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Robert Pattinson will soon be introduced as the new masked avenger in the highly anticipated film “The Batman,” which promises a gritty and dark take on the superhero that explores his roots as “the world’s greatest detective.”
The director and cast of The Batman spoke to reporters at a virtual press conference on February 18. Director Matt Reeves shared his thoughts on his research for Batman comics and how they inspired the film.
“As far as comics go, I’ve been doing a lot of research and reading a lot of comics,” Reeves said of his preparations for The Batman.
He cited the grounded tone of “Batman: Year One” (a comic book story arc based on Batman’s first year as a superhero) as one of his main inspirations.
“It felt cinematic in a way that reminded me of an American film from the ’70s,” said the 55-year-old director.
Inspiration from Batman comics
Given that The Batman is ultimately a comic book movie (in an era of superhero movies), what better way to approach this reimagining of the classic character than to go back to his roots – the comics?
Unlike Batman: Year One, the upcoming film The Batman is actually set in the second year of Batman’s career as a crime fighter. The film was originally supposed to be part of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), with Ben Affleck reprising his role as Batman. However, Reeves later took over the project to explore a different side of Batman.
The film stars Robert Pattinson in the title role, with Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman, Colin Farrell as Penguin, Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth and Paul Dano as the central antagonist, the Riddler.
In the film, Batman must solve a series of murders orchestrated by the Riddler while simultaneously struggling with his identity and Batman’s influence on Gotham City.
Other comics that inspired Reeves include Batman: Ego (also called Ego: A Psychotic Slide into the Heart of Darkness), a character study of the personalities of Batman and Bruce Wayne within Batman.
“(The comic) deals with the psychology of being Batman and the idea of the beast inside him and the inner struggle that he feels. I found that really compelling and it shaped him,” Reeves said.
Reeves also looked at Batman: The Long Halloween, a comic book series set after Batman: Year One and about Batman’s early days as a vigilante. “That was super important because there was this idea of a serial killer on a crime spree and Batman, as the world’s greatest detective, is involved in it.”
“It was really important to take inspiration from the comic book world.”
Immerse moviegoers in Batman’s perspective
Reeves is familiar with the gothic horror that is the hallmark of all Batman films (except for 1997’s Batman & Robin), and after directing Cloverfield in 2008, Reeves used the same sound designers to work on The Batman.
“The whole idea was to put you as much into the characters’ point of view as possible, especially Batman’s. And sound is one of the tools to achieve that.”
“You’re sitting there in the theater with Dolby Atmos sound and it’s literally moving your hair. You feel like you’re in the middle of that Batmobile chase. And that was the intention, to make sure you feel the emotive quality of it.”
One of the main differences between The Batman and other Batman films is that it focuses on Batman’s weaknesses and foibles rather than portraying him as the experienced, confident hero we know.
“I liked all of his flaws. I mean the scene where he jumps off and uses his cape for the first time,” said Robert Pattinson. “Batman has always been a little bit fallible.”
“He’s just a man in an armored suit. And that expresses that so much.”
“The Batman” will be released in Singapore on March 3 and in the Philippines on March 4.
Comics you may want to read before watching The Batman:
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