Here is an objective statement wrapped in complete subjective feels: “Matt Reeves’ The Batman is the most anticipated film of the decade!”
I say that. My man Juwaan from Geek Vibes Nation says that. All of us at MoviesMatrix say that. And, for all I know, a million more say that too. Yes, that excitement eclipses more than any Marvel Cinematic Universe film, more than Wonder Woman 1984, more than Dune, more than any film you consider.
There are many reasons why this could be the case (and, it is) but here are six undisputed reasons that should excite you even more.
1. Director
(Credit: Saeed Adyani / Overture Films)
Matt Reeves is a super-talented director. If you are not familiar with his work, he has directed Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes, which were incredible. He also has worked on Cloverfield and Let Me In. If you are keeping score, Matt Reeves’ films are a must-watch!
In regards to The Batman, make it a point to watch the Planet of the Apes films, which will prepare you for Reeves’ dark and gritty tone. Another reason to get excited for this movie is the possibility of horror sprinkled throughout the scenes. If you need proof, see Let Me In. Do that quickly and then you will see why having Matt Reeves at the helm of project is more than enough of a reason to be excited for The Batman.
2. Cinematographer
Coming off The Dark Knight trilogy (Wally Pfister) and Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice (Larry Fong), The Batman has a lot of pressure to become one of the best looking Batman films of all time.
With Greig Fraser attached to The Batman as cinematographer, I have zero doubt that The Batman will achieve that mark. Just by looking at his resume: Zero Dark Thirty, Lion, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and the upcoming Dune, it is clear Fraser has an eye for the finite and the fantastic. We will see the same thing with The Batman.
3. Costume & Production Design
Within the costume department we have Jacqueline Durran, who has some of the best eyes when it comes to costumes and her resume speaks for itself working on films like Darkest Hour, Beauty And The Beast, Macbeth, and Jacquelin Durran recently earned an Oscar with Little Women. We also have more great talent in the Costume department with David Crossman and Glyn Dillon who have both worked on Rogue One and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
If you are a big fan of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes production Design then you are in for a treat with Matt Reeves: The Batman; James Chinlund not only killed it with the production design with Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes, but also worked on The Avengers and Requiem for a Dream.
Costumes and production — these two categories work in unison more so than any department in film. They help us see the world where we are placed and understand how people lived inside of it.
These two will unite to show us the totality of Gotham. There have been many design changes within the world of Gotham, but the one thing that stays consistent is the lore behind it.
4. Score
With every Batman film, the one thing that has been consistently amazing is the score. Danny Elfman composed the original Batman (1989) and Batman Returns. Elliot Goldenthal composed Batman Forever and Batman and Robin. Of course, the great Hans Zimmer composed The Dark Knight trilogy.
One of my favorite composers who will offer a fresh perspective to this character and saga will be composing The Batman: Michael Giacchino.
If you are not familiar with his work, Michael Giacchino has done Coco, The Incredibles, Rogue One, J.J. Abrams’ rebooted Star Trek, and part of Matt Reeves’ vision for Dawn for the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes.
If that does not get you hyped, I am not sure what will.
5. Casting
For me, the casting for The Batman has been perfection. The comic book accuracy does not have to be perfect especally when it comes to race with some characters, there are some characters that need to be a specfic race for the story to be great for example T’Challa (Black Panther), and Miles Morales (Spider-Man) other characters like Jim Gordon, Bruce Wayne (Batman), or Princess Diana (Wonder Women) race is not really important to their stories.
Everyone who has been cast in this movie is top-level and I believe this one of the best casts put together in a Comic Book Film.
- Robert Pattinson (High Life, The Lost City of Z, The Lighthouse) is Bruce Wayne. Yes, he was in Twilight but he is so much better than that film. Watch the movies listed — you’ll understand. Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman was a pleasant surprise for me. Personally, I championed Eiza González for Catwoman for the longest time but when I watched Dope and Gemini, I was completely sold. You also have Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace) we all know his immense talent.
- We also got Andy Serkis playing Alfred Pennyworth
- Paul Dano playing The Riddler
- Colin Farrell playing Penguin
- John Turturro playing Carmine Falcone
- Peter Sarsgaard playing District Attorney Gil Colson
- And an upcoming actress Jayme Lawson playing Bella Reál.
6. Test Screen![]()
#TheBatman#CameraTesthttps://t.co/M1tAE2aTA1
— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) February 13, 2020
Recently, social media blew up when we got our first look of Robert Pattinson as The Batman from Matt Reeves’ Twitter account. I think he looks fantastic!
When I watched it, I got the vibes of White Knight mixed with Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman: Gotham by Gaslight. Take a look. Study the people behind the camera–and in front of it. You will come to the same resolution I have.
The Batman is gearing up to be a once-in-a-generation CBM and maybe, the new kickoff for what we know as this character moving forward. Let us know in social media or in the comments below.
Featured Image Courtesy of Matt Reeves via Twitter/6th and Idaho Productions
You must log in to post a comment.