DINO'S FILM CLUB #1 - The Batman

Welcome to the first installment of Dino's Film Club where I take a look and analyse films to learn filmmaking techniques and expanding on my storytelling knowledge.

The film that has the honour of being The Film Clubs first review is The Batman played by Robert Pattinson directed by Matt Reeves.

This film dives deep into the noir style, which feels like the perfect match for a character like Batman.

Let's jump right in

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Cinematography

First off, the cinematography is a highlight for me. I’m a big fan of noir, and honestly, it doesn’t suit any character more than Batman. The gloomy cityscapes of Gotham—dark, brooding, and relentless—capture that perfectly.

One thing that stood out was the way the film used strobe lighting. For example, in the scene where Batman goes to see Penguin at the club. The music worked for the atmosphere, but I felt it could’ve been even more impactful without it—though, of course, that wouldn’t have made sense for the setting, thats just my distaste for music and the clubbing setting.

 My favorite moment, though, comes later in the same club when Batman is trying to stop Selina Kyle from killing Carmine Falcone. The room goes pitch black, and the only light comes from gunfire. You can’t see the details of what’s happening, but you don’t need to—Batman is in full beast mode, taking people down. It’s brilliant visual storytelling.

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Gotham as a Character

The noir aesthetic also ties into how Gotham itself is portrayed. It’s not just the classic rain-soaked streets—although those are there—it’s the constant sense of darkness and corruption. A great example is the mayor’s funeral. The weather is nice, with clear blue skies, but the darkness is right there on the ground: protesters, pain, and the city’s ever-present corruption. Bruce even encounters a guy venting about his struggles, which perfectly sets the tone. Gotham might look fine for a moment, but its broken heart is always on display.

The point is proven further when the bright and most electric moments of the film take place in underground clubs.

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Parallel Shots

Another thing I loved was the use of parallel shots to develop characters. Take the opening murder scene, for example. The Riddler is violent and aggressive, and he even loses control of his weapon. Later, Batman arrives, and we get a close-up of the same weapon, but this time Batman is calm, observant, and picks up on clues the other investigators miss. It’s a small detail, but it shows us how sharp Batman is and why he’s so vital to the investigation.

Riddler's weapon

Batman examining the scene

Another great example is the binocular POV shots. Early on, we see the Riddler watching the mayor, and it’s creepy—you can hear his heavy breathing, almost like he’s savoring the moment. Later, we get a similar shot with Batman watching Selina Kyle, but it’s completely different. Batman is calm, methodical, and controlled. These parallels show the stark differences between them despite their surface similarities.

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Character Work

One thing I really appreciated was how this film handled Bruce Wayne. Compared to other versions, Bruce takes a backseat here. Instead of the billionaire playboy, he’s a reclusive emo who barely interacts with the city. He’s completely focused on helping Gotham, believing it’s his family legacy to fix the city his father wanted to save.

But here’s the thing: Bruce as “Mr. Vengeance” doesn’t actually help Gotham. Sure, he makes some criminals fear him, but his approach backfires when the Riddler sees Batman as a kindred spirit—someone also targeting Gotham’s corrupt elite. This realization hits Batman hard, and it pushes him to evolve. In one night, when he saves people from the flooding, he has a bigger positive impact than in two years of making criminals afraid. He learns he can’t just be a symbol of vengeance—he has to be a symbol of hope.

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Parallels Between Batman and the Riddler

The parallels between Batman and the Riddler are fascinating. Batman is treated as a freak by the police, while the Riddler—despite his violent killings—actually has a following. And then there’s Thomas Wayne, who unintentionally shaped both of them in different ways. Thomas wanted to help Gotham but made decisions that ended up leading to the city’s downfall. His legacy is at the heart of both characters’ motivations, but they take wildly different paths.

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Favorite Moments

There are a few standout moments in The Batman for me:

The chase scene with the Penguin is one of the most exciting sequences in the film, especially the ending when Penguin watches Batman walk up to him through the flames. That visual was chef’s kiss.

Great Shot!

The scene where Batman realizes Bruce Wayne is the Riddler’s next target and races back to Wayne Tower. The tension was brutal, and even though we were toyed with emotionally, it was an unforgettable moment.

And finally, Alfred’s line: “You needed a father, but all you had was me.” Yeah, I’ll admit it—there was a tear, maybe more...Maybe a lot more but that's not the point here. This was the emotional crux of the film, where we realise that Thomas Wayne WAS a good man even though he had indirectly caused the horrible events of the film. It reminded Bruce that his family legacy was improvement of Gotham and he came another step closer to being what the city needs

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Ending Thoughts

The ending ties everything together really well. Gotham is in chaos, martial law has been declared, and the city is far from saved. But the Riddler still loses because Batman learns from his mistakes and becomes a true hero—helping others and saving lives. It’s not a happy ending, but it’s hopeful and when it comes to the future, hope is really all you have.

Batman is ready to be more than just a vigilante. He’s ready to be what Gotham needs.

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Conclusion 

Overall, The Batman is a visually stunning, character-driven film that brings us a fresh take on the character while staying true to his roots. The noir style, the parallels, and the emotional depth make it stand out among other Batman films, other than The Dark Knight. I'm excited for the next installment and I will be watching The Penguin, and if you haven’t seen it yet, I recommend giving it a watch.