Movie Review: The Batman (2022)
In the year 1939, the comic book character, Batman, was created. The character has received numerous adaptations across all types of media. One of those types of media is cinematic. Many Batman movies and TV series have been released over the years, and since then, he has become one of the most popular comic book characters ever made. The latest cinematic installment of Batman comes in the form of The Batman (2022), which was produced by DC Films and directed by Matt Reeves.
Gotham City is an absolute madhouse. Criminals run rampant. Destruction and crime happen at every corner, and it seems like there is no end to it. While the citizens of Gotham might be relentless, there is one thing they always keep an eye out for... and it likes to hide in the shadows. Batman monitors Gotham and keeps its citizens in check. However, while he does keep the city safe, he struggles to find out what he really needs to be for it. Does he need to be someone who punishes the malicious? Or does he need to be someone who can guide Gotham City to a better future? When a serial killer named ‘Riddler’ decides to act with his ideals, Batman might have to make that decision sooner than he realizes.
Right off the bat, one of the things The Batman has going for it is that it tries to be unique. For example, there is no explanation of Batman’s backstory (something many, if not all fans know by now). Instead, his backstory is pre-established, and the story takes place around two years after the Caped Crusader’s debut. Therefore, providing a much younger Batman, which is a nice breath of fresh air for Batman movies. Another way it is unique is that it takes the broodiness and edginess of Batman and Gotham City and pushes it up to an 11. The movie also has a huge element of mystery in it, which I personally am a huge fan of, as it fits this piece of Batman media perfectly. These things are what give this movie its own identity, and I would say they have been long overdue for Batman films. This uniqueness also provides one of the best opening scenes to a movie I have ever seen.
The movie also features a broad set of characters that all make their mark well. Robert Pattinson does an amazing job playing a young Bruce Wayne/Batman who is trying to discover who he should be as a hero. The rest of the cast includes Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman, Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon, Colin Farrell as Penguin, and Paul Dano as Riddler. These cast members all play their roles perfectly, and I am excited to see what Matt Reeves has in store for them in the future. Riddler and Penguin specifically both play interesting roles in the movie. Riddler has always been a fascinating character, with his strengths being in his brain rather than his brawn. Secrets as to what Riddler is doing and why he is doing it become revealed as the movie goes on. Paul Dano plays the character so well, with his amazing inclusions of psychopathic mannerisms to make the character even more intimidating and unpredictable than he already is. Penguin on the other hand is an interesting case. Not really playing a villain per se, his background status and actions still do play a role in the outcome of the story, and with a confirmed series about the character set to release on HBO Max, we might get to see his full descent to villainy after the events of the movie. Penguin’s actions also provide a great car chase sequence that has by far my favorite scene in movie history (have you ever watched something so amazing that you just start laughing not because of how funny it is, but because of how beautifully it was made? That is what happened to me).
As a final note, I would like to point out the soundtrack of the film. More specifically, the main theme of Batman. This theme consists of the same notes repeated and is played throughout the movie. I can certainly say that I have never been more satisfied with a repeating track as I am with this one. It gives Batman a sinister and threatening vibe, and just like this movie, I am sure it will be remembered amongst superhero fans and movie fans alike.
On paper, The Batman seems like something fans would be equally hesitant and ecstatic about, being that before this, we have not had a solo Batman film in 10 years. But now that it has been released, it will surely go down as one of the best Batman movies ever made. Providing a new (technically old) atmosphere, this movie exceeded expectations and was just the film that the character so desperately needed. Matt Reeves has also given the idea that we might see a trilogy of this version of Batman. If those two sequels and more future content can shine as bright as the Bat-Signal just like this one did, we might be in for something special.
Not too bad for a guy who everyone associates with Twilight, eh?
Image obtained from Squarespace
