"We'll give them a real, real change now..."
Following the (for many) definitive Nolan trilogy and the more recent divisive Batman v. Superman/Justice League mash-ups, Matt Reeves offers a bold and impressive re-vision of the Batman concept in terms of modern blockbuster film-making. The opening Halloween setting and the Blade Runner/noir-inflected visuals and voiceover make this a gritty and stylish take on the Batman story, as the titular character emerges from the shadows and takes out a whole gang in a muscular and unforgiving manner. Placing Batman within the police-procedural set-up of the initiating murder of the mayor gives the character a solid basis which is carried throughout the film. It is relentlessly dark and bleak; all the characters are haunted, with Robert Pattinson making a driven and compelling protagonist, Andy Serkis a terrific Alfred and Paul Dano is utterly terrifying with his unhinged and malicious take on The Riddler, with Zoe Kravitz giving a strong take on the Catwoman character as the only significant female character in the movie. Once again, Michael Giacchino delivers a gloriously portentous and atmospheric soundtrack, and the writing is strong with unusually effective dialogue for the genre that does not rely on one-liners. For its near three-hours running time, the film does not feel long as there is plenty of developing story that gives the film momentum, and Reeves creates a very immersive and artfully-crafted world that all gives rise to an impressive mainstream achievement. One cannot help but wonder, though: whilst a return to the 1960s/Adam West or Joel Schumacher style would perhaps be inadvisable, and Batman is hardly the cheeriest of characters, is there room for a slightly more upbeat and lighter-toned take on the character?
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