If you are using directors as a metric, this is Batman’s 5th film iteration. If you are counting actors, this is the 6th. Each version has brought something different to its viewers. If there is anything that Matt Reeves does with The Batman (2022), it is bringing an original tone, aesthetic, and style to Batman’s cinematic potential. With my first viewing, I can’t say that this is my favorite version. That accolade still goes to Christopher Nolan’s literary take. However, it is a version that I find incredibly intriguing to the point of wanting to watch it again and receive sequels in the future.
I will start with Gotham City. I have previously written an article about how Tim Burton’s Gotham is my favorite version thus far and this still reigns true. However, there are interesting artistic choices made here that I think calls back to that other world. This is a world that is also anachronistic. Modern technology is juxtaposed with old, gothic architecture. Days are muted grey while nights are starkly lit by street lamps and floodlights.
This anachronism is felt in the tone of the movie as well. There is a blend of various influences from Kurt Cobain to the Zodiac Killer. The excellent soundtrack calls back to 90’s grunge while the story itself is a mix of modern serial killer thrillers and old-school detective noir. The cast can be fantastical, like Batman in his battle suit style armor, just as it can be realistic, like the Penguin, depicted here as an ugly mobster whose grotesque side is played in inner emotionality rather than overt physicality.
Even Batman’s arsenal is something of a unique blend, a mix of high-armored chest pieces, heavy combat boots, and blatant arm guards. This hodgepodge of high and low end is fitting as this Batman is only two years into the job, still trying to figure out his craft. The batmobile is a straight-up American Muscle car, whose paint job is rough and coarse the engine is exposed to illuminate its fire like hell flames. Overall, it is a unique blend that I enjoy immensely. Batman as a character has always been malleable and this is the most balanced version of the character I have ever seen, combining the realistic depictions of Christopher Nolan and the hyper-stylized world of Tim Burton.
The story itself plays more heavily into Batman’s detective side. I don’t necessarily agree with some of the other reviewers who comment that this is Batman’s first real detective story on film. I always felt that the Dark Knight has many of those elements woven in. Unlike that movie, however, The Batman truly dives into that genre and it is that commitment to it that I enjoy. The movie is just under 3 hours long but the script drip feeds the audience with clues, turns, and revelations to keep them engaged throughout the entire runtime.
This commitment to the detective genre is pared well with the chosen villain of the film, the Riddler. I am not sure if the Riddler has ever been as overtly portrayed as a Zodiac analog in the comics, but it is a creative choice that works well in this film. The mask, style of riddles, and portrayal by Paul Dano all work together. Dano’s Riddler is horrifying, choosing to play with the psychology of his victims, onlookers, and film audience in the same way that the best villains in psychological thrillers do.
The Riddler also does well to touch upon modern societal issues pertaining to the incels, fascists, and mentally unstable and their relationship with the internet. It is another testament to Reeve’s ability to mold the myth of Batman into a new, exciting context that is relevant to modern times. It would have been easy to simply look to the past Batman movies and rehash many of the elements in a repetitive way. Instead, Reeves has an exciting script with influences from several of Batman’s comic book history.
Among the cast, I have to say that the character that I think did the least for me is Batman himself. I was initially excited about Robert Pattison’s announcement as the caped crusader. After watching him in the lead in Good Time, Pattison does well in roles that are unhinged, able to take stressful situations and switch between composed and anxious as the scene requires.
I felt that his Batman was somewhat subdued. I was hoping for a more untethered version of Batman, especially since this is still early in Bruce Wayne’s career and a major plot point revolves around him trying to discover what kind of hero he wants to be. I wouldn’t call it a bad performance. It is more than passable and Pattison’s inherent charisma and performance range alone allows him to carry the character well. I will say that I am curious to see how he manages to play the character in the sequel after learning and experiencing the role through this first outing.
I think where Pattison shines most, however, is his chemistry with other cast members on screen. Andy Serkis did a pretty good job as Alfred. By himself, he was serviceable but his chemistry with Pattison’s Wayne elevated both performances. Zoe Kravitz as Catwomen was excellent. Kravitz brings a level of confidence, independence, sensuality, and competence on stage that is needed to make Catwomen come to life. Her chemistry with Batman has all of the sexual tension and costumed rivalry that fans are looking for.
The last actor worth mentioning is Colin Farrell as the Penguin. The makeup department deserves an award as it truly transforms Farrell’s recognizable face into a completely different person, allowing the actor to truly let the performance shine. He plays a man whose monstrous nature is truly in the performance and I am hoping to see a more Penguin-centric film in the future where Farrell can truly show off what he is capable of as an actor.
The last thing of note is that this movie has some of the best fight scenes of any Batman movie. The choreography has a noir-esque elegance combined with the most ruthless of modern martial art, brutal yet stylized. Each punch is emphasized by a meaty, crunchy sound effect that is mixed well into the audio. Hearing and seeing each punch on-screen at the movie theatre gave me each hit through the subwoofers and speakers. The roar of the batmobile was also a pleasure to experience.
I think that despite my overall excitement in this review, it is important to emphasize that I am surprised by the overall reception this movie is getting. Many people are calling this a perfect movie. I don’t know if I agree with that sentiment. Then again, I think I am ok with this overall public excitement for the movie. Despite my criticisms, I definitely want to see more from Reeve’s and Pattison’s Batman universe. I am hoping that whatever gripes I have can iron out by the second movie. After all, it was Nolan’s second Batman outing, the Dark Knight, that truly elevated the trilogy to masterpiece status. I am hoping for the same here.
Danger Wonka 