THE BATMAN (2022): A Realistic Take
- ldezubiriav
- Nov 10, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 17, 2023
The Batman (2022) by Matt Reeves is a gritty and gloomy detective story that delves into Bruce Wayne's early days of fighting crime. The story follows Batman as he looks into a string of killings carried out by the Riddler, a serial killer who preys on Gotham's elite, in the corrupt and crime-ridden city of Gotham.
The film directed by Reeves differs from earlier Batman movies in a few ways. First of all, the tone is far darker and more solemn. Additionally, the movie is more grounded in reality, emphasizing detective work over superheroes. Second, compared to earlier movies, the movie navigates deeper into Batman's psyche. We see Batman struggling with his rage and his desire for vengeance (he even presents himself as vengeance), and we also see him battling with the moral implications of his actions and those of his deceased parents. The movie features excellent acting, and Robert Pattinson's portrayal of Batman is particularly noteworthy.
Pattinson exudes a somber intensity that effectively conveys Batman's battle with his darkness. In addition to being a fantastic Catwoman, Zoë Kravitz gets along well with Pattinson. They have really good chemistry and portray perfectly how two lost and in pain souls, align with each other. Catwoman brings another type of character into the film. She starts by offering an alternative viewpoint on the city and its people. She is a survivor who has experienced the worst that Gotham City can offer, and to keep herself safe, she has toughened up. She is the perfect reflection of a strong independent woman who, throughout her life, destiny has brought her misfortunes and she has had to find a way to fight against them and fix them on her own. Second, Catwoman creates doubt on Batman's philosophy. She makes him reevaluate his strategies and convictions. Third, Batman has a human connection thanks to Catwoman. She helps him recognize the humanity in himself because she is one of the few people who truly gets him.
On the other hand, in his role as the Riddler, Paul Dano excels as well, crafting a genuinely unsettling unpredictable, and dark antagonist. The Riddler is a complex and very well-developed villain. He, once again, is a character full of resentment and trauma. He is an orphan just like Bruce, but unlike him, he did not grow up with all the privileges that Bruce had, he wants revenge on him and on all the elite Gotham society that promised him change but never kept their promises. He is not just a perverted killer, but also a brilliant mind that challenged and tricked every person involved in the “Renewal Corporation“, the cause of his nonconformity and rage against the Gotham leaders. His riddles are designed to test Batman's detective skills and his knowledge of Gotham City. His actions also force Batman to confront his past and his darkness.
The movie has amazing visuals as well. Filmmaker Reeves and cinematographer Greig Fraser create a terrifyingly beautiful but ominous Gotham City. In addition, the action scenes are thrilling and expertly choreographed. As well, the music in the film is a great component. Michael Giacchino, the composer of music for movies like Jurassic World, Ratatouille, and Spider-Man: Homecoming, is the man behind the music in The Batman (2022). The film's tone is aptly reflected in the eerie and atmospheric soundtrack. It also contributes to some of the most recognizable scenes in the movie and is incredibly memorable with songs like: “The Batman“ the main theme, “Can't Fight City Halloween“, and “Something in the Way“.
There are three main topics. First is corruption. Batman must confront the big corruption of the Gotham city. He needs to battle the actions of his father in the past, gaining the challenge to make a difference and also defeat the corruption manifestations in the present Gotham City. Second, Vengeance vs Justice, where Batman has a big desire for vengeance but needs to uphold and balance justice. And third Batman is having identity issues of his own. He needs to come to terms with the fact that he is both Bruce Wayne and Batman. The movie examines the difficulties of having two identities and how hard it is to strike a balance between the two sides.
In conclusion, in this edition of Batman, Matt Reeves provides Batman fans with a more realistic version of the acclaimed superhero. Portraying a fight with common and daily battles of society's issues, making the viewers gain consent about world problems instead of fantastic and superhero's normal film plots.
REFERENCES:
Comments