The Batman Part 2 Should Copy The Mystery Structure Of Another Franchise

The Batman Part 2 Should Copy The Mystery Structure Of Another Franchise

Key Takeaways

  • The Batman disappointed in showcasing Batman’s detective skills and failed to deliver a satisfying mystery.
  • The film could use inspiration from Sherlock adaptations for the sequel to create compelling mysteries.
  • By enhancing the mystery element, The Batman – Part II has the potential to offer a truly engaging entry in the Batman franchise.

As a lifelong fan of Batman comics and movies who has spent countless hours dissecting every plot twist and detective move, I was left feeling rather underwhelmed by Matt Reeves’ “The Batman”. The film failed to deliver on the promise of a compelling mystery that showcases Batman’s detective skills. It was like watching Batman stumble through a labyrinth without his utility belt.


Known as one of the most outstanding superheroes ever, Batman has garnered numerous nicknames throughout his career. These include The Caped Crusader, The Dark Knight, and even Batsy, a name given to him by his arch-nemesis, the Joker. One of the highest praises for Batman’s abilities as a crime fighter is being called The World’s Greatest Detective. Unlike other members of The Justice League who possess superpowers, Bruce Wayne lacks these extraordinary powers. However, he makes up for it with his immense wealth, martial arts skills, and technology, as well as his exceptional detective skills. By using his analytical abilities, Batman has solved intricate cases in numerous comics and other media. Interestingly, this skill was not showcased prominently in Matt Reeves’ The Batman.

Regrettably, contrary to expectations, the portrayal of The Riddler in this movie isn’t cheerful as his name suggests; instead, he’s a sinister character modeled after the Zodiac Killer. Moreover, Batman’s detective abilities in this film are underwhelming at best. To give credit where it’s due, both Batman and Lieutenant James Gordon are still learning and refining their skills in this movie, working together to find their footing. However, despite these considerations, the film failed to capture their potential greatness effectively. Looking ahead to the sequel, a different franchise could provide valuable lessons for “The Batman – Part II” to construct an engaging mystery, subtly planting clues that build anticipation for a satisfying climax in the third act.

BBC’s Sherlock

The Batman Part 2 Should Copy The Mystery Structure Of Another Franchise

In contrast to Batman, who is often called “The World’s Greatest Detective,” when most people imagine a detective, they typically think of Sherlock Holmes first. The original stories about Holmes were known as fair-play mysteries because author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle provided all the necessary clues for the reader to solve the mystery at the same time or even before Holmes and Watson did. Over the years, there have been numerous adaptations of Holmes, particularly since his stories are in the public domain. Two notable ones include the BBC series, which followed the original books closely but kept some deductions made by Sherlock hidden from the audience to make him seem more intelligent and perceptive than the viewers. However, the audience was allowed occasional glimpses into Holmes’ thought process through text, images, and maps appearing on-screen during his investigations, and editing that mirrored his rapid thinking. This approach allowed viewers a glimpse into Holmes’ mind while keeping crucial information hidden until the climax of each mystery.

Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes

The Batman Part 2 Should Copy The Mystery Structure Of Another Franchise

The Sherlock Holmes movies directed by Guy Ritchie are thrilling and amusing. Robert Downey Jr. shines at his most charming, and he shares a strong rapport with Jude Law as Watson. Given that these are Guy Ritchie productions, they pack plenty of exciting action to complement Holmes’ brilliant mind. A particularly noteworthy sequence in the initial film demonstrates how Holmes strategizes to defeat an opponent in the ring. First, the fight is depicted in slow motion with a voiceover, and then we see the battle unfold in real time. Similar to the BBC series, this scene offers a glimpse into Holmes’ thought process, revealing his ability to devise a strategy swiftly, even if it’s just to retaliate against someone for spitting on him. Unlike the BBC series, the tales in these movies aren’t adapted from Conan Doyle’s original works but are original creations. The mysteries may be intricate, but they never lead to confusion; rather, they keep you hooked. In the first movie, Holmes grapples with understanding how Lord Blackwood is supposedly slaying people from beyond the grave. However, as the story progresses, the clues he collects culminate in such a way that when Holmes ultimately exposes Blackwood’s methods and intentions, it’s difficult not to feel a sense of satisfaction.

In the movie “The Batman,” there was an abundance of events unfolding, however, a considerable portion of it seemed to undermine the central mystery. Given that this enigma serves as the driving force for the story, the extended three-hour duration felt particularly laborious and drawn out. It’s somewhat disappointing, especially for an adaptation of a character who first appeared in Detective Comics. While Detective Comics may have morphed into DC, it’s crucial that writers continue to depict this character in a manner befitting the World’s Greatest Detective title.

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2024-09-15 17:06