What I’m watching: a superb and timely superhero movieDate: 3/14/2022 In theaters: “The Batman”
A disclaimer is needed to start. I have been a Batman fan since when I first discovered the character at about age 6. As a child, if you’re going to daydream about becoming a superhero, Batman offers the most hope. You simply had to train yourself in a dozen disciplines and be a billionaire.
That seemed much more possible than being an orphan of the planet Krypton.
Over the years, I’ve come to see Batman as an enduring popular culture character who is the subject of many interpretations. The crimefighter shares equal significance with Sherlock Holmes, Tarzan, and the Lone Ranger in terms of an appeal that spans generations. Along with Superman, he is one of a handful of comic book subjects that have this multi-generational appeal.
Like those characters, there have been plenty of people who have put their own spins on those characters, such as artists and writers, as well as filmmakers. The Batman first appeared on screen in 1943 in the form of a serial from Columbia that, because of its racism, is almost unwatchable today. There was a subsequent serial in 1949 and then the wildly popular TV series of the mid-1960s with Adam West.
Since then, we’ve seen Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney and Ben Affleck in their interpretations of the role. We’ve seen several animated series, one of which, “Batman, The Animated Series,” is considered by many one of the finest adaptations of the character.
We tend to see a Batman that reflects the spirit and topics of the times, and the new film from director and writer Matt Reeves is no exception. This is the perfect Batman, considering when we live.
Reeves is no stranger to adapting material that has proven itself popular in years past as he directed the two of the recent “Planet of the Apes” films. He clearly understands the strengths of the character and how to adapt them to 21st century audiences.
Reeves picks a young Batman, only in his second year of trying to make a difference in crime-plagued Gotham City. He notes much to his dissatisfaction that crime is up despite his effort of trying to frighten local thugs.
It is when the mayor of Gotham is murdered, and the killer leaves a note for the hero, that his focus changes from street crime to something much deeper and much darker. He learns there is a systemic crime and corruption issue in the city that touches many people of power and influence.
This is a dark movie from both the story and the lighting. Batman is a creature of the night, and in this film also is a detective, something from the comic books that many of the screen adaptations had decided to overlook.
No spoilers here, but there are numerous strengths to the story that should be noted. First, the Riddler is not a buffoon or light-weight criminal. He is a character from a horror film.
Second, Reeves wisely did away with the idea that Bruce Wayne is a playboy who flaunts his wealth. This Bruce Wayne may be a young billionaire, but he is not making the gossip pages. This was a welcomed departure from the comics and the previous movies.
Third, Robert Pattinson is an amazing choice for the hero. He conveys both Bruce Wayne’s idealism that he can make a difference along with his concern that he may not be a positive influence.
This attention to casting extends to every cast choice Reeves made. Zoe Kravitz is absolutely perfect as the Cat Woman. Her Selena Kyle is a part-time waitress, sex worker and thief. On the unforgiving streets of Gotham, she is a survivor who is fueled with rage when her roommate disappears.
Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon captures just the right tone as a veteran cop who is ethical but willing to bend or break the rules as a partner to Batman.
Fourth, what a hell of a concept for the Batmobile!
There isn’t a false move in this story that unfolds over the course of a nearly three-hour running time. Yes, it’s a long movie, but it doesn’t seem it. The pacing works well.
This is a story about how anger and sorrow can be turned into something else – the paths that unfold before us in life. It’s a story about how everyday people can live their lives without understanding the forces that are secretly guiding them. And this is a story of someone who is trying to make a difference but doesn’t have to.
I loved this film. It is not a film for kids. Please leave the young children at home. This is a Batman that may give them nightmares.
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