The Batman is the newest film from DC studios directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne. The film has received mostly positive reviews, with 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.4/10 on IMBD. However some reviews have called the film boring, tacky, too long and lacking action. But do these statements have any weight?
The film covers increasingly darker themes and dives much more into the duality and connection between Batman and The Riddler.
Well, The Batman’s new take on the Batman narrative is definitely extremely different to anything we’ve seen before. The film covers increasingly darker themes and dives much more into the duality and connection between Batman and The Riddler. The Riddler’s main goal in this film is to expose political corruption in Gotham City. The Riddler believes that, like Batman, he’s helping people; he idolises Batman and considers what he is doing as helping the Caped-Crusader. Even The Riddler’s backstory mirrors Batman’s, most obviously with them both being orphans.
The discrepancies and differences appear in the characters’ methods in pursuit of their goals. While Batman fights crime on the streets using non-lethal methods, The Riddler targets and murders corrupt politicians. In the film, people support Riddler and even consider him a hero.
Compared to the original, significant changes manifest in Batman’s costume. His suit is far less sleek and more realistic, with the Bat symbol in the centre of his chest doubling as a utility knife which differs to the original. Similarly, Riddler’s costume is far more realistic and menacing, consisting of an army jacket and a military winter mask with glasses on top.
Separately the film has also received backlash as the actor for James Gordon (A white character) is Jeffrey Wright, a person of colour. However critiques of this casting are completely without base as the character’s race has never been a defining trait. All these elements add to offer a completely new view on Batman.
If you’re looking for a repeat of The Dark Knight, you won’t find it in this latest version. But if you go into the cinema with an open mind, then I asssure you that The Batman won’t disappoint.