The Batman: Another Review

10th March 2022

The Batman has long been my most anticipated film of the year, Doctor Strange: Into The Multiverse of Madness comes close, incredibly close given that last trailer, but this just pips it to the top spot. It’s fair to say the world has been highly anticipating this from its announcement and, despite some preconceived notions that ‘Twilight-boy’ Robert Pattinson, wouldn’t fit the crime-fighting bat, everyone I know has been excited to see Reeves’ take on the character. Any preconceived worries I had quickly disappeared when the first trailer came out, a dark, ruthless Batman growling the “I’m Vengeance” line quickly sent shivers down my spine, arguably setting this out alongside Dune as my most anticipated film of the decade so far. But with all the anticipation, all the hype and excitement built up over the past months, I was worried it would disappoint. Needless to say, it never did. The Batman is easily one of the best comic book adaptations ever made and one that left me in awe of what Matt Reeves and his team have managed to accomplish.

I’ve always been excited to see Robert Pattinson as Batman. He’s established himself as a great actor in recent years with fantastic performances in The Devil All the Time, Tenet, and The Lighthouse, making a name for himself in both the indie and blockbuster stage. Yet with every Batman interpretation, the main question is always, is he a good Batman? Honestly, that’s rather simple, he’s not only good as Batman but is arguably up there alongside Christian Bale as one of the best interpretations of the character to date. This dark, brooding take on Batman is unlike anything we’ve seen, focusing on an established, yet still learning Batman in his second year of crime-fighting. However, there’s one key difference between Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy and Reeves’ interpretation of the character. Nolan was all about Bruce Wayne who happens to dress up as Batman when needed, Reeves instead shows us Batman who happens to dress up as Bruce Wayne. Both takes are equally masterful in their own right, but this time around it truly stands out as something unique, rather special, showcasing a character so distant to the world while also trying to save it.

Alongside him, Zoe Kravitz stars as arguably my favourite Catwoman. Her chemistry alongside Pattinson is infectious with the scenes they share, whether that be flirting or fighting, working like an utter charm. Similarly, Jeffery Wright’s Commissioner Gordon is a force to be reckoned with, he fits into the role perfectly with his unconventional allyship with the Bat being a real highlight for me. If I had one downside though, it would be Andy Serkis’ Alfred Pennyworth. I loved him in the role, the moments he shares with Bruce are so tender and pure but sadly he doesn’t have a lot of screen time which honestly disappointed me as the chemistry he and Pattinson share really stands out. It would have been nice to see more of him and the Batcave in general but needless to say,

Nevertheless, what makes this film what it is are the performances and story surrounding its villains. Colin Farrell is unrecognisable as Penguin, losing himself in the unrecognisable role, providing for some great laughs while ultimately leaving enough room to develop into a major crime boss in future additions and John Turturro is great as Carmine Falcone, the more traditional kind of crime boss within. Yet it is Paul Dano as The Riddler who truly pushes the film to new heights. He’s absolutely terrifying in the role, proving to be a far more serious and intimidating version than Jim Carrey’s Riddler from Batman Forever with the creepier, military-like look fitting the tone of the film well. His kills, the way they’re carried out, and ultimate end goal are bone-chilling, offering a true serial killer unlike anything we’ve seen from a film like this.

It’s easy to see what inspired Reeves the most, feeling like an amalgamation of Se7en and Zodiac works excellently for the character of Batman, allowing for far more detective work to be done within, something I was extremely pleased to see, and a villain that’s far more terrifying than your everyday crook. Oscar-winning and frequent Pixar composer Michael Giacchino takes a more classical approach to his score than the dramatics of predecessors Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman, creating a score that bellows through the theatre in sublime fashion, proving to be an utter treat throughout.

Ultimately, In a world where Bob Kane and Bill Finger’s caped crusader has been done countless times before, Matt Reeves and Peter Craig have found a way to put their stamp on the character. The Batman feels fresh and unique, gripping me throughout and showcasing exactly how dark and violent Batman can be. Dark and mysterious with terrifying villains and an equally torn-up ‘vigilante’. The Batman isn’t just one of the best Batman films, it’s also one of the best comic book films to date. Masterful in every way and a true masterpiece of the genre.

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