The Batman (2022) opens with the Riddler’s (Paul Dano) murder of Mayor Don Mitchell Jr. (Rupert Penry-Jones). This event is the first in a string of crimes to which the Riddler attaches clues for the Batman (Robert Pattinson). With the aid of Catwoman/Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz) and Commissioner Jim Gordon (Jeffrey Wright), Batman/Bruce Wayne connects the dots that reveal the depth of Gotham’s corruption. The movie does not end on a victorious note, as the Riddler manages to at least partially execute his plan for Gotham’s demise. We are left with a portrait of the city for which Batman feels responsible, its enemies, and its champions.
This film has a very classic gothic Batman tone. The aesthetic of the Wayne mansion, the criminal element that undergirds Gotham, and the characters that Batman encounters strongly echoes Batman: The Long Halloween (1996-1997) by Jeph Loeb. In addition to the Riddler, other villains from Batman lore – such as Salvatore Maroni, Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), and the Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot (Colin Farrell)– make an appearance.
I thought the portrayal of the Riddler was especially interesting. The character reminded me of the famed Zodiac Killer, who operated in California in the ’60s with his word puzzles and public threats – it is a resemblance that complements the crime drama vibes of the film. Furthermore, the Riddler has the look of a modern domestic terrorist with his online presence, disgust with elite society, and belief in the necessity of fear and force to achieve his ends. This characterization struck me because it hit a little too close to home and sharply offsets the otherwise fantastical mystique of Batman’s world.
In all, The Batman is a beautiful movie made with excellent filming and exhibiting a slow burn. I was not expecting it to be such a visually pleasant experience, and this was a wonderful surprise. If, like me, you are interested in comparing the different iterations of the character of Batman, you will definitely appreciate the addition of this film to the body of Batman cinema. Regardless, it is a masterful work and definitely right for any Batman fan.
Credits
- Director: Matt Reeves
- Starring: Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell, Andy Serkis, John Turturro
- Production Companies: DC Films, 6th & Idaho, Dylan Clark Productions
- Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
