Non-Spoiler Section
The Batman is a film I really wasn't sure to make of going in. The trailers left me conflicted, and it would naturally be a tall order to remake the character after the Christopher Nolan trilogy. So, last night I went in cautiously optimistic.
The Batman focuses on a Bruce Wayne two years into his career as Batman. He is angry and vengeful at the criminals of Gotham as Gotham's Dark Knight, and as Bruce Wayne he is alone, reclusive to the world. However, when the mayor is murdered in his own home by a mysterious killer known for leaving cryptic puzzles on the scene of his crimes (I wonder who that could be...), a conspiracy is unveiled that reaches up to the highest levels of Gotham. Will Batman solve the mystery of the killer and stop his killing spree? How will it affect the already disillusioned people of Gotham?
What immediately comes to mind to me is how different this film is to the Nolan trilogy - it knows its predecessors left a monumental legacy to not just the character, but cinema as a whole, and how futile it would be to try and one-up it. After all, how could there be a better Jim Gordon than Gary Oldman, or Alfred Pennyworth than Michael Caine?
Instead, the clever decision was made to make a totally different film, avoiding most of the criticisms that would arise, with a Gotham city that is more stylised and colourful, A Batman who is more of an detective and crime-solver than a saviour of the city, and a story that focuses more on the drives and motivations of the central characters as they solve an overarching mystery than grandiose themes of becoming a symbol or battling for the soul of the city. As a result, it feels like more accurate in line with a comic book story. It is still pretty grounded in reality - no Killer Crocs or Mister Freezes to be found, but it is less ashamed to embrace a style befitting a comic character than the Nolan trilogy, where the adherence to realism was, at least in my opinion, a double-edged sword.
The adaptation of the Riddler was a stroke of genius. Paul Dano's new take on the character, serving more as a serial murderer, whose actions are meant to expose a wider conspiracy, so he is not particularly recognisable, but when he is revealed in full I was amazed to see the him both familiar to the typically goofy comic version, and yet terrifying when grounded in this grimy, mature setting. The Penguin gets similar treatment, played by Colin Farrell under perhaps the most realistic prosthetics I've ever seen. Both characters are translated brilliantly into a complex narrative, that even with characters like Catwoman and Carmine Falcone, never really felt bloated or overdone.
Robert Pattinson's Batman was very different to Bale's one, being partially to his benefit, and partially to his detriment. On the one hand, his Batman's suit, voice and mannerisms all seem more in line with the Batman depictions I was familiar with, and considering Pattinson is in Batman mode for most of the film, was awesome to see. However, due to his characterisation - which is entirely intentional - there is no real juxtaposition between his personalities as Batman and Bruce Wayne. It definitely works within the context of the story, but doesn't give Pattinson the range of character that other actors have been able to achieve - it all depends on your preference, however. I personally loved the characterisation of a younger Bruce Wayne whose anger and dedication of his role as Batman has led him to forego his duties outside of it, but if you don't, I'd imagine you'd not enjoy it as much.
Additionally, the runtime is a little too long, with the ending stretched thin in places. With a bit of reworking and 20-30 minutes trimmed off, this wouldn't be an issue, and it still ends on an incredibly satisfying note, but I'd be being dishonest if I didn't at least bring it up.
I think this is a great film. Visually stunning, well written and acted, scratching an itch that hadn't been scratched since Batman Begins 16 years ago. Overall, a joy to watch. 9 out of 10.
9 OUT OF 10
SPOILER SECTION
The opening scenes of the Riddler's murder of the Mayor, then the criminals scared of the shadows, fearing Batman's presence because of the signal lit in the sky, before he emerges from one of the shadows, and takes down a group of thugs, all with the fantastic score getting louder and more intense. The best cinematic scene I've seen in recent films (with maybe the sole exception of Dune).
I think a common criticism I've heard is the escalation of The Riddler's plan. For most of the film, he is targeting those involved in the money laundering that masqueraded as a renewal fund, which led to his tortured childhood in a downtrodden orphanage. He targets the corrupt in power and leads Batman to uncover the whole scheme, helping him in his own twisted way. And yet, when it comes to the final stage of his plan, flooding Gotham and having his supporters target the newly appointed Mayor. And, while it's true that she had nothing to do with the Renewal conspiracy, nor does flooding Gotham seem to make things any better for people like Nashton, but it demonstrates the fact that he is motivated more by personal revenge than representing any true justice, and provides Batman pivotal moments to define his character going forward - simple anger at the crime of Gotham wasn't going to solve its problems - the people of Gotham City need hope, and their faith restored, especially in the light of the disaster Nashton unleashed. As a result, it feels like a cleverly disguised origin of the Batman we are all familiar with, which is why I found it so satisfying when the awesome shot of him lighting the flare and leading the trapped people out - he is not just a vigilante to put fear in the hearts of criminals, but inspire the citizens to hold on amidst despair.
Catwoman's arc was fairly well done, connecting her and Batman's connections to Carmine Falcone and her redemption, making her the most involved and captivating version of Selina Kyle I've seen (with the exclusion of a few cringeworthy lines here and there). Alfred and Jim Gordon were sadly lacking in this film, but I think this was done deliberately to avoid obvious Dark Knight comparisons, and because of this, I don't really mind.
Oh, and the Joker has a cameo at the end. I know he is the main antagonist of Batman, but he could do with a rest for a few years. Maybe not the direct sequel, but if this becomes a trilogy, he could do well as the main antagonist of a third part set in Arkham Asylum.
Anyway, those are my thoughts? What did you guys think of The Batman? Is it on par with the Nolan films? Could this mark the start of a new trilogy for the character? Let me know in the comments. See you in the next one!
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