*POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING FOR: The Batman*
The last time many of us saw Robert Pattinson in a main role on the big screen, he was the brooding teenage Edward Cullen in the Twilight saga. Now, he’s taking on another type of leading man in Matt Reeve’s The Batman, which premiered in theaters March 4, 2022. I, along with a lot of the general public, was surprised by the choice of Pattinson as the crime-fighting vigilante when his acting was first announced back in 2019. But upon seeing the almost three-hour film twice now, I have to say my skepticism was proven entirely wrong.
Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne is an entirely new take on previous adaptations of the character. The movie takes place two years after Bruce Wayne has begun his efforts as Batman. His narration over scenes of a largely comic-accurate Gotham riddled with crime is filled with angst as he describes how crime has only gotten more rampant since he began his crusade. The iconic Batman voice is tough to imitate, and while I think Christian Bale’s may be more iconic, Pattinson does it justice. His first on-screen scene, where he completely beats a group of thugs, asserts the tone of the movie. He is cold, hardened, and out for vengeance. His movements are agile but forceful, and his presence is controlled and powerful. His 6’1 frame commands your attention without doing much of anything, and it is easy to see why criminals are terrified that he may be lurking in the shadows.
When we get our first visual of Mr. Wayne, it pays little similarity to Christian Bale’s billionaire-playboy, smooth acting portrayal we get in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy. With eyeliner smudged around his eyes, Pattinson looks pained and holds a darkness in him that we would expect from a person who tragically lost their parents and never properly dealt with it. His tone when he speaks to Alfred, along with visible exhaustion, brings a humanity to the character I loved. He is a recluse who seldom leaves his estate during the daylight, and the brooding and mysterious demeanor he used while playing Edward Cullen are put to use. His awkwardness when it comes to human interaction could be annoying, but he does it just right so that it’s endearing and you begin to feel for him. Another highlight is his chemistry with co-star Zoe Kravitz, who plays Selena Kyle, or Catwoman. There is just enough tension and conflict that allows the connection between the two to balance within the film without taking it over or playing no significant portion in it at all.
My favorite part of Pattinson’s performance though is how much he is able to say without saying anything at all. His eyes, especially behind the mask, say more about what he is thinking or feeling than any dialogue could. The scene where he confronts the film’s villain, the Riddler, is one example. The fear in his eyes when Wayne believes that the Riddler has figured out that he in fact is Batman, is so raw and real. And the instantaneous relief that spreads across his expression instantly after realizing his secret is still safe is perfect. His performance is like this throughout the movie: his gaze and intensity says all he needs to without words.
Pattinson’s performance was a treat, and I was thoroughly impressed by how well he embodied and brought a new and interesting take on the role. I don’t think I should compare Bale and Pattinson, as both portrayals are vastly different. However, Pattinson now has the ability to become THE Batman for future generations, and I think he has great potential. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the film and I can’t wait to see his character develop further, as a trilogy is now in the works.
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