The Batman: A Fresh Take on Gotham’s Vigilante:

Prior to watching the film, I believed it would be worse than The Dark Knight franchise and not worth watching, as I didn’t want it to ruin the character for me. However, my opinion definitely changed after seeing it. Moving beyond my own views, the general reception of the movie was overwhelmingly positive, and it proved itself to be a worthy successor to the Batman IP.

A Grittier, More Grounded Approach:

The film presents a grittier and more grounded version of Gotham’s iconic vigilante, blending noir elements with a detective-style thriller. Directed by Matt Reeves, this iteration of the Dark Knight introduces a fresh, nuanced portrayal of Bruce Wayne, departing from the superhero tropes we’ve come to expect.

The film takes a chance by reimagining the Riddler. Instead of portraying him as a wacky villain, they present him as a troubled figure who forces Batman, and Bruce Wayne, to confront their past and their family’s legacy. This fresh take adds depth to both the character and the overall story.

Additionally, the film offers a unique take on the Penguin. Rather than placing him at the top of Gotham’s crime scene from the start, he is depicted as the right-hand man of Falcone, allowing room for his character’s growth. Other characters, like Catwoman, aren’t changed significantly from previous versions, but they are still well-written and contribute meaningfully to the story and world-building.

Stunning Cinematography:

In my opinion, the cinematography in this film is some of the best I’ve seen in the last ten years. Close-ups of Bruce Wayne, often in silhouette, emphasize his internal struggle, while wide shots of Gotham showcase the city as both decaying and metaphorical.

 The cinematography’s focus on long, lingering shots creates tension, letting viewers fully absorb the darkness of the world and Bruce’s isolation. 

This visual style not only sets The Batman apart from previous superhero films, but also deepens its psychological intensity, enhancing its dark and introspective narrative.

Conclusion:

The Batman provides a new perspective on the characters of Batman and the world of Gotham. Matt Reeves’ outstanding direction helps build the world and progress the story with cinematography that avoids conventional methods.

My rating of the movie is 9/10, and I hope you feel the same after watching it.