🎬 The Batman (2022)

thaiduong
January 21, 2025

🎬 The Batman (2022) – “Vengeance has a face, and it’s shrouded in shadows.”
| Rating: IMDb: 7.8/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
| Main Cast: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell, Andy Serkis
| Director: Matt Reeves

Plot Summary

The Batman (2022) reimagines the iconic DC character in a dark, gritty, and emotionally charged narrative that delves into the psychological depths of Bruce Wayne. Set during the second year of Bruce’s crime-fighting career as Batman (Robert Pattinson), Gotham City is plagued by corruption, violence, and despair. The city’s elite are being targeted by a mysterious serial killer known as The Riddler (Paul Dano), whose elaborate puzzles and cryptic clues force Batman into a dangerous game of wits.

As the Riddler’s crimes escalate, revealing deep-seated corruption that ties back to the Wayne family, Batman forms uneasy alliances with Selina Kyle/Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), a skilled thief seeking her own form of justice, and James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright), Gotham’s moral compass within the corrupt police force. Together, they navigate a city teetering on the edge of chaos, uncovering a conspiracy that challenges Batman’s beliefs about his role as both hero and vigilante.

The film culminates in a tense and catastrophic climax as Batman confronts the Riddler’s ultimate plan: a devastating flood designed to wash away Gotham’s sins, literally and metaphorically. Through this ordeal, Batman transitions from a figure of vengeance to a symbol of hope, realizing that Gotham’s salvation requires more than fear—it demands inspiration.

Analysis and Highlights

1. Robert Pattinson’s Batman

Pattinson delivers a raw and brooding performance, portraying Bruce Wayne as a deeply flawed and haunted individual. His Batman is less polished, relying more on sheer determination and detective skills than on high-tech gadgets. Pattinson’s nuanced portrayal captures the duality of a man struggling to define his identity—both as Gotham’s protector and as a traumatized orphan seeking purpose.

2. Paul Dano’s Riddler

Dano’s Riddler is a chilling reinvention of the classic villain. Modeled after real-life serial killers, his portrayal is unsettling and intense, turning the Riddler into a harbinger of chaos who seeks to expose Gotham’s corruption through acts of terror. His cryptic puzzles and philosophical motivations elevate him as one of Batman’s most cerebral foes.

3. Zoë Kravitz’s Selina Kyle

Kravitz brings depth and complexity to Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman. Her chemistry with Batman is electric, and her character arc as a morally ambiguous anti-hero adds emotional layers to the story. Selina’s personal mission to uncover the truth about her mother’s disappearance intertwines seamlessly with Batman’s journey.

4. Gotham City as a Character

Matt Reeves creates a version of Gotham that feels alive—a rain-soaked, neon-lit labyrinth of decay and corruption. The city’s atmosphere mirrors Batman’s internal struggle, emphasizing themes of isolation and decay.

5. Themes of Corruption and Renewal

The film explores Gotham’s systemic corruption, with every layer of power implicated in the Riddler’s revelations. This creates a powerful commentary on justice, accountability, and the cost of complacency in a broken system. Batman’s transformation from a symbol of vengeance to one of hope serves as a metaphor for the potential renewal of Gotham itself.

Cinematography and Score

Cinematography: Greig Fraser’s moody, shadow-laden visuals immerse viewers in Gotham’s grim reality. The use of chiaroscuro lighting enhances the noir atmosphere, creating some of the most visually stunning moments in any Batman film.
Musical Score: Michael Giacchino’s haunting score is both epic and intimate, with Batman’s theme becoming a recurring motif that underscores his evolution throughout the film.

Strengths

Intense Detective Story: Unlike previous Batman films, this one leans heavily into the character’s “World’s Greatest Detective” persona.
Complex Villains: Both the Riddler and secondary antagonists, such as Colin Farrell’s unrecognizable and scene-stealing Oswald Cobblepot (Penguin), provide compelling adversaries.
Immersive World-Building: Gotham is as much a protagonist as the characters, with its atmosphere enhancing the narrative.
Pattinson’s Fresh Take: A younger, more vulnerable Batman gives the character new depth and emotional resonance.

Critiques

Length: At nearly three hours, the film’s deliberate pacing may feel excessive to some viewers.
Focus on Darkness: While the film’s tone is consistent, some audiences may find its unrelenting grimness overwhelming.
Limited Wayne Persona: Bruce Wayne’s public persona is minimally explored, which could detract from the duality of the character.

Key Themes

Vengeance vs. Hope: Batman’s evolution highlights the difference between instilling fear and inspiring change.
Accountability and Corruption: The Riddler’s crusade forces Gotham’s elite—and Batman himself—to confront their complicity in a broken system.
Identity and Purpose: Both Batman and Selina struggle to reconcile their pasts with their roles in Gotham’s future.