One might think that after 14 incantations of the caped crusader on screen by various filmmakers, what's left more to explore? The answer lies in Matt Reeves's, The Batman. A very fresh (comparatively) and different take not only from other Batflicks but from the superhero genre itself. It would probably be wrong to call this a superhero film because it is far away from it, for me atleast. The film is a purebred neo noir detective horror thriller at it's core. It channels a David Fincheresque way of storytelling (likes of zodiac, se7en etc). It has horror elements throughout, genuinely scaring me and keeping me on my toes staring into the nooks and corners. It seems certainly inspired from the criminal underbelly and politics of Nolan's Bat Trilogy. The film is shot like a piece of art and might get you into thinking am I witnessing an art house film? The neo noir style of filmmaking with a superhero at centre reeks of freshness. Could have gone horribly wrong mind you if not executed to the T. But Reeves manages to do it with aplomb. The film is dark, figuratively and literally as well. The various shades of black makes the viewing experience a tad bit difficult (thank goodness there was no 3D version otherwise we would have been watching a black screen for 3 hours). It's dark, moody, subdued going around in its paces which is slow, very slow. It rarely bursts out, characters talk in hushed tones, there is no flamboyance. Feels like watching a no nonsense detective thriller.
Pattinson's take on Batman while certainly new for the character, is not new for him. Twilight fans would understand and remember the broody and moody Edward Cullen. Pattinson channels the same energy here and I'm not complaning, It works wonders. We have a lot more of Batman than Bruce Wayne in this film. Topping Bale and Keaton is not easy but I feel Pattinson is on his way. Obviously it is too early to tell (2 more movies are planned). But he certainly is on his way to be called the best Batman. He is phenomenal in his role. I wish I could say the same about Zoe(Catwoman), Jeffrey Wright (Gordon), Andy Serkins (Alfred). They are grossly underused and underwritten. They are such fantastic actors within themselves, it almost feels criminal to have not fleshed them out on paper and on screen with a bit more effort. While Bat and cat's chemistry is sizzling on screen and that is what kept me for wanting more. Paul Dano (Riddler) was freakin' terrifying and I can't stress this enough. He gave me the goosebumps. He was in a mask for almost the entirety of the film and still could give you the chills. I have never seen or read a more sadistic Riddler. His chemistry with the Bat was off the charts in the pre climax scene making me clamour why this didn't happen a good 2 hours ago. Reminding me of The Bat and Joker's interrogation scene in 'The Dark Knight'. Colin Farrell as Penguin is crazy and unrecognisable. It was a treat to watch so many villains of the Bat together in a film.
Coming to the other technical aspects of the film. Cinematography is up close and personal letting you into the psyche of the character on screen. Greig Fraser (Dune and many other notable works) does a tremendous job in capturing the mood of the film. There are some extraordinary shots and scenes, (Bat jumping from a building, a car chase sequence, bat fighting in tunnels etc) just unbelievable which you just have to witness. This is easily the most visually aesthetic superhero film I have watched. Music is by another legend Michael Giacchino. His BGM is edgy, goes well with the tone of the film and enhances the visuals with the errieness translating through the music. Matt Reeves and Peter Craig's writing is top notch (albeit some problems with character fleshing and pacing of the film). There is this one scene which is an absolute favourite of mine where the Bat(unconscious) is surrounded by about 20 cops in a jail cell. They try to unmask him and he wakes up and what follows is just stuff of dreams.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Batman by Matt Reeves. It's a very strong film with good performances, visuals and music. It can grow into something extraordinary in the future with other films coming out. It's a strong start. The film though I feel is mostly for Batman purists. We will enjoy the film more than some others. But the reaction to the film has been crazy with what I have read so far and it's amazing to see viewers appreciating this film.
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