Illustration & Article by Stephanie Perez, Copy Editor & Advertising Manager
After seeing the trailer for The Batman, I immediately knew that I had to watch this movie as soon as it hit theaters.
Presenting a dark, mysterious mood, everything about that first look into the movie left me restless for the release. From its incredible lighting to the color schemes to the music choice of “Something in the way” by Nirvana, the build up for this film left me counting down the days until I got to experience it.
Now, after seeing the movie twice, I can wholeheartedly state The Batman met those high expectations and surpassed them to a level I thought was not possible.
Originally supposed to be released June 25, 2021, and then delayed to Oct. 31, 2021, The Batman was finally released to theaters on March 4, 2022, a year after the cast wrapped filming. Batman, played by Robert Pattinson, finds himself in a series of mysteries as he tries to unsolve murders happening in the city. Through his journey of continuous obstacles, he uncovers the truth about the past and fights The Riddler, who plans to let evil reign once more in a corrupted Gotham.
The run time for the movie is two hours and 56 minutes which may scare a lot of people. How could a movie running that long not drag and stay consistently good to the end? Batman did just that. The storyline and accompanying action captivates the audience from the very beginning.
As the movie starts the viewer is immediately thrown into the story as the world begins to unfold. The incredible cinematography every shot had to offer was a detail that I quickly picked up. Each frame provided something to admire, from the creative camera angles to the beautiful lighting and overall aesthetic. Every scene was as important as the last one. Leaving your seat was a gamble I was not willing to take for any part of the movie.
Sorely judged for past projects, Pattinson gives an extraordinary performance with his take on the caped crusader. A more realistic look into the life of the hero, Pattinson delivers a story about more than vengeance. The director, Matt Reeves, was able to create his own interpretation of the hero completely different from previous versions. Reeves’ previous work includes 2008’s Cloverfield and 2010’s Let Me In, as well as his blockbusters Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes.
With his attention to detail, the audience can come to appreciate the hard work and thought behind making this movie. Adding the dark melodies and grand orchestral songs written by Michael Giacchino, who also wrote the music for Spider-Man: No Way Home, the music alone interprets its own take on the story and sets the tone for the overall film.
One of the best movies I’ve seen in a while, The Batman is a must-see movie in theaters. Watching the story unfold as you anticipate what happens next, Reeves was able to create an immersive experience for his viewers as he guides you through a rollercoaster of emotions. Forgetting I was in a movie theater, I became a spectator in Gotham City, joining the characters in their complex journey to uncover the truth and fight evil.
The Batman will scare you with its dark tones, amaze you for its action, and stun you for its commitment to telling a truly dark, gritty story. Expect great things for the future of these characters, for Batman’s story is far from over.