‘The Batman’: The Most Humane Dark Knight

Bhubaneswar: The Batman, although an ever-growing franchise with a history of iconic roles played by equally iconic actors, manages to show the Dark Knight in a refreshing new light.

It is directed by Matt Reeves, who has given us blockbusters like the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. He allows the film to flow in a new direction without losing the core of the characters and their fictional world.

Batman is played by Robert Pattinson, who is no stranger to big franchises. He manages to give us the most realistic, humane Batman of all the films. He works more like a detective, fighting lowlife thugs on the streets and constantly brooding about his vigilante adventures be it night or day.

There is no difference between Batman and Bruce Wayne other than the mask hiding his identity. There is no alter ego that goes about office making business deals in the morning only to crusade against crime at night. This gives the audience a sense that this character could very well be real.

A lot of instances of the characters and world-building instil a sense of fear in the audience. The film mirrors a dark reality and creates situations that could very well take place in our world.

Zoe Kravitz plays the role of Selina, an upcoming Catwoman with a fresh intensity. Its direction and scenes are handled very well. There are no in-your-face sexualized shots and dialogues. Genuine fight scenes add a sense of satisfaction.

Paul Dano plays Riddler, a fan-favourite villain with a macabre twist. With his full-face hidden for most of the film and Robert’s half-masked face, it is proof of their commendable acting skills to be able to portray these characters with such intensity.

The background score by Michael Giacchino immensely adds to the film, giving the scenes a huge lift. Reeves’s Batman manages to carve out its own space in the minds of critics and the hearts of the audience despite it being an addition to an ever-growing list.