DC Films, 6th & Idaho and Dylan Clark Productions’ The Batman (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; UA) is a superhero film based on the DC Comics character, Batman.
Set in his second year of fighting crime, it sees Batman (Robert Pattinson) uncover corruption in Gotham City while hot on the trail of the Riddler (Paul Dano), a serial killer whose targets are the elite people of Gotham. Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz) is Batman’s partner in crime. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) works for the Gotham City Police Department and is an ally of Batman.
Riddler murders Gotham City mayor Don Mitchell Jr. (Rupert Penry-Jones) on Halloween. He then kills GCPD commissioner Pete Savage (Alex Ferns) too. Billionaire Bruce Wayne, who operates as Batman, joins forces with James Gordon to uncover the truth behind the murders and to save Gotham City. The story goes back to the time when Bruce’s parents were alive, and some shocking revelations unsettle Bruce. What happens thereafter?
Based on characters from DC, the story and screenplay are written by Matt Reeves and Peter Craig. The drama keeps the viewers engaged because the goings-on are exciting and often thrilling, too. The twists and turns are sometimes very surprising. Perhaps, one minus point of the screenplay is that it is too long-drawn and, therefore, tends to get a bit boring at times.
Robert Pattinson shines as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Zoë Kravitz performs ably as Selina. Paul Dano is menacing as Riddler. Jeffrey Wright lends fine support as James Gordon. Colin Farrell is lovely as Penguin. John Turturro is alright as crime lord Carmine Falcone. Peter Sarsgaard (as district attorney Gil Colson) and Andy Serkis (as Alfred Pennyworth) leave their respective marks. Others are adequate.
Matt Reeves’ direction is excellent. Michael Giacchino’s music is of a wonderful standard. Greig Fraser’s cinematography is outstanding. Editing (William Hoy and Tyler Nelson) is sharp. Dubbing is superb.
On the whole, The Batman is a box-office winner.
Released on 4-3-’22 at Gemini (daily 4 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Warner Bros. Pictures (India) Pvt. Ltd. Publicity: so-so. Opening: excellent. …….Also released all over. Opening was superb at many places. The original English version, which has also opened this week, is expected to fare better.