One may be asking, why do we need another Batman movie if The Nolan Trilogy, especially The Dark Knight, still holds up? Well, we certainly did not need this movie, but I, for one, am thankful that we got it! Matt Reeves’ The Batman is a dark, suspenseful reimagining of the classic Batman storyline that features new interpretations of characters like Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), The Penguin (Colin Farell), and The Riddler (Paul Dano). Pattinson’s Batman is a modern take on the hero that will surprise audiences with his depth that stand apart characteristics from other actor’s Batmans. While the movie’s protagonist is Batman, it is Zoë Kravitz that steals the show with her take on Catwoman. She rivals the iconic Michelle Pfeiffer take on the character with her mysterious and strong personality. In the end, this film may not have the expansive shots and style of the The Dark Knight, but it is certainly a gripping story with fantastic characters.
The Batman takes place a few years after Bruce Wayne transformed into his vigilante character. While the murder of Bruce’s parents is explicitly talked about, for the most part, the plot jumps right into Bruce being The Batman.At first, I was skeptical that Robert Pattinson was cast to play Batman as I am used to seeing him being a teenage vampire. However, he proved to be a perfect fit to this role. He has the scowl, voice, and jawline that a good Batman needs. However, what set him apart from the Batmans of the past was his hair and makeup which contributed to making Pattinson’s Batman different. From the dark eye makeup to the stringy black hair, and even combat boots, this Batman was different from the ones of the past. The Batman marked the first time that a live action Bruce Wayne did not wear a tuxedo to a gala or formal event. Somehow, Pattinson’s Batman was the most down to earth Bruce Wayne as he traded the tuxedos for baggy t-shirts and long hair. This new Batman was truly a man who did not care about his immense wealth and I find that this was finally reflected in the wardrobe.
From interviews of director Matt Reeves, it is not clear if this is the beginning of a new franchise, or just a single movie. Personally, I would love to see another Batman film, possibly featuring other villains like the Joker. Of course, the past decade or two have been saturated with films featuring the Joker, making it refreshing to feature The Riddler as the main villain. I was pleasantly surprised with the interpretation of the Riddler in this film. Paul Dano’s Riddler was dark, creepy, and was a great match to Batman. In a great easter egg for fans of The Dark Knight, the Riddler made livestreams and videos akin to the threatening videos Heath Ledger’s Joker sent out over a decade ago. The most recent film version of the Riddler before The Batman was Jim Carrey’s take in 1995’s Batman Forever. It is surprising these are the same character as Carrey’s Riddler is neon-green suited and goofy while Dano’s is haunting and disturbing.
In total, it was Zoë Kravitz that stole the show with her take on Selina Kyle or Catwoman. Her Catwoman was different from those of the past. Without spoilers, her Catwoman had a different backstory that made the plot more personal. She was not simply there as a foil and love interest to Batman, although there was romance and chemistry between them. Instead, she was an individual who knew what she wanted and had to make sacrifices to get there. At the end of the movie, she chose to leave Gotham on her own instead of staying with Batman. This Catwoman has her own story, despite not being the titular role.
With a Batman legacy spanning back decades, it is only fitting to compare and contrast between films. Despite the inherent comparisons, The Batman is in itself a standout film. Its dark orange and black color palette creates an eerie Gotham, crawling with criminals and vigilantes. The soundtrack created an immersive experience, which was enhanced by the costumes and transformations of the actors. The Batman invited audiences back into the dark underbelly of Gotham to familiar characters with new faces.
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