Why The Batman Deserved Oscar for Cinematography?

The movie's visuals are a significant part of what makes it stand out, the fact that it was overlooked in this category is a shame.

Why The Batman (2022) deserved Oscar for cinematography?
Vengeance from The Batman (2022) walking as a car explodes in the background. 

The Batman, directed by Matt Reeves, is a movie that stands out among the numerous adaptations of the Dark Knight. Its unique take on Gotham City's underworld, a gripping storyline, and excellent performances by its cast, have made it a fan-favorite. However, what has impressed critics and audiences alike is the movie's stunning cinematography, which is why it deserved an Oscar in that category.

The Batman is a movie that takes a dark and gritty approach to the Batman character, as seen in the comics. This means that the visuals are an essential aspect of creating the movie's atmosphere and tone. Director Matt Reeves and Cinematographer Greig Fraser had a specific vision for the film's look and feel, and they executed it flawlessly.

One of the reasons The Batman's cinematography deserves praise is that it manages to create a unique and immersive world for the audience. The movie's visuals transport us to Gotham City, a dark and dangerous place filled with corruption and crime. The camera work and lighting add to the ambiance, making the city feel claustrophobic and oppressive. The use of color is particularly striking, with a lot of blacks, grays, and muted tones. The movie's color palette sets the tone for the entire film, creating a sense of unease and tension that is palpable.

The Batman's Cinematography is Unforgettable

The cinematography in The Batman is not just visually stunning but also helps to tell the story. The camera angles and movement give us a sense of the characters' emotions and intentions. There are several scenes in the movie where the camera lingers on the characters' faces, showing us their inner turmoil and conflict. The use of close-ups in these scenes is particularly effective in conveying the characters' emotions.

The movie's action sequences are another example of the excellent cinematography. The fight scenes are intense and fast-paced, but the camera work is never confusing. The fight choreography is easy to follow, and the camera angles provide a sense of the environment and the characters' movements. The use of slow-motion in some of the fight scenes is particularly impressive, making them feel more impactful and dramatic.

Batman with Catwoman in The Batman (2022).

The Batman's cinematography is also notable for its use of shadows and light. The movie's use of light and shadow is an essential aspect of the film's overall style. The shadows create an ominous atmosphere, while the light adds a sense of hope and possibility. This contrast is particularly evident in scenes where Batman is perched on a rooftop, silhouetted against the night sky. The use of shadows and light creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, adding to the film's overall appeal.

One of the most impressive aspects of The Batman's cinematography is the use of specially modified film lenses. Director Matt Reeves and Cinematographer Greig Fraser created a novel technique using these lenses to achieve a unique look for the movie. The lenses were modified to create a shallow depth of field, which helped to blur the background and create a more cinematic look. The use of these lenses gave the movie a distinctive and unforgettable look, adding to its appeal.

Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman in The Batman (2022).

Not Even a Nomination!

Despite its outstanding cinematography, The Batman was not nominated for an Oscar in that category. This is a significant disappointment for fans of the movie and for those who appreciate excellent cinematography. The movie's visuals are a significant part of what makes it stand out from other superhero movies, and the fact that it was overlooked in this category is a shame.

Even legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins has acknowledged the film's cinematography, saying that it deserved to be nominated for the best cinematography category. Deakins has worked on some of the most visually stunning movies in recent years, including Blade Runner 2049 and 1917, so his praise for The Batman's cinematography is high praise indeed.

The Batman deserved an Oscar for its stunning visuals, ignoring a movie like The Batman is beyond comprehension. Movie lovers will never forget this.