The shift away from fun in Batman’s universe can be traced back to Frank Miller’s groundbreaking 1986 comic series, “The Dark Knight Returns.” While these comics were undeniably thrilling, they introduced a darker, more dystopian tone that influenced many subsequent adaptations.
Following Miller’s work, Tim Burton’s films “Batman” and “Batman Returns” embraced the darker elements but retained excitement. However, more recent adaptations, including the Christopher Nolan trilogy, Todd Phillips’s “The Joker,” and Matt Reeves’s “The Batman,” have leaned heavily into a serious and often bleak narrative, leaving some viewers feeling that they must adopt a more somber mindset to fully appreciate them.
Matt Reeves, known for his work on “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” directed “The Batman,” which, despite its three-hour runtime, offered a compelling visual experience. Unfortunately, its exploration of themes like revenge and social decay felt stretched and repetitive. Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Batman was marked by an intense seriousness, giving him an almost distracted demeanor throughout the film.
On a positive note, “The Batman” featured impressive cinematography and introduced Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman, joining the ranks of iconic portrayals by stars like Julie Newmar and Michelle Pfeiffer. Additionally, Colin Farrell’s transformative performance as the Penguin, achieved through extensive makeup and prosthetics, stood out in its own right, even if the character wasn’t inherently fun. While the film offered striking visuals, it struggled to connect with audiences on a more lighthearted level.