Matt Reeves' THE BATMAN and Rediscovering your Humanity (Video Essay) 

Great video man. Your four favorite pieces of superhero media (Spider-Man 2, TDK, Daredevil, Logan) are my four favorite as well. Could tell I was going to like the video just by reading the title. When a hero flick is able to uncover a truth about humanity as a whole and apply it to someone who seems so far from "human", there really isn't anything else like it. Themes (and "truths") shine brightest in great superhero movies, and I'm a sucker for anything thematic.

The Riddler in this movie is especially one of those hockey pad wearing Batman copycats from the beginning of The Dark Knight only taken to it’s most shocking conclusion.

this isn't a batman vs riddler movie, it's a batman vs bruce wayne movie in which bruce is trying to take back his life and the batman is trying to subdue bruce with his hatred. that's why at the end the final battle isn't with riddler, it's with the people inspired by batman

To say that a movie changed my life, I know is contrive. But before the movie came out, I lost a dream job without warning, or a chance to fix anything. I was out of a job, trying to keep up with schoolwork, and I was angry, hurt, and vengeful. I knew I was wrongfully “let go”, but I wanted to stay, to contribute. But it wasn’t too be. I tried other libraries, but they wouldn’t even let me get an interview. They had someone else in mind, and again I was denied a chance. Then I did two other interviews, they never got back, even when I called and called this one lady. I caved, and I got a job as a kitchen aid at a restaurant home. It’s not glamorous, not fun, the place is depressing, because this is where elderly go to die. I wanted to at least work in activities, but the lady there kept leaving me in the dark. I should have been grateful, but my ego, my temper, and my young blood was hot. All through this I gravitated to the old Hulk show, then to Batman. Because I was genuinely angry, and thought I was owed something better. The world never owns you a penny. Then, I when to the theater to see this movie, and I felt emersed into that world. I wanted to stay there with Bruce. A little of Batman left with me. I want to be more then my anger and hurt past. I don't want to be a victim, but a victor. I want to treat others better than I have been treated. I want to fight the everyday as if I was a hero, even I never get seen, or embraced by the small town near home that still treats me like an outsider even if I lived here all my life. Like Bruce, I'll keep going. And Like All Might, I want to try and smile more in face of fear, and sadness. My sister introduced me to My Hero Academia. At first, I thought thing similar to Stain. That the heroes were in it for fame and money. And that All Might was a grinning glory hound. I was so wrong, and now I love that character so much. Batman gave me a Lesson. And All Might gave me Hope. But this movie changed me, and I love it. Thank you for reading.

This video essay restored my faith in the Batman fandom and yeah humanity too. Excellent analysis and it's everything I thought of after watching the movie a second time.

Your final sentences for Pattinson's Batman is SPOT ON,man. Your reasoning is also why I consider Battinson the BEST depiction of Batman since Kevin Conroy's time as Batman(minus his time in the CW..blehhh) and David Boreanaz' Angel(Angel's technically the Batman of the Buffyverse). Because both Conroy & Angel are also guys who are willing to do anything just to save anyone. And Pattinson gave us that. And I LOVE it.

This was a lot of fun! Great commentary. Love your enthusiasm. I totally agree that the best superhero stories focus on the character, but I'd go one further. I think what makes superheroes special is how their personal arc as a character reflects the formation and evolution of their superhero persona. Captain America, for example, didn't get a great start to his arc, because the meaning of the costume took a back seat to the character arc. A proper superhero interwines those things. Later in Cap's arc, we see how the costume subtly but distinctly comes to be defined by Cap's actions, and eventually, he lets go of the costume (specifically the shield, but the whole package ends up going with it) as he no longer stands by what it represents. Finally, he embraces it again, or at least, what it means becomes bigger than just loyalty to a sovereign nation. With The Batman here, the costume, and its accompanying symbol, begins the film as a dreadful warning, a promise of punishment, a manifestation of a guilty conscience. You know you did wrong, and you know he's coming for you. That's pretty bad-ass and all, but the thing is, there's nothing good about it. Punishment doesn't make the world better, and apparently, it doesn't prevent crime. Not by itself. I think you zero in on everything broken about Batman in this film in the way you zeroed in on his confrontation with the Riddler. In The Dark Knight, the Joker claims himself ahead of the curve. He's the person everyone will be sooner or later, given the right circumstances. In The Batman, the Riddler isn't who Batman would become if he didn't have that rule, he's who Batman will become when he runs out of hope. And Batman is running out of hope, man. The point of the deleted scene with the Joker is that the Joker sees how close Batman is to becoming the Riddler already. He knows Batman is hanging onto his soul by his fingernails. What I loved about this film is that, like all the best noir stories, it's a detective's journey into his own dark side. Batman sees himself for who he is, not an avenger of violence and suffering, but another cause of it. Kicking ass doesn't make the world a better place, and the people who believe it is just want an excuse to do to the world what it has done to them. But if Bruce is looking to heal himself or his city, this isn't the way to do it. That's what I loved about the film.

Great review. This iteration of Batman blew me away. It’s Batman for adults.

Holy smokes I finally now know what made it so great. I've always loved this movie but now, it has solidified my love. Love this video man

Finally got a chance to kick back and watch this. As always. QUALITY MY BOY!!!

Warmest feeling indeed

The Batman is a goddamn masterpiece.

Facts this Movie is a Masterpiece man so good 10/10 in my top 3 caped adaptations ever cant wait for the sequel

Robin also being the first citizen in Gotham to reach out his hand to Batman was also a nice touch.

The dark knight essay videos were good. These will be even better. I can’t wait for this trend.

this was pretty good. i've not seen this articulated a lot in other reviews and i think i connected with this batman much more than previous iterations (which is to say, i connected wtih this at all) i was pleasantly surprised to see matt reeves mention the shadow in interviews and i think bruce wanting to basically merge with the shadow is the strongest indication of him not wanting to exist as himself and/or losing his humanity. and i love how you fleshed that out in your video. well done!

Nice video. Loved listening to your description!

Great video man idk why I found this video so late but gosh u spoke my mind about this movie

That was beautiful man. Really enjoyed your video. The Batman was the best movie experience I have had in a while.

great video man!

1 thing I can appreciate this movie for At the beginning of the film he says "I'm Vengeance!" ( That whole scene is Awesome! 👊💪) By the end, He realizes he must become More than that.. He must also become a symbol of hope for the people ( The part where he helps the little girl always gets me) In many other projects Batman is devoid of humanity ( a single minded vigilante) In this film, he develops his humanity and his struggle to retain it

Good analysis man! You just earned yourself a new subscriber 😊

I'm hoping the sequel (or one after that) has something that parallels the interrogation scene. Unlike how he treated the Riddler, telling him he's a psycho who will die alone, The next villain will be given encouraging words of change by Bruce.

Very well said.

Love this, helped inspire my latest video essay on the film

Very very very well done 👍

Great video, man! I’ve seen the film three times and loved it each time, especially the third act (which I don’t think was as big as people think it was) Either way, great job on the video and can’t wait for the next one

Great video man!

Love how u point out he does not care what people think. Great essay

You really got the point of this movie, and it's a great review. Probably gonna be my favorite Batman movie to be honest with you.👌🏿

Spot on. Well done.

This movie is my favorite super hero of all time. Aside from Spider-Verse.

Gordon/Batman relationship was BA as well. Very BAS

What??? I think your inscribed count is missing like 4 0’s! This video is excellent! Really appreciated what you had to how well you articulated your points! You rock and I hope more people stumble on your videos!

It's funny the guy who I thought would be the worst batman became the best one

I genuinely loved this adaptation of THE BATMAN, it captured the parts I enjoyed as a kid, the parts that were lost and made me ultimately dislike Batman for years. Though I enjoyed the Dark Knight Trilogy for different reasons, this embodies what Batman is in my opinion. Enjoyed it so much, I bought "The Killing Clown" and "The Long Halloween" comics, I haven't bought a Western comic in years.

Hey Nick great video! Just curious will you do a video on BvS?

He had A Real Change

0:15 Deadpool: *YES*

I think its a solid 7/10 for me - the third act just felt bland compared to the rest. I loved Bruce's arc though and that is the movie's saving grace. That, and the cinematography/atmosphere.

I'm really looking forward to the revival of Bruce Wayne that the next film will showcase.

I agree completely It's always more engaging when the film is focused on the titular character(s) The Batman is Phenomenal! Matt Reeves has accomplished something that no other Batman movie could do The Dark Knight is Incredible, but This movie is better Batman V Superman attempted to make a darker, gritty film but tried too hard... Among my favorites are... Deadpool ~~Ryan Reynolds is just Unbelievably entertaining those movies also focus on the main character Superman the first movie 1978 The Avengers 2012 A movie called Push with Chris Evans ( about a group of psychokinetic young people who are hunted down by a global conglomerate for their powers) I like BvS Bumblebee ( a Transformers movie) Aquaman I also like Venom ( it's fun) I like the Marvel Spider-Man films I like the Silver Surfer Fantastic Four movie Batman Returns is a guilty pleasure Star Wars is The Best IMO ( A Jedi Knight is the best "Superhero") { Wookie growl} Terminator 2 is a great film it delves deep into why holding on to a sense of humanity is so important! How do you fight machines without becoming hard and mercenary like them? Movies like Gravity and Passengers ( How do you survive Alone in deep space?) Close Encounters of the third kind is just a Masterpiece! Deadpool, Spider-Man and Batman are my faves

❤

Actually the Riddler's origin in The Batman runs parallel to the Joker in The Dark Knight. The theme of escalation. Batman appears to take down the criminal element of Gotham. Bizarre and grotesque rogues appear in response to Batman. Nature abhors a vacuum.

Wasn't the name Edward Nigmar? Does anyone know the reason for the changed last name?

"...a man who is losing himself in his superhero activities.." I beg to differ. I think it's a man who is *finding himself* in his superhero activities.

Mazn

The movie was ment to be a spectacle

The Batman was pretty good. I don’t think it’s as good as people are saying it is. The opinions of the general public regarding The Batman is overrated. But still… it’s a rather good film. Very entertaining.

Bro it’s not venom, it’s just adrenaline

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life.

Batman is not at the forefront of The Dark Knight, lol. TDKT is all about it's villains

Joker was better

I'll be honest, they should've kept the Vengeance thing till at least the sequel. U can have too much character development too quickly

Rediscovering the most pretentiously boring "Batman" movie I've ever watched.