Streaming on HBO Max
For rent on Apple TV, Google Play, Amazon, and YouTube
I have made no secret of my disinterest in this year's Warner Brothers & DC Comics entry, yet again, falling back on their most oversaturated and overused superhero character in their entire lineup. While I am a Batman fan and enjoy a good story with him, I've grown tired of how his rights holders constantly convince themselves that he's their only marketable character. Not to mention the "Dark = Deep" argument that I've already discussed at great length and still find equally oversaturated in pop culture. So, when everyone was going on about how this new entry will be darker, grittier, and incredibly reminiscent of noir detective stories like Se7en, I was less than thrilled, to put it mildly.
However, having finally sat down to watch the movie, I am happy to report that it has surpassed my expectations and put my concerns to rest. While it may not be the best Batman story ever put to the silver screen (that distinction remains with Batman: Mask of the Phantasm), it is at least a good Batman story that justifies and earns its dark tone and provides a narrative that couldn't be more relevant and appropriately shock-inducing even if it tried. This is one instance where I am delighted to have been proven wrong about something.
The story follows Bruce Wayne/Batman (Robert Pattinson) two years into his crusade against crime. He has already gained a reputation for being ruthless against criminals and is perceived as a demon in many ways. Things begin to take a strange and twisted turn when Batman finds himself on the trail of a sadistic serial killer, The Riddler (Paul Dano), who has started a dangerous and unnerving game of cat & mouse. Upon investigating, Batman discovers some terrible secrets about the city authorities, including unsettling details about his parents. Along the way, he enlists the aid of a professional thief named Selina Kyle/Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), who is searching for a friend of hers who may have gotten mixed up with the local crime boss. The fate of Gotham City rests on their shoulders, and all the mysteries must be solved before something inhumane befalls the innocent.
The stand-out feature of the film is its portrayal of Batman. While the character has enjoyed many interpretations in the comics, TV, and movies, this one feels particularly noteworthy. Everything from his outfit to how he enters a room feels demonic and monstrous. This is a Batman who is emotionally disturbed and uses that energy as a force for good. This is also probably the best use of turning Batman into an object of fear for the wicked and corrupt.
Along the way, he learns a valuable lesson about the difference between vengeance and justice. I won't spoil exactly how, but let's just say it'll likely offend some affiliates of the GOP, which I'm totally okay with.
That lesson about vengeance vs. justice is the central theme and dedicated message of the whole film, which I cannot praise enough. In this day & age, when we all feel powerless against real-world evil forces, it's easy to believe that vengeance, or any drastic action for that matter, is the only course of action for real change. However, as shown in this movie, it couldn't be farther from the truth. If we want real change, we all must do better than vengeance.
The comparisons to Se7en are indeed well-founded. This film feels less like a Batman movie and more like a gripping noir detective story that happens to have Batman. This may be par for the course in most comics, but it's rarely been appropriately portrayed on the silver screen. Unlike most other dark stories, this one isn't dark for the sake of it but instead takes full advantage of the style and atmosphere. Nothing feels forced or artificially inserted to meet a quota. Everything feels like it belongs in the world presented.
The only nitpicks I have with the film are a few aspects of the script and some of the characters not getting enough screen time as I might have liked. Some of the twisted riddles from the villain feel a bit too silly for their own good (though they do also serve as an unusual source of necessary levity), and the twist about Batman's parents felt out of place (although it does contribute to the overall thematic message of the film). Plus, there needed to be much more of Alfred (Andy Serkis).
The Batman is not the next greatest thing in superhero or comic book cinema, but it is an incredibly well-crafted film that deserves all the praise it has already received and has successfully demolished my previous concerns. I am genuinely looking forward to what may come next.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
No comments:
Post a Comment