‘The Batman’ Is Now Officially an ‘AMC Artisan Film’ and Here Are the Reasons Why
The Batman is one of the biggest movies hitting theaters at the beginning of 2022. The coronavirus (COVID-19) impacted the film’s initial plans, ultimately delaying the film’s release. However, Warner Bros. is finally delivering the Batman crime drama. AMC officially gave The Batman their AMC Artist Films label and here are their reasons for why.
‘The Batman’ introduces Riddler on the silver screen
Cloverfield filmmaker Matt Reeves directs a screenplay that he co-wrote with Peter Craig. Bruce Wayne, also known as Batman (Robert Pattinson), is entering his second year fighting crime. He enters Gotham’s criminal underground to follow a sadistic killer’s clues. However, Batman soon discovers that the evidence is pointing toward somewhere much more personal than he was expecting.
The masked vigilante discovers that the killer of elite citizens goes by the name of The Riddler (Paul Dano). Batman will have to work with unlikely allies to take him down for good. However, he will also have to face his past and the power and corruption that grasped Gotham for so many years.
‘The Batman’ is now officially an AMC Artisan Film
AMC officially gave The Batman their AMC Artisan Films label. The website lists the movie theater chain’s criteria when it comes to deciding what films deserve this specific label.
“Filmmaking is an art, and AMC is its museum,” AMC wrote. “And just as there are masterpieces of traditional art, there are exceptional works of film. AMC Artisan Films brings a curated gallery of the finest movies to AMC where everyone can enjoy them. Any movie with the AMC Artisan Films seal is an artist-driven film that advances the art of making movies.”
The AMC website relates those terms specifically to The Batman. Read on below to read how this specifically relates to the upcoming DC film:
“The landmark franchise of the Caped Crusader is propelled to new territory using themes of film noir to unmask a fresh and effective detective story set in the corrupt underworld of Gotham City. Expressionistic camera work set the tone, a captivating film score fills the mood and an enticing use of color palette are employed as tools to enhance this daring and very suspenseful cinematic experience. A delicious cast of character performances are featured as each clue is pieced together, including Paul Dano as the haunting yet captivating sadistic killer.”
AMC further states the exact factors that determine whether a film gets the Artisan Film label. The film must bring a “unique vision and perspective” and be a film that “pushes boundaries and sparks conversation.” Another factor is whether the feature pushes actors outside of their comfort zones, unites acclaimed casts, and “features a compelling score and development of character.”
Possible awards push similar to ‘Joker’
Big studio action films like The Batman don’t tend to get the AMC Artisan Films label. This is a big statement that has fans wondering if it’s possible for an awards push from Warner Bros. Joker also earned the same label and went on to win Oscars for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role and Best Original Score. The film scored 9 additional nominations, including Best Picture.
Warner Bros. could potentially push The Batman for awards season, despite how early the movie is hitting theaters in the season. However, that isn’t to say that the film won’t have staying power. If the film holds up to high expectations, it could happen. Perhaps its crime drama roots could help give it legs beyond the typical superhero action flick for awards voters.
The Batman hits theaters on March 4.
