‘The Batman’ provides a truly gruesome outlook on the source material with a star-studded cast.
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
By Aubrey Carr
Robert Pattinson has traded vampires for bats with “The Batman” directed by Matt Reeves.
Acting as a reboot for DC Universe’s Batman, the movie is a lengthy entrance into the world of the Dark Knight.
“The Batman” is probably the darkest adaption of its source material yet –– a feat given the fatal violence of Ben Affleck’s “Justice League” portrayal and the chaotic psychosis of Heath Ledger’s Joker during “The Dark Knight Rises.”
Unlike its predecessors, the grit of “The Batman” does not come from violence or mania, but rather from its deep worldbuilding surrounding the grimy cesspool that is this film’s Gotham City. The streets are filled with burning cars and garbage, gangs and underground prostitution rings are the norm and the city’s democracy has been infiltrated by corrupt leadership.
Viewers can understand Bruce Wayne’s dedication to his edgy alter ego –– for the first time on-screen the failures of his beloved city are shown instead of told. Throughout the film, Batman himself questions if Gotham’s degeneracy runs too deep to be salvaged.
Despite the movie’s PG-13 rating, “The Batman” doesn’t shy away from showing the evils that are being fought. This transparency is necessary given the protagonist’s entire character is based around an all-encompassing need to destroy said evils.
Being able to see not only Batman’s direct enemy, the Riddler, but also the entire system of criminality that has powered the character’s motivations builds the film’s world while also fueling a connection to the character.
Like the most recent Batman film, “Joker,” “The Batman” attempts to act as a sort-of allegory to the corruption seen in areas of real-world society.
While the political elements are not necessarily forced, the brief discussions of socioeconomics and the generational cycle of crime are a bit too surface level to provide any sort of meaningful insight. It’s not an unwelcome conversation, but it is one that deserves more than to serve as a backdrop to the story of a billionaire who spends his free time dressed up as a bat.
The star-studded cast is one of the film’s biggest selling points, providing a sincerity to the ridiculousness of the movie’s superhero setting. Robert Pattinson as Batman, Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman, Colin Farrell as the Penguin and Paul Dano as the Riddler stand out in particular.
The chemistry between Kravitz and Pattinson is outstanding. In the scenes the pair share, they perfectly sell a sultry storyline of an attraction that spans beyond economic borders. Their vastly differing backstories create a romance that feels reminiscent of a superhero-inspired Romeo and Juliet.
The biggest issue with “The Batman” is its long runtime. Sitting at nearly three hours long, the movie simply does not have enough story to account for its length.
As great as the film’s many elements are, by its climax you are already mentally checked out. Instead of focusing on some great battle between Batman and his enemies, you’re left wondering when the movie is going to end.
Although prey to underutilized allegory and a long runtime, “The Batman” has no shortage of successes.
Gorgeously staged cinematography; a stunning soundtrack, featuring both a chilling original score and the fitting use of “Something In The Way” by Nirvana; a well-rounded view into Gotham City; and a stellar cast create an imperfect, but satisfying, entry into the crowded sea of Batman flicks.
[3 1/2 out of 5 stars]
