Gloomy, rain-soaked Gotham, ravaged by corruption and gang warfare. Violence erupts daily, yet Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson), the Batman, clings to the hope of purging the city of crime, continuing his late father’s mission to make the world a better place. The grim conditions of Gotham breed madness, giving rise to the Riddler (Paul Dano), a question mark-obsessed maniac who brutally murders corrupt politicians, terrorizing the populace and leaving behind puzzle-filled envelopes for Batman. As the riddles are solved, the crimes escalate in complexity. To catch the Riddler, our caped crusader will need the help of Selina Kyle (Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman) and even the Penguin (Colin Farrell; though he’ll have to chase him down). All in the name of Gotham’s peace of mind.
Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne in a still from “The Batman”
A New Era of Superhero Cinema
One can say what they will about Todd Phillips’ “Joker,” but it achieved something crucial for the superhero genre: blurring the lines between blockbuster spectacle and art-house cinema. Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” follows the path paved by the “Golden Lion.” This new guardian in a black cape aims to cleanse Gotham’s streets of filth, much like Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver.” The film’s runtime and detective narrative echo Fincher’s “Zodiac,” while the atmosphere is reminiscent of the iconic “Casablanca,” albeit with explosions and a masquerade. This explosive cocktail stands apart from the DCEU reboot, ushering in a new chapter in comic book movie history. The painstakingly drawn-out runtime (which, by Scorsese’s standards, would be considered the first act) is justified by the intricate detective story: in true noir fashion, no one is in a hurry. The voice-over, reminiscent of old Hollywood, adds a touch of sentimentality, but not the cringeworthy Snyder kind; rather, it evokes nostalgia.
Robert Pattinson as Batman
Pattinson’s Dark Knight
The claim that Pattinson is the best on-screen Batman to date might keep some people up at night, but it’s a statement worth considering. He not only met expectations but exceeded them. The actor jokingly promised to switch to the adult film industry if the movie flopped, but it seems that won’t be necessary. Reeves’ Bruce Wayne is a traumatized young man striving to live up to his deceased father’s legacy. Believing in his father’s infallibility, Bruce dedicates himself to fighting corruption and dishonest citizens, yet the crime rate continues to climb. Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne is more vulnerable, doubtful, and alive, shattering the traditional toxic masculinity associated with the iconic character. He’s also the first Batman who doesn’t conceal the dark makeup around his eyes; strangely, it always disappeared when his predecessors removed the mask. The entry into a new era of self-aware himbos has been successful.
Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman in a still from “The Batman”
A Stellar Supporting Cast
Colin Farrell is essentially playing Robert De Niro playing the Penguin. Only Matt Reeves knows why he spent hours transforming the Irish actor into his American counterpart with a Brooklyn accent, but the costume party was a success nonetheless. Oz (aka the Penguin), as portrayed by Farrell, is a charismatic gangster who fits seamlessly into the noir tale. The casting is generally excellent. Zoe Kravitz, who previously voiced Catwoman in “The Lego Batman Movie,” proves indispensable and steals every scene. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. As for Paul Dano, it seems playing psychos is his destiny.
Gotham, mired in evil and corruption, cannot be changed by a single hero in a cape, contrary to previous interpretations. Saving those who are drowning requires teamwork, and the fear instilled by the mysterious superhero in the city’s criminals breeds even greater fear in the hearts of citizens, triggering genuine chaos. The “fight fire with fire” approach sounds good in theory but doesn’t work in practice. It turns out people need hope. Reaching a critical point, Gotham will rise from the ashes, and its citizens will find support not only in the form of a caped savior but also in the unity they lacked.