The Batman: The New Gold Standard
Matt Reeves' The Batman, which hit theaters March 4th, is the latest adaptation of the beloved caped crusader. With nine live action films already made, getting another film may feel redundant to some. Especially with the success of The Dark Knight trilogy, many felt the new installment would not be able to live up to its predecessors. However, The Batman delivers a new, grittier, and comic accurate story.
The Batman, unlike previous films, does not begin with his origin. Instead, this rendition finds Bruce Wayne already in his second year of crime fighting. The story centers around a set of homicides perpetrated by the Riddler. Working with Detective James Gordon, Batman begins following the clues in an effort to stop this serial killer.
With a 3-hour run-time, many might be hesitant to see it, fearing that it may be a drag to get through. However, Reeves does a terrific job at pacing the film and keeping the audience engaged. The story progresses with Batman, following him to wherever each clue leads him. Each scene seamlessly pushes the narrative forward with no unnecessary “filler.” Being a noir detective film, it requires time to unmask all aspects of the plot.
From its opening sequence, the film shows us this is a much darker film than previous renditions. As it introduces its protagonist and antagonist, it feels like a horror movie. It does so first by introducing both characters from behind the shadows. Riddler appears in the beginning just as he is about to commit his first murder. We are introduced to Batman from the eyes of street criminals, cautiously eyeing the darkness in fear of his arrival. Much like the comics, the film also includes narration from Batman’s journal throughout, enhancing our understanding of how he sees the world and they see him. Batman intends to strike fear into the very souls of his enemies, and this film shows that he delivers.
The chemistry between the main characters is fantastic in this adaptation. While this is more obviously seen between Batman and Catwoman, I feel the relationship with Gordon deserves more credit than it gets. When compared with The Dark Knight trilogy, I find the two characters to have a more believable partner dynamic in this film. We see this as the pair investigate crime scenes together and work to uncover the mystery since the film’s beginning. Without much footage, the audience understands their partnership.
The villains are also done extremely well here. Most film adaptations of the Riddler have been on the sillier side. The usual depiction of him with a green suit, hat, and question mark cane are not seen in this version. Instead, Paul Dano's Riddler took some inspiration from the Zodiac, a serial killer in the 1960s California area. This chilling new version of him was exciting to see on screen. His ominous demeanor added layers to the movie, really making it feel like even more of a scary mystery movie. Colin Farrell's Penguin does have a more comic accurate look (minus his iconic cigar). Though he is not the main antagonist of the film, he shines in every one of his scenes. The success of Farrell's portrayal of the Penguin has even spawned an upcoming HBO series about the character.
The incredible cinematography and direction is further enhanced by the film's score. Arguably Michael Giacchino’s best work, the musical score adds wonders for the viewing experiences. Each character's main theme fits their journey so precisely. The music tells the character's story just as much as the actual film does. The loneliness and sense of duty that encapsulates Batman's character in this story are felt through the music alone. Within all that darkness you can feel that little bit of hope.
The Batman is an incredible start to this new trilogy. With such a promising start, Reeves has truly made the greatest comic book adaptation on the big screen to-date.
Written by Sudarshan Sindhuvalli
Art by Judah Bachmann
