The Batman

“Our scars can destroy us, even after the physical wounds have healed. But if we survive them, they can transform us. They can give us the power to endure, and the strength to fight.” I mean it’s just the best. Not a single complaint I have about the portrayal of my favorite fictional character in this at all. Such a perfect depiction of an early Batman, the Batman Year One influence is so prevalent throughout the entire story from the important of Gordon to the character design of Selina and the subtle nods and adaptions of certain story elements from The Long Halloween (the best Batman story) really has me excited for Part II. Definitely Jim Gordon and Selina Kyle’s best portrayals even though I love other versions of them as well (Gordon in the DK trilogy and Selina in Batman returns). I just love the importance of Jim in this and the relationship him and Batman have. They work together so well and with the entire story’s structure being about corruption, the way they can only trust each other is perfect. Selina’s is also just so perfect in this, just a classic Catwoman that’s a reflection of Batman just like all of his rogues. Honestly the actual character portrayal of Batman couldn’t have been done any better, specifically for an early and young inexperienced Batman. I love how detective heavy this is which is a lot of how Batman should be, at least in a solo project in Gotham. The way Pattinson and the screenplay uses Batman’s eyes to speak is just so amazing, and as a big white eyes costume guy I don’t think it could work as well as this in live action. His silence speaks more than words could and the duality of the man and the mask is perfect, very reminiscent of the beginning of The Mask of the Phantasm and Batman Year One where he’s more Batman than Bruce Wayne, and while that does stick through as the character grows older, the early Batman won’t accept his life as Bruce Wayne like and older one will. The way Batman isn’t just a symbol of fear but also a symbol of hope is something I’m so glad was included because it’s often forgotten about within his character particularly at fault to TDK trilogy. Paul Dano does exceptional with the Riddler. I love a more methodical and psychopathic version of the character, and he even puts on what I think is his second best performance (that I’ve seen). Gotham is the perfect look and feel it’s honestly amazing how well its executed. The corruption storyline with the year one influence, the nods to TLH, and the rumors that part II will be an adaptation/inspiration of TLH just has me so excited. If this does become a trilogy with the Court being the final “villain” then I think I can guess how part II will go. Definitely the best Batman adaptation and film ever made, fundamentally too. My favorite cinematography and look to a film ever, and one of the greatest needle drops to a film ever. Just pure cinematic perfection. Thank you Matt Reeves. 🙏 “I'm starting to see now. I have had an effect here... but not the one I intended. Vengeance won't change the past, mine or anyone else's. I have to become more. People need hope. To know someone's out there for them.”