The Batman - Review

By Niklas Müller

2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment, INC. All Rights Reserved

GRADE:A-

Even I (as a guy who basically grew up watching Batman stuff) wasn't quite optimistic, back in May 2019, when Robert Pattinson was cast as one of the most famous comic book vigilantes of all time. I gotta admit back in the day I really only knew him from the TWILIGHT films, which I didn't particularly like, and HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE where he, of course, played Cedric Diggory. Once I became more familiar with his work since then (mostly Arthouse films), I kind of warmed up on the idea of him playing the iconic role as Batman. And when I saw him in GOOD TIME from the Safdie Brothers (apparently Director Matt Reeves was very much impressed with his performance in that film as well), I knew that he might end up being the best Batman. When I first got to see it, when it released last month, my speculation became a fact.

THE BATMAN takes a rather fresh approach to the whole Batman universe. It even does something no Batman film has done so far, not showing us the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne, Bruce's parents (argue with me as much as you might like, but that really isn't a spoiler). Instead of doing so, we are getting thrown into Bruce Wayne's (Robert Pattinson) second year as The Batman (the whole film got much inspiration from beloved comics such as, The Long Halloween and Year One amongst others). This newer darker version of the dark knight hasn't met most of his well established rogues gallery yet. In this film The Riddler (Paul Dano) is but one of many "heavies". Though, admittedly, he serves as the film's primary Antagonist. In the opening scene of the film we are witnessing a grizzly murder, committed by The Ridder, which subsequently sets the film's tone.

This is undoubtedly the darkest and, to some degree, most disturbing interpretation of Batman to date. Most of the film takes place at night. Batman wears his suit throughout most of the almost 3 hour runtime (which is pretty awesome). And we are seeing a Bruce Wayne who clearly fights his inner demons, almost embracing his alter ego completely "They think I'm hiding in the shadows, but I am the shadows". Even a line like this, which may sound a bit cheesy are brilliant for this film.

I feel like a scene that got somewhat criticized, the car chase, for being too messy, fits the style of the film perfectly. It is supposed to be that messy, that you have almost no idea what's even going on. They even shot it almost exclusively with cameras mounted to the cars so you get sort of POV shots.

Speaking of the Cinematography, DP Greig Fraser is really at the top of his game here and I have no doubt that the beginning of March release date (before Oscar voting began) and his astonishing work in this were a factor in him winning the Oscar for DUNE.

Another highlight of the film is Michael Giacchino's Score (who already won an Oscar in 2010 for his work on UP, but will definitely be in the conversation once again next Awards Season), which immediately delivers, in my eyes, the best (and already iconic) Batman theme.

I am really glad that Robert Pattinson didn't try to copy previous Batman actors, in disguising their voice when they are in the suit. Pattinson also perfectly captures the naivete and inexperience this incarnation of Bruce Wayne has yet to master. His chemistry with Zoë Kravitz (who became my favorite Catwoman in a heartbeat) is impeccable and we can just hope that there will be plenty more of this playful cat and mouse game (no pun intended) in future sequels to come.

Also, his work-relationship almost buddy cop style, with Commissioner Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) is probably my favorite Batman/Gordon team so far. Something about it just feels quite alright.

The standout of the film for me, though, was easily Paul Dano who literally made me feel terrified of The Riddler. I know some people might think that he overdid it at certain points, but I really do think that just adds to the believability of The Ridder's mental instability (whispering at one point, screaming in the next and then singing Ave Maria).

2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment, INC. All Rights Reserved

I know this might be too early to call or even rather unfathomable to some people, but I truly think that this is the definite Batman film so far. I would even say it is up there at being one of the best Comic Book Films. Maybe even one of the best of (okay that might be too early to say).

DIRECTOR: Matt Reeves

WRITER: Matt Reeves & Peter Craig

CAST: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Paul Dano, Colin Farrell, Andy Serkis, Peter Sarsgaard, John Turturro

RUNTIME: 176 Minutes

RELEASE YEAR: 2022

If you're interested in more opinions from me, feel free to follow me on Twitter @bensmithawards