The latest instalment in the ever-popular Batman series is now available to buy and features a dynamic and varied collection of DC Comics’ biggest names. The movie is based on the events that led up to and included the “War on Terror”, which was inspired by the September 11, 2001 attacks. If you’re a fan of classic comic book movies, then you won’t want to miss out on this one. It’s highly anticipated that Warner Bros. will release the next two films in the franchise (10th and The Dark Knight) this year. In the meantime, here’s a look at some of the most memorable and iconic scenes from the first film.
Shiny And New!
One of the most striking features of The Batman is its cinematography and special effects. If you’re a fan of the 1960s Batman TV series, then you’ll feel right at home with this all-star cast. It’s obvious that a lot of time and effort went into recreating the golden era of TV animation, and it shows. It’s very well done and the effects still hold up today. One thing that was noticeable, however, is that every scene was extremely shiny and bright. Unfortunately, this added realism came at the cost of some of the movie’s darker and grittier elements. It’s still a very impressive looking movie and one of the best adaptations of the Batman legend yet.
A Modern Twist!
It’s been over sixty years since the first episode of Batman aired on television, and over thirty years since the actor who played the titular character, Adam West, passed away. Despite this, Gotham City is as vibrant and interesting as ever in The Batman. This version not only looks great, but it also feels great too. The production value is extremely high and this helps bring the fantasy world of the comics to life on the big screen.
Gotham is a beautifully designed city that’s full of contrasts. There’s a gritty, urban atmosphere that blends into an almost film noir feel. The architecture is incredible and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported away to a different time and place. This is helped by the fact that the city is plagued by serious pollution issues, which causes the air to be thick and hazy. It really is an immersive experience.
West is best remembered for bringing the campy humour and larger-than-life persona of the campy 1960s TV series to the big screen. Although, the character of Batman has changed a lot over the years, the essence of the campy detective and his catchphrase “Baaad boyyyyy!” still resonates with fans of all ages. This is helped by the fact that the script isn’t afraid to poke fun at the character and give him some memorable one-liners.
A Whole New Level Of Danger!
In the comics, Batman is known for being incredibly dangerous and resourceful. The newest installment in the franchise doesn’t disappoint in this regard and features some amazing fight scenes. It’s not often that you see a movie where the main character is literally jumping from rooftop to rooftop trying to catch a crook. It’s extremely stylish and makes for a whole new level of danger when implemented on screen. The amount of action in this movie is phenomenal and it will most definitely satisfy any committed superhero movie fan.
Another innovation that The Batman brings to the table is its inclusion of a wide array of famous and infamous criminals. The scriptwriters wanted to give the world a glimpse into the twilight years of the “War on Terror” and the wave of violence and anarchy that followed. They did this by having a variety of notorious villains, such as the Joker (JCC), Penguin (Joker), Rameses (The Mummy) and The Joker (again)) stand alongside Batman (RPATT) as they face off against a rising threat. This is something that hasn’t been done before and it’s certainly a breath of fresh air for fans of the character.
A Whole New Focus On Detectives!
One of the most unique aspects of The Batman is its focus on detectives. These are the police officers who work behind the scenes to bring you the bad guys. In the comics, there are many funny, quirky and interesting detectives, but also a lot of hard-boiled crime-fighters. The movie takes this approach and focuses on the world of detectives as seen through the eyes of the Dynamic Duo. This gives the movie a deeper meaning and a different vibe altogether. It takes a little getting used to, but once you do, you’ll feel the connection to the source material.
There are two distinctly different types of detectives in The Batman. The first are the seasoned investigators, such as Nightwing (Dick Grayson), who are trying to piece together the clues and follow up on the many leads. The other are the younger, inexperienced cops who are trying to figure out the motives and objectives of the crimes they investigate. The seasoned detectives go head-to-head with the younger cops in some of the film’s most exciting action scenes, which makes for great drama and comedy in equal parts. Some of the funniest, most unexpected moments come from these scenes as the two groups of cops bicker and banter with each other while trying to solve a gruesome crime. These are some funny scenes, but they also add a deeper, more emotional layer to the characters in the movie.
One of the biggest fears that Gotham Cityites have is the fear of crime. This was evoked beautifully in one of the many opening sequences, where we see a city that is overrun with crime and corruption. It’s not long before Batman and Robin are out protecting the citizens and hunting down the city’s worst scum. It’s a beautiful shot and an iconic one at that. This scene really sets the tone for the entire movie and serves as a metaphor for the “War on Terror”, which was inspired by the September 11 attacks. It’s an incredibly powerful scene and one that will stay with you long after the final credits roll.
A Whole New Take On Politics!
Most people will remember the political turmoil and social upheaval that surrounded the “War on Terror” period of the 2000s. It’s been over ten years since the events of the September 11th attacks and the worldwide “War on Terror” ended. Gotham City, however, is still trying to find its footing after such a long and troubled peace. This is reflected in the way that politics and the police force have changed since that time.
One of the biggest revelations in The Batman is the fact that it’s a political thriller. This is something that the comics rarely if ever tackled head-on. The Dark Knight Returns was definitely a critique of sorts, but it was more of a parable about the dangers of big government and the folly of military adventurism. This film takes a far more tangible approach and addresses the events of the “War on Terror” and how they affected Gotham City as a whole. It’s a fascinating glimpse into what life was like during the height of the global conflict and how the world of Batman has changed since then.
It’s obvious that a lot of time and effort went into making The Batman. The script is fantastic, the acting is incredible and the visuals are breathtaking. This is because the special effects and cinematography team, Optic Nerve, truly raised the bar and set the standard for superhero movies to come. This movie will be enjoyed by anyone who liked classic comic book movies from the 1960s and has the capacity to evolve and inspire future instalments in the franchise.