The Batman Spoiler Discussion Thread

[fake]

I liked what I heard from Keoghan. *shrug*

Same. I have no issues with that sequence at all.

 

[SwordOfMorning]

Keoghan was great. Love that he went with such a friendly, boyish voice. Makes a great contrast with the absolutely horrifying facial scarring.

 

[Captain Tired]

I like Keoghan's childish sounding giggle. Very original. Especially if that turns out to be his main go-to laugh. He did sound really young though. And that's going to take some getting used to. Especially for me, as someone who prefers an older seeming Joker like Nicholson or Phoenix.

 

[Boom]

He's more imp-ish, which I find very interesting.

 

[Gothamsknight]

Absolutely fantastic film. I don't really know where to begin and ill be getting my 2nd viewing in tomorrow but for now here's my thoughts.

Pattinson was incredible as Batman. No surprise considering he's a great actor, but all of his haters need to shut up now. From his posture, to his voice he was just pure Batman through and through.

Zoe was great as Selina/Catwoman. Again, she's a great actress and paired with a great director, that's not really a surprise.

Colin Farrell was just fantastic and unrecognizable. There's a scene of him and Batman upstairs in the iceberg lounge. They both are talking and he gives Batman this smirk and I'm like "man, that's literally THE Penguin right there". I'm so damn eager to see more of him in the future. He absolutely deserves his own show.

Paul Dano was horrifying as Riddler. He was actually closer to the comics version than I was expecting while also borrowing from real world influences. I swear, that bomb collar scene where Riddler starts screaming sent shivers down my spine. The interrogation scene between Batman and Edward was another high point for the whole Batman series. Dano was brilliant.

Andy Serkis, while not in the film much, was great. You can feel the pain as he tries to reach out to Bruce only to get the cold shoulder. I felt genuinely sorry for Alfred. Incredible performance by Serkis.

The opening to this movie is one of the best of the genre, and my favorite opening since TDKR plane scene. Instantly establishes Riddler as terrifying and something out of a horror film.

Batman's introduction with the monologue and the criminals running when the symbol shined in the sky is *chef's kiss*.

I saw this in Dolby btw so my chair was shaking during the batmobile scenes.

As for the ending with Joker and Riddler. It was cool, but I do think it didn't really NEED to be in there. The stuff with the flood and Bruce's monologue really sold that from here on criminals would be everywhere and that it's just beginning. Still a cool scene though.

Overall, I loved the film and thought it was fantastic. I need to get a 2nd viewing in though to solidify everything and give a proper ranking because ranking it now wouldn't be a good idea.

 

[Chip Chipperson]

I’m curious enough to see more of Barry. Though I do wonder how much time he had to craft the character, especially since he only had a small scene or two.

 

[Lautox]

Some people say the Joker scene was just fan service, I see it more as world building to be honest. Just like the animated series and comics we see small cameos of villains that pop out out of nowhere which I really dig

 

[kolyid]

Same. I have no issues with that sequence at all.

Same here. I thought it worked perfect to end Riddlers arc in the movie and tease the sequel.

I think some people are being nitpicky, overly critical, and just contrarian to be contrarian.

 

[Jekecy]

I’m curious enough to see more of Barry. Though I do wonder how much time he had to craft the character, especially since he only had a small scene or two.

I think it was fairly early. Barry was announced in August 2020 and filming had already started earlier on in the year. Reeves locked in his script much earlier and I doubt casting a big role would just happen in the middle of filming. I think that phone call was one of the first he made to ensure his actor was committed.

I'm reminded me of this small blurb during an early Rob interview (in Sept '19):

Pattinson won’t say whether he’s committed to additional “Batman” movies. “I don’t know anything,” he says. “I’ve got an idea how to do about four scenes, and then I’m working on the rest gradually.” At one point in our conversation, he offers a mundane comment about Joaquin Phoenix, who stars in “Joker” (a movie he hasn’t seen yet), before asking to retract it. “Oh s—,” he says, adding that he’s not accustomed to thinking about spoilers. “I definitely should not say that. I’m so used to pretty art-house movies, where you can watch the movie three times and still not know what it’s about.”

Everyone back then assumed it might have been a hint at a crossover with Joaquin, but now I think it was him commenting on acting across from (a) Joker, a character which was just about to have his solo film released.

 

[Ninjablade]

I didn't have much of an issue with the Joker scene. I'm not a huge fan of the actor, but I'm keeping an open mind for when we get something of major substance. Which I hope is awhile. I can wait on Batman and Joker coming face to face.

If more time and films were allotted, I'd love the idea of each film ending with Joker establishing relationships with a new member of Batman's rogues gallery in order to set up an Arkham Asylum-esq story. Just keep teasing him before letting him shine in a big fashion.

 

[BatLobster]

Anybody else immediately think of TDK with the "things will get worse before they get better" quote at the end? Considering it's alluding to a darker sequel, I'd like to think that was a bit of a nod.

 

[legendkillin]

Do we know what the after credit scene was about after the question mark. In the 0,2 sec it appeared, I coudnt read it..

It was the URL for that website from the thumbdrive scene.

 

[fake]

Anybody else immediately think of TDK with the "things will get worse before they get better" quote at the end? Considering it's alluding to a darker sequel, I'd like to think that was a bit of a nod.

I felt the movie was setting up a way more hopeful sequel, Batman being an icon of good for Gotham rather than a bleaker one. I took that more like "whatever comes, we will face it together"

 

[Drizzle]

So do you guys think they included the scene where Riddler attaches a rat cage to a man's face in this book?

 

[kguillou]

This movie is a LOT to unpack. Thirty minutes into the movie i was saying to myself, “this is masterful.” This monster grabs you right away and if your a fan of film noir like me its extra potent (the hard boiled narration, chef’s kiss).

I will admit, theres some things that bothered me and…i was a BIT letdown by the third act. Lets just say, much like my favorite film noirs, i was expecting more of a mindblowing twist to the whole mystery as the film seemed to be building up to a huge revelation and i kept waiting and waiting and anticipating it and then…oh Ridder was to destroy the city…ok I guess? And i know that sounds hyperbolic and harsh but the payoff to the whole mystery didnt knock my socks off like i was hoping.

BUT Reeves undoubtedly made an expertly crafted film that i feel was almost perfect and didnt quite stick the landing IMO. But what he got right he got SO SO right. A second viewing is a must, i definitely missed a lot of nuances and plot details that I’m looking forward to examining.

 

[Moncton]

I thought it was pretty average, I actually liked the third act best. I don't think there was a concrete narrative driving the film forward, just kind of going in and out of several stories and none of them particularly well established. I think they should have given more scenes to the Riddler in the first half so we can connect more with him, maybe some scenes with him talking to himself or online, we already don't have much with Bruce so it kind of feels like we don't really know anyone. Selina was the highlight for me.

 

[Wolvieboy17]

I will admit, theres some things that bothered and…i was a TAD letdown by the third act. Lets just say, much like my favorite film noirs, i was expecting more of a mindblowing twist to the whole mystery as the film seemed to be building up to a huge revelation and i kept waiting and waiting and anticipating it and then…oh Ridder was to destroy the city…ok I guess. And i know that sounds hyperbolic and harsh but the payoff to the whole mystery didnt knock my socks off like i was hoping.

I actually kinda loved that part, for a few different reasons.

The fake out about Riddler knowing Bruce's identity was great. I felt the whole cinema let out an audible, communal sigh of relief, which I think was some great storytelling... So then when Riddler reveals there's more to come straight after that relief, I thought that was very well crafted.

And then as for the finale itself, I thought they raised the stakes instantly by having Riddler's plan work. Like the second Bats uncovered the plot, it was too late. Gotham has been flooded. And what can Batman actually do in the face of a massive disaster? Because we knew Batman couldn't stop it, it genuinely had me on the edge of my seat for the whole final act because I just had no idea what he was gonna do to make an impact.

And then the pay off of Bruce finally realising vengeance wasn't the way and that this destruction is where it leads, I thought was one of the best pieces of character growth we've seen Batman have in a film. It was similar to TDK's ending except, instead of Bruce sacrificing his reputation to give Gotham hope in the form of Dent, his realisation is that HE can be the one to bring hope. Fear to the criminals and hope to the citizens.

 

[SwordOfMorning]

Yeah, I don't think the movie has much of a point and I don't think Riddler is that interesting without the third act.

 

[BatsAndNights]

Good God I could type a ****ing thesis on my full thoughts but it's 4 in the morning so I'll try and keep it to the main points

Objectively, I'd say this film does have a few nitpicks and TDK is probably the better overall film

But this was the greatest live action adaptation of Batman I've ever seen and is easily one of the greatest adaptations period.

The cast is the best Batman crew since BTAS. ****ing easily.

Storyline was fantastic, literally a Batman comic come to life. Jeffrey wasn't lying when he said this script was air tight

Alfred in the hospital, the flare scene and Batman helping people in the crowd with Something in the Way playing brought me to ****ing tears. Seeing Bruce and Alfred come together and The Batman go from a symbol of vengeance to a symbol of hope was absolutely EVERYTHING

Also, WE FINALLY HAVE A BATMAN THAT ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT KILL. NO IFS, NO BUTS. ****ING FINALLY

I thought the Waynes corruption story was downright masterful and exactly what I wanted in overall ideas of the Waynes being good, but not perfect

The cinematography? Sweet goddamn JESUS THE CINEMATOGRAPHY. If this movie isnt at least nominated for an oscar for the cinematography I'm calling complete bull****

Music overall was fantastic. Nothing else to really say about it. Damn good score, the use of Something in the Way was very well done and doing that without it coming off as cheesy is no small feat

Completely objectively, I'd consider The Batman as a 9/10. It has some things you can nitpick, but still a goddamn amazing movie

But as a Batman fan and considering this as an adaptation of the character?

Ten out of ****ing ten. I honestly think this is my new favourite movie of all time.

 

[kguillou]

I thought it was pretty average, I actually liked the third act best. I don't think there was a concrete narrative driving the film forward, just kind of going in and out of several stories and none of them particularly well established. I think they should have given more scenes to the Riddler in the first half so we can connect more with him, maybe some scenes with him talking to himself or online, we already don't have much with Bruce so it kind of feels like we don't really know anyone. Selina was the highlight for me.

I kind of felt that too! There was one point in the film where i thought to myself, “what exactly is the central plot here?” And youre right there seems to be a lot of tangental plots running adjacent to each other. But i felt they were engaging enough, i just didnt feel the impact of the “central” Riddler plot. I think this movie is really a tale about Gotham City and the seedy underbelly thats infected it. Its not a villain centric plot like the Nolan movies, its about the city.

 

[Vaibow]

Was also really great how often Reeves focused on the way everyone else saw Batman. The cops starting, slack jawed. The chase scene was dark and hard to see, so the audience could feel Penguins terror at being chased by Batman.

And one of those final shots, of Batman with the flare in the water, looking at the terrified people. When we see how the trapped people look at him, he's like a literal devil. Pointy ears, red lighting from the flare etc. But after he helps and leads them to safety, he's like Moses crossing the red sea.

LOVED so many of those moments.

You think Reeves could do Kal El some justice?

 

[Moncton]

I kind of felt that too! There was one point in the film where i thought to myself, “what exactly is the central plot here?” And youre right there seems to be a lot of tangental plots running adjacent to each other. But i felt they were engaging enough, i just didnt feel the impact of the “central” Riddler plot. I think this movie is really a tale about Gotham City and the seedy underbelly thats infected it. Its not a villain centric plot like the Nolan movies, its about the city.

Ok, so I am not going crazy lol. I am glad ppl are enjoying it, but I kept thinking this is just a bigger budget fan-made film. Apart from what I think is a very underwhelming story, the film is just not exhilarating. No, Batman doesn't have to smile, but I am watching a comic book film, Bruce has zero personality.. And how many days does it rain in Gotham lol

 

[AndyTrevino]

And Vaibow, I deeply apologize for not caring for your disfigured Joker idea in retrospect. What they seem to be doing here with his design is very interesting

 

[Wolvieboy17]

You think Reeves could do Kal El some justice?

Not sure to be honest. I've loved Reeves since the Apes movies, which I think are still criminally underrated, but he seems to love exploring grittier themes. Finding hope and optimism through a prism of suffering. I have no doubt he could make a good movie with the Superman story, but would that necessarily be the best choice for Supes?

I also kinda don't want to see Superman or any other JL members connected to this Batverse, if I'm being honest. I love Batman as a character but I always thought his best stories were the ones with the fewest ties to the wider DC universe. I would much rather see them invest and expand on the Batverse, finally do Robin and co. justice.

The reason this movie worked so well is Reeves really nailed that feeling of Gotham being like a prison the citizens are trapped in. It's like a dark swamp and there's no escaping it. Batman is the only source of hope and he's a flawed, dark figure to even provide that properly. To me that illusion breaks a little the more I think about bright and shiny metropolis or other stuff like that.

That said, I DO slightly wish Reeves wasn't so against some of the more fantastical elements of the Batman verse. Like it's a shame that it might mean never getting to see a proper Ivy or Freeze or people like that. That said, I'm definitely hungry for more of this universe and whatever it involves.

 

[Wolvieboy17]

Ok, so I am not going crazy lol. I am glad ppl are enjoying it, but I kept thinking this is just a bigger budget fan-made film. Apart from what I think is a very underwhelming story, the film is just not exhilarating. No, Batman doesn't have to smile, but I am watching a comic book film, Bruce has zero personality.. And how many days does it rain in Gotham lol

To each his own, but I think this is kinda the problem with Batman as a character and how audiences see him. This film was an absolutely perfect portrayal of Batman.... from some of his stories. But audiences always know Batman as sometimes a bit more fun, sometimes a bit more goofy and quippy, sometimes more of a Superhero flying around in his cool little bat themed plane.

I think everyone has a different ideal Batman story and The Batman very unashamedly caters to one specific style of Batman story that not everyone will love. But for the people who do love it, we've been wanting to see a Batman like this for a while haha. It was like Frank Miller meets Long Halloween and what more could I ask for?

 

[BatsAndNights]

Ok, so I am not going crazy lol. I am glad ppl are enjoying it, but I kept thinking this is just a bigger budget fan-made film. Apart from what I think is a very underwhelming story, the film is just not exhilarating. No, Batman doesn't have to smile, but I am watching a comic book film, Bruce has zero personality.. And how many days does it rain in Gotham lol

Bruce being extremely deadpanned and blunt without any liveliness is nothing new. That's how he's been personality wise for like 20 years at this point if not closer to 40

As for the rain? Gotham is meant to borderline look like a Noir inspired dystopia. Plus, I actually like that the over abundance in rain actually was relevant to the plot. Given without the constant rain, it's not like the flood wouldve even been possible. Gotham is objectively a ****hole. It's the first time since Batman Begins when it's actually felt like one