Why I still can’t get over The Batman

The Dark Knight returned to the big screen, with a new actor behind the cape and the mask. Robert Pattinson became the Caped Crusader in The Batman, directed by Matt Reeves and distributed by Warner Bros. The film racked bucks after its theatrical release, earning over $735 million worldwide. Fans praised Pattinson for his portrayal, despite many still having their reservations.

Here are some of the reasons why I still can’t get over this new version of The Batman

Fleshed-out world building

The film starts with a panoramic overview of Gotham City, a crime-infested hellscape overrun by Gotham crime bosses. The corrupt city became a criminal playground for all sorts of fiends. We have your run-of-the-mill crooks, petty thieves, bullying thugs, and all sorts of psychiatric criminals running loose. 

Gotham City is not a new sight for all Batman enthusiasts, but Matt Reeves’ direction made the town more than just your typical crime city. The first 10 minutes of the film felt like Gotham introducing itself rather than the audience exploring the city.

The gloom and doom of the night felt like a ravaging maw slowly consuming everything. The ambiance and the tone of the film set the stage for our favorite Dark Knight, unraveling its inner workings.

Batman is an actual detective.

Among Batman’s many titles is “The World’s Greatest Detective” and comics such as Hush, Long Halloween, and The Court of Owls. The same cannot be said of his on-screen counterparts, as these Batmen focused more on the brawl than the brawn (looking at you, DCEU!).

In Pattinson’s portrayal, however, we get to see the brain behind the mask, and it is glorious, to say the least. He inspects curiosities, does a stake-out, unravels puzzles, and the whole shebang. The film pretty much started with a live crime scene, as Batman tried to piece clues from foe on a murdering spree. 

Not only that, but The Batman’s approach to making the film’s direction closer to a thriller than a superhero movie elevates this fantasy. The movie reminds me of Fincher films by how well the mystery unfolds and the pending doom of an inevitable twist. Who knew that a superhero flick can be this gripping?

Near perfect casting

When word got out that Edward Cullen would be the next Batman, fans had divisive opinions. Most people only knew Patterson from the Twilight series, while others urged to give him a chance after seeing his indie career.

When Patterson put on the cape and the suit, however, no one can deny how suiting Batman is to the actor. Aside from being the bat, we also had a glimpse of a far younger Bruce from him.

This Bruce Wayne is a far cry from being the playboy philanthropist we see from earlier iterations. He is edgy, angry, and incredibly wealthy, which Patterson portrayed effectively.

Zoë Kravitz played Selina Kyle, also known as the Catwoman. Kravitz dignified the role of the feline anti-heroine in her portrayal, who is usually written as the sexual icon for Batman films. In this version, Selina Kyle’s burglary came with a good reason, and her character has depth and realistic dilemmas. Don’t get me wrong, Zoë definitely rocked that Catwoman outfit, but that did not solely define her character. 

Jeffrey Wright brought a fresh take on Commissioner Gordon. Gordon helps Batman on crime scenes he believes needed his attention. Batman and Gordon certainly delivered a friendly chemistry audience didn’t entirely expect but wholeheartedly accepted. The two investigated crime scenes together and toppled the secrets of Gotham’s elite with each other’s help. 

The breakout performance for this film, however, definitely goes to Paul Dano as the maniacal menace, the Riddler. Oh boy, did this character trend for all the right reasons. Paul Dano gave it his all in the performance as the villain behind the murders, despite him not being the main antagonist.

The Riddler in this film is an unhinged genius that spites the Gotham elites, who peddled crime in the city. Dano gave tension and unease to the audience, all the while making actual sense (in a criminal, fucked up way).

Fight Choreography

You would be lying if you say The Batman has bad fighting sequences. Since Patterson’s Batman was portrayed 2 years after he took on the cape, you can expect a more rugged version of our hero. And it is visible in the way he fights!

The slow walk of impending doom and the way he takes punches and returns them 2 times fold screams angst. We get to see hand-to-hand combat against goons and the way how destructive this Batman is. Admittedly, it is unbecoming of the hero with a moral code, but man is it satisfying to see. 

The Batman gave its audience a cinematic treat like no other.

Not only that Patterson regained new respect for his performance, but he was also able to breathe new life into the DC fan favorite. The film will be remembered as one of 2022’s most remarkable hero films, and one that will be admired in years to come. I cannot wait for the year Batman returns to the big screen.

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