something more?
Immediately, Reeves draws the viewer in by having a killer stalk his target, Mayor Mitchell, before brutally murdering him. The film is highly interested in the methodology and headspace of Batman and the Riddler. We were allowed to sit with them and get underneath their respective skins. Reeves shows more preference for introspection and what lies beneath the characters. Even Batman’s introduction shows him observing crime incognito and narrating before dealing out violence.
The Batman embraces the detective element of his character as he tries to stop The Riddler from murdering more Gotham officials as he exposes the corruption that lies beneath. The Batman shares more in line with crime films such as The French Connection, Chinatown, Zodiac, and Se7en and acts as a mystery first and foremost. The mystery exists as the central part of the plot and allows the movie to show off Batman’s skills as a detective. But he’s not the world’s greatest detective yet. He makes mistakes while trying to solve clues which I immensely enjoyed. It allowed me to become invested in the mystery and attempt to decipher it and riddles with him. As soon as you think you uncovered one layer of Gotham, there’s another layer that needs to be exhumed.
Much has already been said about Robert Pattinson, but he nailed being Bruce Wayne/Batman. Pattinson embraces the isolated aspect of the character. He lives in Wayne Tower’s basement and mostly wears back as his black hair covers his face. With the inclusion of Nirvana’s “Something in the Way,” The Batman emphasizes the more isolated element to him. He doesn’t want to be vulnerable and protects himself by being a vigilante. The only time Bruce truly leaves Wayne Tower is when he’s Batman, or he’s stalking criminals. It could have been easy for Pattinson to engage in the more stereotypical edgy portrayal, but he understands that there’s that hurt kid within the character and does a great job of channeling it. The movie discusses whether that is enough or needs to open himself up and trust others to have a much more positive effect on Gotham.
Zoë Kravitz stands out as Selina Kyle/Catwoman and puts her take on the character. Acting as more of the femme fatale, Kravitz perfectly encapsulates Catwoman and makes her a delight to watch. She understands the slinkiness and oozes it. Especially whenever she and Pattinson are on screen, the pair’s chemistry is off the charts. Batman and Catwoman are genuinely an iconic comic book couple, and the film plants the seeds for that in the future.
As different as The Riddler appears in The Batman, Paul Dano channels the right energy for the role. The Riddler is obsessed with riddles, puzzles, and the truth, which Dano masterfully captures. Appearing to be similar to the Zodiac Killer, his performance gives the proper levels of menace and intensity. He’s the perfect foil to Bruce as the Riddler is a darker mirror to him. The costume may look goofy, but Dano unleashes the chilling nature underneath it.
Jeffrey Wright shines as Lieutenant James Gordon, the only honest cop and Batman’s ally with the supporting cast. Gordon acts as an excellent balance to Batman and the duo having great moments while solving the Riddles. There’s a tension in the relationship that decreases throughout the film. Also, I enjoyed Colin Farrel as the Penguin. Even though he does not get a ton to do, he helps show the vast criminal nature of Gotham and how wide the web goes. But my favorite had to be Andy Serkis as Alfred. Serkis portrays Alfred as someone who wants to connect with Bruce by helping him be Batman and wants him to give up his vigilante life. There’s friction to that relationship since he greatly cares about Bruce, but there’s no malice in it.
Greig Fraser puts his stamp as the cinematographer on a more technical side. The Batman is full of dark shadows where anything could be hiding. The filming establishes the darker tone and the nature of Gotham City. He transported my image of the city on the screen. Also, red contrast the shadows and makes the film feel unique from previous iterations. After his work on Dune, Fraser proves he’s a master of his craft and helps bring Reeve’s vision to life.
Michael Giacchino acted as composer, and his score is beautiful. Apart from Shirley Walker’s work on Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, his score may be my favorite for the character. The score captures the moody atmosphere and translates it well within the music. Specifically for Batman’s theme, there’s a darker triumphant element to it that blows me away. Much like his previous work, Giacchino’s score feels genuinely distinct and proves he’s one of the best composers working today.
I do not have a ton of complaints about the film. While I wish that the Penguin or that John Turturro as Carmine Falcone had more to do, the movie is setting up for the franchise’s future in a completely natural way. Gotham is huge in the film so that some things would prioritize others. Also, I did not have a problem with the close to three-hour runtime. The pacing works well. Even though it might have dragged in some parts, I never got bored or tired. While it might be nicer to get a shorter movie, its scope would not have the same impact.
The Batman rises from the shadows and stands out from the other films. The Batman gives us a fresh take on the character and his world. It might not be for everyone, but it is great seeing the detective aspect of Batman shine. Much like a question mark, there are twists and curves to the mystery as we, along with Batman, try to solve it to stop the Riddler. It’s an engaging film that left me smiling and hopeful to see where Reeves and others take this iteration next.
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My review for Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) went live on Slay Away so check that. Also I will be releasing my review of Studio 666 on Slay Away as well.
I will be releasing my The Shape of Water piece on Sunday.
