The Batman (2022)

Last updated:
October 20, 2024

Detailed Summary: Gotham’s Darkest Night

The Riddler Strikes

The story begins with a chilling event: the brutal murder of Mayor Don Mitchell Jr. by the Riddler, Gotham’s newest and most dangerous psychopath. Batman, the city’s brooding caped crusader, steps in to investigate, setting the tone for a noir-tinged detective narrative.

Following the Breadcrumbs

As the body count rises, Batman and Lieutenant James Gordon piece together the clues left by the Riddler. Each murder unveils more of Gotham’s deep-rooted corruption, drawing Batman deeper into the city’s seedy underbelly.

Enter Catwoman

Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, makes her entrance, adding an element of danger and intrigue. She has her own agenda, but her path frequently intersects with Batman’s, creating significant tension.

Penguin’s Iceberg Lounge

A lead takes Batman to the Iceberg Lounge, run by Oswald Cobblepot (the Penguin). This results in an epic car chase that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Revelations and Betrayals

As Batman digs deeper, he uncovers shocking truths about his family’s legacy and Gotham’s corrupt elite. Trust becomes scarce as allies turn into potential enemies.

Riddler’s Endgame

Just when it seems like the end is near, the Riddler unleashes his master plan, threatening to drown Gotham in its own corruption. Batman races against time to save the city and confront his own place within it.

Movie Ending

In a heart-pounding climax, Batman leads the effort to save Gotham from the Riddler’s followers and a massive flood. He realizes that being a symbol of vengeance isn’t enough—Gotham needs hope. The film closes with Batman embracing his role as a beacon of light in the darkness, setting the stage for future adventures.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

There are no post-credits scenes. After three hours of intense action, viewers are likely ready to leave the theater.

Type of Movie

“The Batman” is a gritty, noir-inspired superhero detective thriller. It leans more towards a dark and intense narrative, unlike the lighter tones seen in other superhero films.

Cast

Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman
Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman
Paul Dano as Edward Nashton/The Riddler
Jeffrey Wright as Lieutenant James Gordon
Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin
Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth
John Turturro as Carmine Falcone

Film Music and Composer

Michael Giacchino delivers a haunting and powerful score that complements the film’s dark atmosphere. His Batman theme is intense and memorable, perfectly capturing Batman’s inner turmoil.

Filming Locations

“The Batman” was primarily shot in the UK, with Glasgow, Scotland, and Liverpool, England, standing in for Gotham City. The dark, gothic architecture adds to the oppressive atmosphere, making Gotham feel like a character in its own right.

Key locations include:

St. George’s Hall, Liverpool (Gotham City Hall)
Anfield Cemetery, Liverpool
Glasgow Necropolis
Cardington Airship Hangars, Bedfordshire

These locations provide Gotham with a timeless, lived-in feel, blending modern and classic architectural styles.

Awards and Nominations

“The Batman” received several nominations, including three Academy Award nods for Best Visual Effects, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Sound. It won several other accolades:

BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects
Saturn Award for Best Superhero Film
People’s Choice Award for Movie of the Year

Behind the Scenes Insights

Robert Pattinson aimed for a lean, agile look for Batman.
Colin Farrell spent up to four hours in makeup daily to transform into the Penguin.
Director Matt Reeves wrote the script with Pattinson in mind.
The Batmobile was custom-built for the film, combining muscle car aesthetics with tactical armor.
Zoë Kravitz studied cats and lions to develop Selina Kyle’s movements.
The production was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a longer shooting schedule.

Inspirations and References

“The Batman” draws inspiration from various sources:

Comic storylines like “The Long Halloween” and “Year One”
Films noir like “Chinatown” and “Taxi Driver“
Serial killer thrillers like “Zodiac” and “Seven“
Kurt Cobain’s persona for Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne
1970s conspiracy thrillers

The film pays homage to previous Batman iterations while creating a unique vision of the Dark Knight.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While there are no confirmed alternate endings, rumors suggest that several scenes were cut for time, including:

More interactions between Bruce and Alfred
Additional Riddler victims and puzzles
Extended sequences in the Iceberg Lounge
A deeper dive into Selina Kyle’s backstory

Director Matt Reeves has hinted at the possibility of an extended cut.

Book Adaptations and Differences

“The Batman” isn’t based on a single book but draws elements from various Batman comics. It takes a more grounded, detective-focused approach compared to many comic storylines.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Batman’s Entrance: Batman emerges from the shadows to take down thugs.
Batmobile Chase: The revving engine, the fiery explosion, and Batman walking through the flames towards Penguin.
Riddler’s Apartment: A tense, creepy sequence that feels like a horror movie.
Final Confrontation: Batman leading survivors through the flooded streets of Gotham.

Iconic Quotes

Batman: “I’m vengeance.”
Catwoman: “The Bat and the Cat. It’s got a nice ring.”
The Riddler: “If you are justice, please do not lie. What is the price for your blind eye?”
Alfred: “You’re still a Wayne, and I’m sorry to say, you’re not doing a very good job of hiding it.”
The Penguin: “Take it easy, sweetheart!”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The contact lens camera used by the Riddler is a nod to the Batman comic “Zero Year.”
A news anchor named “Chip Cobb” references Batman villain Doctor Death (real name Karl Helfern).
The number 44 appears multiple times, referencing the .44 caliber gun that killed Bruce’s parents in some comic versions.
Catwoman’s apartment number (8) nods to her nine lives.
The Riddler’s website (rataalada.com) was a real site for extra puzzles and content.

Trivia

This is the longest Batman film to date, at 2 hours and 56 minutes.
Robert Pattinson is the youngest actor to play Batman in a live-action film.
The film was originally planned as part of the DCEU with Ben Affleck but was reworked as a standalone story.
Pattinson performed many of his own stunts, including the wingsuit sequence.
The Batmobile chase scene took three months to film.

Why Watch?

If you’re seeking a fresh, noir-tinged take on the Caped Crusader, “The Batman” delivers a dark, gritty, and intense narrative with stellar performances and breathtaking visuals. It offers a compelling detective story within a superhero framework.