The Batman – Part 2 Should Take Inspiration From This Genre

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The Batman - Part 2 Should Take Inspiration From This Genre

Key Takeaways

  • Matt Reeves’ vision for the Dark Knight drew successfully on neo-noir detective cinema.
  • The Batman‘s New Hollywood influences helped forge a compelling new take on Gotham City’s crime-ridden streets.
  • By drawing on the rich history of Hollywood political thrillers, The Batman Part II can find fresh ways to explore familiar villain stories.

As a film enthusiast with a penchant for detective stories and political intrigue, I find the potential direction of “The Batman Part II” to be incredibly exciting. Drawing inspiration from classic 70’s political thrillers like “All The President’s Men,” “Three Days of the Condor,” and “The Parallax View” would not only pay homage to a golden era of cinema but also breathe fresh life into the Batman franchise.

The film, titled The Batman, significantly drew inspiration from several timeless Dark Knight storylines. Matt Reeves’ portrayal of a young Batman was heavily influenced by narrative arcs that immersed the vigilante in battles against Gotham’s warring crime families, such as Batman: Year One and The Long Halloween. Moreover, to create the darkest version of the vigilante ever depicted on screen, this film took inspiration from the long-standing tradition of hard-boiled detective thrillers in cinema.

In his pursuit of the Riddler through Gotham, causing chaos among its influential figures, Batman’s detective work revealed cinematic influences akin to Alfred Hitchcock and other New Hollywood directors such as Alan Pakula, William Friedkin, and Roman Polanski. As the Batman universe broadens, these filmmaking styles could develop intriguingly in new directions.

The Batman Lent Into The Rich History Of New Hollywood

Polanski is a controversial filmmaker, but the legacy of his films, especially 1974’s Chinatown, continues to be felt. Reeves compared the relationship of Selina Kyle Reeves and mob boss with a dark past Carmine Falcone to John Huston’s Noah Cross in Polanski’s neo-noir film. The movie’s portrayal of cities was also felt in Reeves and cinematographer Grieg Fraser’s incredible vision of a crime-ridden Gotham City.

In the mid-60s, a period when young filmmakers displaced musicals and westerns with intense movies, is now referred to as New Hollywood. Remarkably, The Batman takes inspiration from these classic films of that era. For example, there’s a noticeable echo of the 1970s thriller Klute, starring Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland, in the dynamic between Batman and Catwoman.

In a different but clear phrasing: “The film ‘Se7en’ left an impression on Gotham City, as depicted in ‘The Batman’. This is evident in the grimy noir atmosphere, the partnership between Gordon and the young Batman reminiscent of buddy cops, and the fastidiousness of the serial killer. One undeniable reference to ‘Se7en’ was the chilling manner in which the Riddler allowed himself to be apprehended by the GCPD.

All elements came together to create an unquestionably unique and memorable installment within the grand saga of Batman Crime Chronicles, which has recently grown with the addition of The Penguin series. However, given the success of the detective-focused storylines, it’s now time for the saga to explore new dimensions of criminal influence. It’s unlikely that a sequel like Batman Part II would revisit the formula of another enigmatic villain like the Riddler and his brand of serial killing.

A New Crime Direction For The Batman Part 2

The Batman - Part 2 Should Take Inspiration From This Genre

The potential impact of the new Batman movie might be significantly increased due to similarities with films that left a mark on it. Reeves has drawn parallels between the dynamic between Batman and Gordon, and the partnership of investigative journalists Bernstein and Woodward as portrayed in All the President’s Men (1974). In Pakula’s film, these characters, played by Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford, were the real-life reporters from The Washington Post who were pivotal figures in the Watergate scandal that ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. (Paraphrased)

The political thriller genre, particularly renowned during the 1970s, serves as an ideal approach to explore various aspects of the Batman Epic Crime Saga, as it ventures beyond the comic narrative of The Long Halloween.

In the upcoming movie titled “The Batman Part II“, it’s said that Boyd Holbrook will portray Harvey Dent. This film is expected to present Harvey Dent, an ambitious district attorney who allies with Batman and Gordon in a bid to dismantle organized crime. According to Batman lore, the relationship between Dent and his adversaries didn’t have a favorable outcome, as a mob attack left him scarred, both physically and mentally, transforming him into the villain known as Two Face.

You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

The well-known line from “The Dark Knight” is fittingly used in the comic series “The Long Halloween” and its sequels, serving as a backbone to the district attorney’s downfall portrayed within them.

Incorporating political and journalistic elements into “The Batman Part II” would offer a broader backdrop for its narrative. Previously, in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight”, viewers witnessed the alliance between Batman, Gordon, and Dent in live-action. Introducing the Gotham Gazette into the crime saga would mark a significant departure from the journalists we’re accustomed to, who are typically trying to uncover Batman’s identity (like Vicki Vale in 1989’s “Batman”). This change sets it apart from Nolan’s epic.

A Wealth Of Inspiring Political Thrillers That Could Influence The Batman

In addition to The Batman Part II , other political thrillers that could potentially be incorporated are The Day of the Jackal. This novel, written by Frederick Forsyth, has been adapted into films twice, with the most renowned adaptation released in 1973. In late 2024, the story will be brought to life once more as a Peacock-exclusive limited series featuring Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch.

Movies like The Parallax View and Three Days of the Condor have left their mark on the big-screen Batman depictions, notably shaping the character of the Riddler. For instance, The Parallax View from 1974 showcases a political assassination plot that uses rapid, covert imagery to manipulate minds, which might remind fans of the Brainwave device used by the Riddler in Batman Forever. Similarly, Three Days of the Condor, a 1975 thriller, follows CIA operative Robert Redford as he uncovers coded messages hidden within books. Given that the Riddler continues to exist, this plot aspect could inspire future movies.

Under the direction of Francis Ford Coppola, the 1970s thriller The Conversation is highly esteemed. The narrative revolves around Gene Hackman’s character as a surveillance expert who discovers evidence of a murder, creating an atmosphere filled with suspense, claustrophobia, and ethical quandaries. In the 1970s, political thrillers such as The Boys from Brazil and Marathon Man , which drew inspiration from the legacy of World War I, captured the attention of audiences. These movies relied on exceptional lead and supporting actors, a characteristic that is also prominent in The Batman Part II.

1977’s movie “Capricorn One” centered around a fictional Mars landing, exposing conspiracy and cover-ups. This timeless piece significantly impacted pop culture, opening up possibilities for Reeves’ “Batman” series to delve into similar genres.

It’s clear that following a similar path as the Marvel Cinematic Universe did when it dabbled in political thrillers could be another smart decision. After all, films like All The President’s Men and featuring Robert Redford, Captain America: The Winter Soldier stands out as one of the MCU’s greatest achievements.

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2024-11-11 04:05