The Batman (2022) - Review
Fear is a tool ...When that light hits the sky, it’s not just a call. It’s a warning. For them. - The Batman
The Batman (2022), directed by Matt Reeves, is the latest reboot in the Batman film franchise. It follows a young Bruce Wayne played by actor Robert Pattinson, in his early days of being the caped crusader, the vigilante of Gotham City. His take on the beloved character and Reeve's reimagining of Gotham City is completely different from any on-screen adaptation that we have seen before. But, does the film live up to its grand expectations? (Potential Spoilers Ahead)
Early in the film, the movie establishes a very dark, and moody tone. The majority of the film takes place at night time. The color palette is very monotone. The score to the film by composer Michael Giacchino is eerie and menacing. Batman himself fits in perfectly here. Early reactions have described the character as "emo", or "goth" and they are not wrong in saying so. Pattinson's Bruce Wayne is a very angry man. Struggling to cope with the murder of his parents, and fed up with the crime that has plagued his city, it is evidently clear that the character is fed up. Batman pulls no punches in his fight scenes throughout the movie. Assaulting thugs with no remorse, seemingly taking his frustration out on them He hardly ever speaks, but when he does, he speaks with conviction The quote above derives from a monologue by the protagonist in the beginning of the film. In which, he describes his relationship with the criminals of Gotham City. He is aware that he cannot stop all crime at once, yet he has created a nearly omnipresent chokehold on crime in the city, for lack of better words. Whether this is a good or bad thing is a question the movie does an excellent job of juggling throughout the film.
More than just your average blockbuster superhero film, The Batman (2022) is a character piece. A look at how "vengeance" can impact a person, those close to him, and even an entire city. With the influx of superhero films in the past decade, it is refreshing to see a different take on a character we all know so well.
I love how you connected the tone and setting of the movie, to the characters stories to their motives. Your emphasis on Batman's anger and pent up feelings helped me notice how his emotions translate into many other aspects of the film. Batman's feelings not only affect the scenery and tone of the film, but the entire plot. His entire motive for being Batman is fueled by his emo characterization. We see subtle changes throughout the film, that lead to major character development by the end. This development is something I didn't catch before, so I would love to hear more about how you think his emotions left off at the end of the movie. I would also be interested to hear your perspective on the characters and actors in the current film, compared to past characters and actors. Great review!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite things is to actually sit and analyze movies. Before college, ineevr went as in dented with films to talk about the color platte or the actually film making parts. Mostly I analyzed the flims plots and all the loop hole and eater eggs. Once in college I took a class that I stated ruined movies for me beaus I would always look for the climax and points in the movie thatanazlye the film, so I stop watching movies. The Batman was one film I was going to watch because of my love for Batman, however I felt like would enjoy it as I stopped watching movies, your review and explanation of this movies display of Batman makes me actually want to try and enjoy it as the time you've taken out to express the tone attitude displayed by Patterson. I think that this is great review.
ReplyDeleteHello! I agree with your review of the movie Batman. I saw it last weekend and it was great! I think that Pattinson did a great job taking on the main role, and he definitely had the mystery that Batman should have. You should do Uncharted!
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