2h 56m . 2022
The Batman movie makes a great deal out of its hero. Everything about him goes in slow motion, which may help to explain the film's bloated 3-hour running time.
This outing of Gotham City's caped-masked crusader, more sourpuss than Batman, finds him so gloomy and brooding that Pattinson's other bat avatar, the eternity-grieving vampire of Twilight, was good training. Matt Reeves' The Batman plainly draws inspiration from the fictitious universe of Christopher Nolan's oh-so-serious The Dark Knight, as well as real-life events such as a Black leader speaking of change and certain White extremists laying siege to the seat of power on election day.
As Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) tells us in the opening Rorschach-like voiceover, he's been Batman for two years. He's spent "two years of night" throughout his life. We observe a hooded person striding through Gotham's busy streets, surrounded by crooks and slime, waiting for dusk to fall as he prepares for another night of retribution. "They believe I'm hiding in the shadows... However, I am the shadows ".. The brilliantly written, frighteningly effective narration, like the film it opens, immerses us in Bruce's unsettled, unrested mind, immersing us in his quest, his pain, his wrath.
In addition to Year One, Matt Reeves and co-writer Peter Craig draw influence from the Batman: The Long Halloween comic book tale (also recently adapted into a two-part animated film). Reeves' picture, like that novel, chronicles a string of heinous killings in Gotham. The Riddler, a new insane murderer, is executing corrupt authorities. His identity and ultimate goal are unclear. He only leaves bodies and notes addressed to Batman. With each victim, additional facts emerge, revealing a wider scheme that shakes Gotham City and Batman to their core.
Action and violence are matter-of-fact but never overlooked in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Arrias' action choreography extends beyond sleek martial arts and ferocious brawls. Instead, every hit is loaded with hatred, every punch and blow bursting with uncontrollable rage. Everything from the Batsuit (which no longer relies on parlor tricks or theatrics for presence) to the gadgets to the Batmobile is lighter and more functional.
In this scenario, Paul Dano's spine-chilling Riddler carrying out his own brand of Jigsaw-style vigilante justice aptly reflects Batman's unexpected consequences on his city. His mere presence not only invites, but also stimulates challenge.
Finally, at nearly three hours, Matt Reeves' The Batman is a lot of movies, but it's still not enough. It's a true origin story in the sense that it follows the path of a vigilante who is still learning what it takes to be a hero. One who recognises that he is only a byproduct of the darkness he seeks to eradicate. More vengeance breeds more vengeance. Change is brought about through instilling optimism rather than introducing fear. A symbol comes to life. A hero is created.