The arrival of The Batman is coming into view as 2022 slowly peaks over the horizon. The Bruce Wayne narrative has carried an abundant amount of speculation since the first pieces of footage were released, but information has been surfacing around the decisions made behind character and costume choices. From Kurt Cobain to the Zodiac Killer, inspiration has been drawn from several areas to bring this avant-garde take on the Cape Crusader to life.
However, the mind of Matt Reeves seems to be taking an even darker approach with The Batman, ensuring that every physical element carries a soul of its own. The iconic batmobile is no different and sits within an ocean of creativity, birthed from the imagination of a Stephen King classic.
Some early conversations around the film have sparked horror comparisons due to the overall violent and dark atmosphere embedded within the plot. However, none of it is a surprise as the trailer revealed some pretty gruesome moments, including diabolical behaviors displayed by Paul Dano's portrayal of The Riddler. Matt Reeves's creative direction sits within realism, which audiences haven't fully seen since The Dark Knight trilogy. The authenticity takes away the fanciful, creating a city plagued by a serial killer, which is the thing of nightmares. Footage reveals the abominable Riddler tapping up a dead body while simultaneously expressing his yearning to extinguish the Cape Crusader. Broken bones and other elements that have been on display send a chill down the spine, but the fear lives openly within other areas as well.
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In an interview with Empire (via BloodyDisgusting), Reeves discussed the emblematic batmobile and the inspiration behind its ghastly design. "It has to make an appearance out of the shadows to intimidate, so I thought of it almost like Stephen King's Christine." The novel by Stephen King was released in 1983 and told the story of a car possessed by malicious metaphysical forces. The book was adapted into a film in December of the same year, bringing the malevolent Plymouth Fury to life, which became an iconic symbol of fear. "I liked the idea of the car itself as a horror figure, making an animalistic appearance to really scare the hell out of the people Batman's pursuing," continued Reeves, whose comparison holds some good weight.
The trailer revealed such a moment, highlighting the fear rooted in the eyes of the Penguin (Colin Farrell) as the batmobile emerged like a demon from fire to continue its pursuit of the character. The Plymouth Fury, a staple within Christine, had a mind of its own and sought to enact vengeance on anyone who wronged its owner. While the batmobile does not physically move on its own, its presence is a living entity that embodies the mannerisms of its owner. Robert Pattison declares himself to be "vengeance" in one of the more iconic moments from the trailer, which speaks to the alarming reputation his vehicle will carry as well. As Reeves stated, while not alive, the vehicle is a symbol of apprehension to those that sit within its path.
Nothing within this film is treated lightly or taken for granted. Each piece carries some relevance behind its purpose—Reeves saught to bring realism, eliminating most of the gadgets and flares associated with The Batman narrative. Fear, however, surfs within reality, and Reeves seeks to unearth that by allowing every element to speak for itself. Dano's Riddler costume lives by such a creed, taking a more straightforward approach to building a more horrific version of the character. At its most superficial level, the batmobile is a living, breathing symbol of its terrifying owner, and like Christine, sends a message that something undesirable is around the corner.
The Batman lands in theaters March 4, 2022.
Source: BloodyDisgusting
