The Batman
This is a dark movie in tone and atmosphere. Many scenes are
shot in gloomy rainy nights. Robert Pattinson’s Batman is sullen. An overriding
theme of the film is vengeance. At one point Salina, Cat Woman, calls him by
that name. What Pattinson lacks in dialogue he makes up in action. Like other
Batmen movies special effects plays a significant role and this film does not
disappoint. Pattinson’s Batman ranks high in order of popularity. Without his
cowl he is an introspective Bruce Wayne. In part this is an origin story of
Bruce’s parents going beyond that faithful night when they were killed in front
of his eyes.
The line up of villains is impressive. Colin Farrell plays
the Penguin. Here the name Penguin is a moniker for Oz Cobblepot. His prothesis
makes him unrecognizable. The Penguin is an underling to Carmine Falcone, played by John Turturro.
Turturro gives one of the best performances. His outer persona in mild and even
tempered but he is a cold blooded killer. The arch villain is the Riddler. He
causes mayhem and murder wrapped in his riddles. The Riddler is brilliantly played
by Paul Dano. This psychotic murder fits perfectly in Dano’s wheelhouse.
The good guys are Salina, James Gordon and Alfred Pennyworth.
Salina is the Cat Women played by Zoe Kravitz. This imp gives an outsized performance.
She kicks ass with aplomb. She and Pattinson have good chemistry, maybe too
good. Jeffery Wright plays James Gordon. He is the police officer that is aligned
with Batman. Andy Serkis is Alfred Pennyworth. The Alfred character is complicated.
He is a father figure, mentor and collaborator to Bruce Wayne. Serkis is a bit
gruff compared to Michael Cain’s deferential Alfred. I wish his character was broader.
There will be a sequel. In the insane asylum the Riddler is talking to another inmate
with uncontrollable laughter.
The plot is a complicated. You may benefit from reading it
in Wikipedia. Either before or after viewing the film. The Batman has become an
event, see the movie and judge for yourself.
