Time and time again, the DC cinematic universe has been subject to public scrutiny, with box office failures and poorly written superhero storylines that have all culminated in a decade’s worth of disappointment for DC comics fans. Even with iconic international properties like Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, DC has failed to hit its stride and release a film that is welcomed with widespread acclaim. All of that has changed with their release of “The Batman.”
Yes, it seems DC has finally scored a hit, and “The Batman” is an absolute home run for Warner Bros. Pictures. The film stars former “Twilight”’ heartthrob Robert Pattinson in the titular role, putting his own chilling spin on the classic character. Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne is unlike any other portrayal of the world’s greatest detective that the franchise has seen to date, being distinctly more sinister and unsettling in comparison to others who have taken on the role. He reinvents Wayne as an unsympathetic, cold-hearted man of vengeance with a fervid determination to figure out who killed the mayor of the ominous Gotham City.
Although Pattinson is a bit of an unexpected performer for the role, he absolutely deserves mountains of acclaim for his performance in this film. Not only is it clear that he is invested in the character, it’s also hard as an audience member to believe that Bruce Wayne is merely a fictional character and not an actualized person due to his massive commitment to the role. Had Pattinson not been cast, the film would have been nowhere near as complex and believable, so all the credit is deserved. However, Pattinson isn’t the only actor deserving of praise here. “Big Little Lies” star Zoe Kravitz also gives a stunning performance as Batman’s sneaky and fierce accomplice Selina Kyle, otherwise known as Catwoman. Kravitz and Pattinson have an undeniable chemistry that is omnipresent throughout the entire film, and both actors create a dynamic that makes the action sequences of the film an incredibly fun time to watch. The budding romance between the characters feels both believable and smooth and adds a layer of intricacy to the film.
Visually, the film is absolutely stunning. The gritty, darkened look of the scenery adds a suspenseful, unnerving element to the film’s tone, and positions the audience in the cold, dark mood of Gotham City. In one sequence, Batman and supervillain The Penguin get into a high-speed car chase down a crowded city highway. The entire sequence is a heart-stopping, nail-biting thrill and creates an intense scene so exhilarating that you almost have to catch your breath. At the end of the chase sequence, the film’s magnum opus shot comes into play – Batman walks out of his flipped, burning Batmobile and makes a beeline for The Penguin, who thinks he has defeated him. The entire scene is a terrifying ride that will leave you with hairs standing on the back of your neck.
Another strength that the Batman franchise has that is present in the film is a series of complex and disturbing villains. Director Matt Reeves takes advantage of that in this project, showcasing the psychological madness of characters like The Penguin and the infamous Riddler. In an exceptionally unnerving scene at the end of the film, the Riddler sings a tumultuous tune to Batman through the plexiglass walls of Arkham Asylum, the psych ward where the Riddler is sent after being arrested for flooding the city. Actor Paul Danos’ performance in this scene is especially frightening as he screams at Bruce Wayne through the walls and curses his name.
All in all, “The Batman” is one of the greatest superhero films the box office has seen in a very long time. Not only does DC manage to reinvent the Batman universe in a unique and stylized way, but the casting of the characters and visual elements of the film also come together perfectly and create DC’s best film yet (albeit a bit of a long one). If DC can ride the success of this film, then a new wave of action-film excellence may very well be upon us.
