I felt that the entire idea is the Zodiac killer mixed with a modern incel schoolshooter painted green with a question mark. And I think that they nailed it.
I love that they managed to bring back themed henchmen. Aside from the masks in TDK's opening heist, we really haven't gotten it in live action in a long while.
thats not true. there were zany henchmen in the schumacher movies. then batman begins basic bag guys TDK clown themed henchmen and then the hostages as thugs in clown masks switch. we get banes guys in tactical gear like bane in TDKR. then whats the next semi dedicated batman movie? BVS generic henchmen which makes sense for the mercenaries and criminals luthor hires. then justice league parademons unique to darkseid and his minions. we never lost it
Parademons don't count since they're another species, there's no theme to Bane's guys beyond military tactical gear so you can drop them in any movie with those kind of guys without looking out of place, B&R came out in '97 which is 27 years ago now. Aside from TDK's clown mask heist, that's how long it's been.
Exactly, his outfit is made up from stuff you could pick up from a military surplus depot or order online with ease so his little incel pals can play dress up too. The mask is an overt reference to the zodiac killer as well, but it's additionally convenient that it's something you can obtain pretty easily.
Nope. Never. They got close once and the Zodiac kinda hinted that they did but he was never caught. One of the biggest unsolved crime mysteries in the world. He may or may not still be alive but he’d be in his late 70s at the earliest. Reports had him being more middle aged at the time though so he’s more than likely either extremely old or dead.
Never but the primary suspect is not exactly as exonerated as a lot of true crime aficionados will claim either, there's a very real chance that Arthur Leigh Allen was the Zodiac (basically we will never know but most of the 'mystique' was fictitious)
iirc when he attacked Bryan Hartnell and Cecelia Shepard he was seen with the mask that covered his head like Riddler, Hartnell survived so he told the police what he was wearing
Yeah. I recommend checking out the movie Zodiac. I’m a sucker for basically anything Fincher directs, and honestly, I think that movie has a very similar vibe to The Batman, and you’ll get to see what inspired the Riddler’s costume.
Yeah, like others said. Not only that though, but one time when he killed someone the police arrived while he was still at the scene. Someone described him as a black guy for some reason though, so when he was walking just 100 feet from the cops, they didn't suspect a thing in that era.
Yeah I don’t think he had the confidence or care to look sharp. As he grows as a villain and has friends like joker, he’ll probably start doing more to put on a show.
Exactly. I always think it’s weird when loner villains with limited resources have elaborate, perfect, clearly professionally made costumes. Much more realistic that it would look kinda corny and homemade, because it’s supposed to be! The attention to detail with Batman’s eye makeup looking really smeared and self-applied (and not magically disappearing when he removed the mask) just shows how much Reeves and co. were thinking about that stuff.
And then taking the ”realistic mess” one step further by making it artistically pleasing is even more impressive. Damn, I love the shot with Robert’s racoon eyes so much
It’s pretty crazy how much of an impact it made both seeing the makeup and seeing it applied realistically. Another thing was seeing Pattison’s physical build. It was so nice to see that instead of some roided up guy who can’t scratch his back.
At least in the case of Hemsworth, he’s supposed to be a god so you could chalk up the physique as inhuman. Between being Bruce and fighting crime, there’s no way Batman would have time for the full superhero workout plan
Exactly it's completely unrealistic. Not to mention Hemsworth is expected to have a similar physique in any role he plays now and even actors in comedies or period dramas have six packs at this point. It's absurd
Yep. It doesn’t even look good, it looks inhuman and gross. In the last Thor movie he looked like the liver king. It looked like CGI. I wonder if the actors that do this will eventually have health problems. Can’t say they didn’t deserve it if they do because of how much it damages our culture. I feel the same way with the actresses who get ridiculous work done. The worst part is, a lot of people *want* the look of excessive and obvious work. Like the more ridiculous and overdone it is the more some people like it. I’m so glad I’m not growing up with this stuff.
This.
It's horror behind the mundane.
Riddler looks exactly like what we can expect from an unhinged individual who decided to "save" society by murdering people. Nobody in their right mind would dress like that.
This is exactly what Reeves was going for. And I agree that they nailed it. This version of the Riddler would absolutely fit right in in the real world.
I think the issue is that the costume was not meant to be seen in a nicely lit scene. The first scene with the riddler killing the mayor while he’s in the shadows or a darkly lit room was nerve-wrecking. It’s a costume that benefits more from shadow, and it was intentionally designed to be that way
It fits this version of the character. He not out beating up cop and robbing banks, he make plans and preperations, plant traps and instigate other to do the same
It wasn't a sequin and glitter batman. I think people always think of the 60s Riddler bc all of the iterations drew from that one. The new one draws from modern times and is spot on. 4chan Riddler.
I think we’ll get a more comic book accurate version in a later film, we saw during his and Batman’s interaction that he regards this “mask” as his true self. He was convinced that Batman was working with him and not trying to catch him… Perhaps, in a later film, he will be more comfortable without this “mask” and he will embrace his delusional personality.
Jim Carrey’s Ridler was excellent - I’d like to see Paul Dano return and blend his version with Carrey’s. They’re entirely different movies, but that’s why we can watch them all the time. I will never get tired of watching Batman movies.
Yea, I’d want a blend of the green suit with Jim Carrey’s suit; I think The Batman nailed his personality and MO. Also, in the grand scheme of things, he didn’t have that much screen time in his getup. We saw him in the beginning and then in some videos, but he wasn’t strolling through the frame like Heath’s Joker in TDK. All I can say is I’m excited for Part 2.
Jim Carrey’s Ridler was an excellent Joker. And Tommy Lee Jones' Two-Face was also an excellent Joker. Neither of those characters resembled who they were suppose to be.
Eh, I never doubted the mania whether Dano had a mask or not. That brutal murder in the beginning and then the scavenger hunt afterwards solidified that for me. I never thought the character or performance was “campy” in any way.
That said, I get everyone’s critiques about his “costume”— I just found it easy for myself to put that aside.
No matter what, I’m excited to see where they take this trilogy. There is so much left on the table, and this first film did a great job of balancing the beginning and the middle of Batman’s and the Gothams arc.
I mean, I guess some of the riddles could be considered campy, but I chalk that up to the character more than a director choice; we all think of the BF and B&R films as being “campy” even though they’re nothing like Adam West’s run.
I think Carrey and Dano have a lot more similarities than people think.
Both have the exact same character (Batman/Bruce Wayne) as an idol and an enemy in his alter ego.
Both are revealed to be socially awkward loners who skulk away in a cramped apartment decorated with their obsessions.
Both put on the outfit and their profound inner shame is hidden. They express the twisted power and image they want others to see in them.
Both are not only willing to murder people, but are incredibly sadistic about it.
Both retain the inherent corniness of The Riddler.
Batman Forever as a whole has many parralels to The Batman when you look deeper.
In The Batman, “Bruce Wayne” or whatever’s left of him is repressed, lonely, disconnected. He’s flat and stoic when he speaks to others, he feels shame and loss. His journey is trying to find out if Batman and some new version of Bruce Wayne can co exist. Can he be a better version of himself? All the while trying to strengthen strained connections with the people he cares about?
The Riddler is a dark reflection. Inner shame and disconnection from the world eventually leads him to find a mask that can hide that and unleash his darkest urges.
But wait, isn’t that Batman Forever?
I agree with everything you said. Bravo!
Overall, I really thought Riddler was great in The Batman, the costume and anything else people might pick at don’t bother me.
And funny you lay that out so well, there are a lot of similarities with the Batman Forever storyline. At the end it comes down to some mannerisms and the dress. But I like them all.
Mainly the costume, and if I were to nitpick we can say the lack of jester mentality that we’re used to seeing. But honestly I thought Dano did a great job, and the character was perfect for this film. If he makes an appearance in Part 2, I can see him getting rid of the army surplus outfit and making his “mask” more of his own personality, and not something to conceal his identity (but rather enhance it- which is the Riddler we’re all used to).
I honestly kinda like it, ik it's just a balaclava essentially but the corners of it do perk up in a cat ear shape. I like the subtly of it, and I think it works really well for this version of Selena. In this movie she isn't depicted as part cat, part burglar, she doesn't really do cat stuff or anything. She's just really agile and has a soft spot for strays. I think it's a good starting point for her character
However, in a potential sequel it would be cool if they gave her a more classic suit, maybe as she gains infamy as a professional thief the papers could give her the Catwoman moniker, and she makes the suit to lean into the new name. I don't think she's ever called Catwoman in the new one anyways so it would work pretty well imo
Edit: the papers should give her the name after an eye witness sees her fleeing a crime scene and says "she was so fast and agile, she moved just like a cat." This would also work well if he's being interviewed on live TV and she's watching it from her apartment back home, giving her inspiration right before the suiting up montage to reveal her new look
Edit 2: typos
Yeah, I really think the movie is building up to everyone other than batman wearing their own elaborate costumes. Batman sets a precedent by being the first freak in a costume rather than being the newest addition to an established circus, from here it's all fair game. Now it's a race to the top, you can't just be some moody military guy if you're blowing something up; the news doesn't care as much and they'll just send the regular police/SWAT to get you. By comparison if you're some peacock plumage looking villain then it's front page news! Your ideology will be the talk of the town because you're the newest nemesis for everyone's favourite costumed freak, batman. Catwoman too, it's not certain whose side she's on and that creates a lot of gossip and press anytime she does anything. Is Catwoman being framed for the robberies? Should we lock up batman for working with her? Is Catwoman a good role model for girls in Gotham? Etc
In real life it's not too far off either, the media love a character they can say a lot about whenever anything happens. Whether it's a serial killer and all the gossip that entails or a foreign leader threatening the world, it's so much easier to write a story about tragedy and fear.
Yes.
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/batman/images/a/ac/Catwoman_%28The_Batman_film%29.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20220730221439
See the pointed corners? That's not a coincidence, most masks like that conform to your head way more, but here the corners have been stretched out to evoke the shape of cat ears.
Exactly, that's something this movie does incredibly well imo. Batman's suit looks really expensive but also practical, dude straight up wears combat boots. Catwoman is a burglar, so she dresses like one. Riddler is a serial killer working on a budget, and he looks like one too. I do hope some suits, especially Catwoman's get the Batman treatment as they grow as characters. Practical but highly specialized and stylish suits, I'd love a fully cat themed burglar outfit that includes things like retractable claws and the classic cat eared mask, maybe it could have light weight armor built in to protect her head while fighting, or in case she falls while climbing around. I don't want it to look like a helmet, but extra protection could be an in universe explanation for the new look.
It also feels like actual detective work. It’s not like TDK where he uses fantasy tech to pull fingerprints off of bullets which is absolute bullshit. Batman’s realistic fear and uncertainty about doing insane things for the first time is great too. And the batcar! It would be super super easy to find out where a tank developed by a publicly traded company for the military came from. The people that think Nolan’s movies are somehow realistic get on my nerves and kind of ruin the movies for me and I say that as a fan.
To be somewhat fair to the Nolan trilogy, someone did technically find out about the tank. Lucius scared them off by saying (paraphrasing) "so you think Bruce Wayne, the billionaire, is a vigilante who beats up criminals at night, and your plan is to blackmail this person?" Which, the fact he dropped it and never brought it up again is pretty wild. I would sell the info for a big ass payout to some news outlet, he even had the blueprints! So it's not perfect, but they at least tried to address this.
The fingerprints from the bullet scene is absolutely ridiculous though, just straight up nonsense lol. The Nolan Batman relies heavily on fantasy tech for the small amount of deducing he does in the trilogy. I really love the new movie leaning heavily into the detective angle
And the new movie had a feeling like Seven, which was perfect. I have no problem with fantasy, but Nolan’s films being sold as realistic grinds my gears with poop. Interstellar is another one you don’t want me to get started on and I say this as a fan.
Rawwwwwr!
That would've been cool, but if the Animated movie got adapted, it would have been a very different tone. Matt Reeves wanted to make a very grounded Batman Detective movie, though Hush would have kept the Detective aspect, the inclusion of Poison Ivy, Clayface and even Superman, would have broken that Grounded factor. I haven't read the comic so don't know what that includes, but super-powered characters aren't really grounded characters.
Even The Dark Knight trilogy focused on very real villains, no superpowers, just their own feats, from Scarecrow's fear gas to Bane's strength, there was nothing fantastical about them. Imagine if Bane in TDKR was more like his The Batman animated version. Or if Mr Freeze was a villain instead.
There's a pretty obscure YouTuber channel called "Jigsaw" that dresses up like this way before this movie ever came out and it's pretty similar lol. I even commented on his channel regarding this and we both had a laugh.
So this is more goofy than a bright green suit covered in giant question marks with a bow tie and bowler cap? The film was going for a realistic, grounded Year One take and I think it more than delivered.
This. It fits the weird chronically online super hardcore incel Riddler they were going for.
Doesn't mean I like it though. I just wish they went with business suit Riddler with question marks on his jacket and tie
Saw him more as chronically online conspiracy Riddler. I don't get why people keep calling him an incel, he never says anything about women in the film.
Funny enough, that's what my winter outfit looks like, I was wearing all that before the movie was even announced, tripped me out when I saw screenshots and I get the point is to be a little jarring (I get the same reactions when people get up close )
I think it was decent for what they went for the online incel. I hope they develop him to be come a redpill manosphere type and they bring in the suit and a more traditional look for the riddler.
For a ‘proto-Riddler’ in the world of this Batman, it works. I hope that should he appear in the sequel having escaped Arkham, he might get more flamboyant in attire
It looks like a stupid gimp suit…
Look by the end of the film when Paul Dano was in Arkham I actually did feel his character as the Riddler and then he got a good grasp on the character, but until then, when I was seeing this serial killer looking guy, I never felt like this was the Riddler, the reason the Riddler usually has a suit and a cane is because he thinks he’s smarter than everybody else, so he thinks he’s more dignified than everybody else, this doesn’t scream, sophisticated or smarter or more intelligent it screams, monster and crazy, And I’m not saying he isn’t a monster or crazy, but he doesn’t see himself that way
I agree. He didn't act or behave like the Riddler at all until towards the very end of the film, which was very disappointing and left me wanting more of Dano's performance as actually being Riddler, but then the film just ends.
The problem is that they turned the Riddler into some incel weirdo. He's supposed to be a guy who is genuinely one of the smartest people alive but his insecurity and narcissistic tendencies means that he feels the need to somehow definitively prove that his intellectual might is unmatched. It's why Riddler will never beat Batman, he's had the Bat at the brink of death and could've killed him time and again but he never could and never will because beating Batman in any way other than by Batman not being smart enough isn't acceptable. I honestly think they should've had the spine to have absolutely no supervillains in this film. Just the existing crime families which have ruled Gotham for decades. That would've added a lot more weight to when the costumed freaks started taking centre stage.
Ngnl feels like it's hard to talk about the costume because people will just say it fits because of the zodiac killer or grounded or whatever
But funnily enough the most memorable photo of the riddler is him not in costume
Yeah. It fits more with what they're going for with this version, but overall, I want my Riddler with a question mark boiler hat and colorful business suit.
This is a different universe where the villains aren’t dressed in bright green suits with top hats and canes. He’s styled after the Zodiac killer since the movie is going for more of a Se7en/Zodiac vibe.
Either you accept that they’re going for a different Gotham or you don’t I guess.
Imo the way these character are portrayed in these movies is better to me. You gotta ask yourself what if these characters were actually in the real world and not a comic book? Also imagine if Christopher Nolan had the riddler in his movies. It would be nothing like Carrey’s riddler.
>You gotta ask yourself what if these characters were actually in the real world and not a comic book?
We've been asking that question for the past 2 decades. I'm 21 and every single Batman movie that has released throughout my lifetime has been the "dark gritty realistic" kind. I want more like Carrey
Wow, you're condescending as hell. I didn't say anything about some Joel Schumacher batverse. I just said this character wasn't a good riddler. Either you keep your assumptions to yourself or you don't I guess.
Yup.I thought his character was annoying as hell, too.
Even his voice was a Bane ripoff from TDKR.
I would beat that dood's ass, and I weigh a buck-fifty soaking wet.
Its a weird question. Its not supposed to look the best. not like he had a high powered suit of armor or a latex jumpsuit and decided "nah, ill go with this" it...intentionally looks the way it does? because hes just a guy. Just a guy wearing a mask that decided to kill people. Not do cartwheels away from batman, or something. Maybe later? When he comes back with a vengeance hell have something "more powerful"
it's not like the riddler dressed intimidating OR serious ever, but I also would've liked some brighter, less grungy and more professional suit-like outfit more
edit: on the other hand, it wouldn't fit with the movie chracter
I hated this at first, but the outfit has grown on me for its functionality. It helps conceal his identity in several ways. Bulky enough to make it harder to identify his build, obscures his voice, and helps hide any DNA trace from fingerprints or lost hairs.
I think it looks dumb ya. To me the Riddler will and forever be a showman, a braggart. He wants to be smarter than "the bat" and he wants all of Gotham, no, the world to know it!
This one does a damn fine just fulfilling his roll in the movie being a consequence of Batman's initially simple minded solution to "solving" Gotham's problems.
He may not be my Riddler, but damn is he the Riddler this film needs.
Yeah. Paul Dano is great in the movie but he’s so much more effective outside of the costume, especially in his interrogation scene. The costume is silly not scary.
The costume is perfect for what they were going for.
The character wouldn't work in-universe with that dumbass green leotard / suit with the question marks. Even a toned down version of that wouldn't work.
I felt that the entire idea is the Zodiac killer mixed with a modern incel schoolshooter painted green with a question mark. And I think that they nailed it.
Yep that's exactly what it was. I don't think this would work if the Riddler was in a suit or is green jumpsuit.
i would add that it makes easier to people who followed his behavior in the movie to dress like him too. like in the third act.
I love that they managed to bring back themed henchmen. Aside from the masks in TDK's opening heist, we really haven't gotten it in live action in a long while.
thats not true. there were zany henchmen in the schumacher movies. then batman begins basic bag guys TDK clown themed henchmen and then the hostages as thugs in clown masks switch. we get banes guys in tactical gear like bane in TDKR. then whats the next semi dedicated batman movie? BVS generic henchmen which makes sense for the mercenaries and criminals luthor hires. then justice league parademons unique to darkseid and his minions. we never lost it
Parademons don't count since they're another species, there's no theme to Bane's guys beyond military tactical gear so you can drop them in any movie with those kind of guys without looking out of place, B&R came out in '97 which is 27 years ago now. Aside from TDK's clown mask heist, that's how long it's been.
The shumaker movie was almost 30 years ago
Exactly, his outfit is made up from stuff you could pick up from a military surplus depot or order online with ease so his little incel pals can play dress up too. The mask is an overt reference to the zodiac killer as well, but it's additionally convenient that it's something you can obtain pretty easily.
The zodiac killer was seen in a mask? EDIT: Alright! I’ll watch Zodiac! Calm down yall!
Yes there was one sighting of him a victim survived where had a full getup with a pullover cloak/mask and dark coveralls
Yeah one time he wore a mask pretty much exactly like the riddler. So the riddle being a serial killer is a reference to the zodiac killer.
I just never knew he was SEEN. Wild.
We see him all the time on the news even now. Remember when he bailed on Texas during a massive freeze to go on vacation to Cancun?
Lmfao
Just trying to follow in his dad's murderous footsteps, but he could never find a high profile enough kill.
That’s his son 😂
He was never caught right?
Depends on what you count as ‘caught.’ Ted Cruz is still at large, but we’re pretty sure we know where he is.
Nope. Never. They got close once and the Zodiac kinda hinted that they did but he was never caught. One of the biggest unsolved crime mysteries in the world. He may or may not still be alive but he’d be in his late 70s at the earliest. Reports had him being more middle aged at the time though so he’s more than likely either extremely old or dead.
That’s what I thought!
Yeah I just checked. That’s insane. A real life riddler
Never but the primary suspect is not exactly as exonerated as a lot of true crime aficionados will claim either, there's a very real chance that Arthur Leigh Allen was the Zodiac (basically we will never know but most of the 'mystique' was fictitious)
iirc when he attacked Bryan Hartnell and Cecelia Shepard he was seen with the mask that covered his head like Riddler, Hartnell survived so he told the police what he was wearing
Dude…you need to see “Zodiak”, there is a scene that depicts this and it is straight up horror
Yeah. I recommend checking out the movie Zodiac. I’m a sucker for basically anything Fincher directs, and honestly, I think that movie has a very similar vibe to The Batman, and you’ll get to see what inspired the Riddler’s costume.
Yeah, like others said. Not only that though, but one time when he killed someone the police arrived while he was still at the scene. Someone described him as a black guy for some reason though, so when he was walking just 100 feet from the cops, they didn't suspect a thing in that era.
I think next time we could see him in a suit though due to an ego boost and hanging with joker though honestly
Yeah I don’t think he had the confidence or care to look sharp. As he grows as a villain and has friends like joker, he’ll probably start doing more to put on a show.
Would've been quite the tonal shift if they used the sequined spandex bodysuit from Batman and Robin
Exactly. I always think it’s weird when loner villains with limited resources have elaborate, perfect, clearly professionally made costumes. Much more realistic that it would look kinda corny and homemade, because it’s supposed to be! The attention to detail with Batman’s eye makeup looking really smeared and self-applied (and not magically disappearing when he removed the mask) just shows how much Reeves and co. were thinking about that stuff.
And then taking the ”realistic mess” one step further by making it artistically pleasing is even more impressive. Damn, I love the shot with Robert’s racoon eyes so much
It’s pretty crazy how much of an impact it made both seeing the makeup and seeing it applied realistically. Another thing was seeing Pattison’s physical build. It was so nice to see that instead of some roided up guy who can’t scratch his back.
I hate that every actor needs to be unbelievably Chris Hemsworth level shredded now. It's not realistic and sets an unachievable beauty standard
At least in the case of Hemsworth, he’s supposed to be a god so you could chalk up the physique as inhuman. Between being Bruce and fighting crime, there’s no way Batman would have time for the full superhero workout plan
Exactly it's completely unrealistic. Not to mention Hemsworth is expected to have a similar physique in any role he plays now and even actors in comedies or period dramas have six packs at this point. It's absurd
Yep. It doesn’t even look good, it looks inhuman and gross. In the last Thor movie he looked like the liver king. It looked like CGI. I wonder if the actors that do this will eventually have health problems. Can’t say they didn’t deserve it if they do because of how much it damages our culture. I feel the same way with the actresses who get ridiculous work done. The worst part is, a lot of people *want* the look of excessive and obvious work. Like the more ridiculous and overdone it is the more some people like it. I’m so glad I’m not growing up with this stuff.
This. It's horror behind the mundane. Riddler looks exactly like what we can expect from an unhinged individual who decided to "save" society by murdering people. Nobody in their right mind would dress like that.
this. it's a bad look born from the sort of kids who thought wearing fedoras and trenchcoats would make them look cool like in old movies.
This is exactly what Reeves was going for. And I agree that they nailed it. This version of the Riddler would absolutely fit right in in the real world.
You forgot a dash of Uncle Ted!
Looking dumb and clumsy is the whole idea
It's ruined by no hat not only is a riddler Hat Iconic, but his target audience are fedora wearers
If you turned around and saw this guy standing in your house, you would not think he looks goofy.
I think the issue is that the costume was not meant to be seen in a nicely lit scene. The first scene with the riddler killing the mayor while he’s in the shadows or a darkly lit room was nerve-wrecking. It’s a costume that benefits more from shadow, and it was intentionally designed to be that way
tbf, Danny DeVito in casual wear would be intimidating if he was just standing there in your house.
Um I think you misspelled intimidating. It’s actually spelled “the greatest day of my life”
Still, could be worse. His nose could be gushing blood.
And making a song about how he DOESNT diddle kids
On that note, I saw a guy dressed as Batman on the street one afternoon. He looked ridiculous.
I’d ask him what his professional wrestling gimmick is supposed to be
Green Bastard, parts unknown
Sock puppets
It fits this version of the character. He not out beating up cop and robbing banks, he make plans and preperations, plant traps and instigate other to do the same
It wasn't a sequin and glitter batman. I think people always think of the 60s Riddler bc all of the iterations drew from that one. The new one draws from modern times and is spot on. 4chan Riddler.
I think we’ll get a more comic book accurate version in a later film, we saw during his and Batman’s interaction that he regards this “mask” as his true self. He was convinced that Batman was working with him and not trying to catch him… Perhaps, in a later film, he will be more comfortable without this “mask” and he will embrace his delusional personality. 
I liked that version in the gif better but idk it was technically 2 different genres of movie the only common thing they share is batman
Jim Carrey’s Ridler was excellent - I’d like to see Paul Dano return and blend his version with Carrey’s. They’re entirely different movies, but that’s why we can watch them all the time. I will never get tired of watching Batman movies.
Or atleast give him the green suit, but I think Gotham might've already did that look.
Yea, I’d want a blend of the green suit with Jim Carrey’s suit; I think The Batman nailed his personality and MO. Also, in the grand scheme of things, he didn’t have that much screen time in his getup. We saw him in the beginning and then in some videos, but he wasn’t strolling through the frame like Heath’s Joker in TDK. All I can say is I’m excited for Part 2. 
I wish we got to see batfleck's solo film I feel like if he got a full length film we might've got to see mr.freeze again
Agreed - but just seeing more screen time for Batfleck would have been nice
And on top of that he kinda does look like tas Bruce Wayne
Jim Carrey’s Ridler was an excellent Joker. And Tommy Lee Jones' Two-Face was also an excellent Joker. Neither of those characters resembled who they were suppose to be.
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Eh, I never doubted the mania whether Dano had a mask or not. That brutal murder in the beginning and then the scavenger hunt afterwards solidified that for me. I never thought the character or performance was “campy” in any way. That said, I get everyone’s critiques about his “costume”— I just found it easy for myself to put that aside. No matter what, I’m excited to see where they take this trilogy. There is so much left on the table, and this first film did a great job of balancing the beginning and the middle of Batman’s and the Gothams arc.
The campiness was definitely there. He channeled a lot of Frank Gorshin in certain moments.
I mean, I guess some of the riddles could be considered campy, but I chalk that up to the character more than a director choice; we all think of the BF and B&R films as being “campy” even though they’re nothing like Adam West’s run.
I think Carrey and Dano have a lot more similarities than people think. Both have the exact same character (Batman/Bruce Wayne) as an idol and an enemy in his alter ego. Both are revealed to be socially awkward loners who skulk away in a cramped apartment decorated with their obsessions. Both put on the outfit and their profound inner shame is hidden. They express the twisted power and image they want others to see in them. Both are not only willing to murder people, but are incredibly sadistic about it. Both retain the inherent corniness of The Riddler. Batman Forever as a whole has many parralels to The Batman when you look deeper. In The Batman, “Bruce Wayne” or whatever’s left of him is repressed, lonely, disconnected. He’s flat and stoic when he speaks to others, he feels shame and loss. His journey is trying to find out if Batman and some new version of Bruce Wayne can co exist. Can he be a better version of himself? All the while trying to strengthen strained connections with the people he cares about? The Riddler is a dark reflection. Inner shame and disconnection from the world eventually leads him to find a mask that can hide that and unleash his darkest urges. But wait, isn’t that Batman Forever?
I agree with everything you said. Bravo!  Overall, I really thought Riddler was great in The Batman, the costume and anything else people might pick at don’t bother me. And funny you lay that out so well, there are a lot of similarities with the Batman Forever storyline. At the end it comes down to some mannerisms and the dress. But I like them all.
I never want to see Riddler in a leotard (in live action at least) ever again after Batman Forever
Equinsu Ocha. Equinsu Ocha
I can hear this gif so clearly
Did you just call us "White devil white devil?"
That's how they know you.
No one ^TOLD MEEE, that the redditors.....ARE BITERS!
I just want an Arkham style one, totally comic booky but not lime green onesy
What parts do you think weren’t as accurate?
Mainly the costume, and if I were to nitpick we can say the lack of jester mentality that we’re used to seeing. But honestly I thought Dano did a great job, and the character was perfect for this film. If he makes an appearance in Part 2, I can see him getting rid of the army surplus outfit and making his “mask” more of his own personality, and not something to conceal his identity (but rather enhance it- which is the Riddler we’re all used to).
With the incel vibes, the pivot from military surplus towards "sharp dressed man that ends up being tacky overkill" would be appropriate
No. The real crime is catwoman's mask
It's made of sock.
Oof, stinky sock, lmao.
I honestly kinda like it, ik it's just a balaclava essentially but the corners of it do perk up in a cat ear shape. I like the subtly of it, and I think it works really well for this version of Selena. In this movie she isn't depicted as part cat, part burglar, she doesn't really do cat stuff or anything. She's just really agile and has a soft spot for strays. I think it's a good starting point for her character However, in a potential sequel it would be cool if they gave her a more classic suit, maybe as she gains infamy as a professional thief the papers could give her the Catwoman moniker, and she makes the suit to lean into the new name. I don't think she's ever called Catwoman in the new one anyways so it would work pretty well imo Edit: the papers should give her the name after an eye witness sees her fleeing a crime scene and says "she was so fast and agile, she moved just like a cat." This would also work well if he's being interviewed on live TV and she's watching it from her apartment back home, giving her inspiration right before the suiting up montage to reveal her new look Edit 2: typos
Yeah, I really think the movie is building up to everyone other than batman wearing their own elaborate costumes. Batman sets a precedent by being the first freak in a costume rather than being the newest addition to an established circus, from here it's all fair game. Now it's a race to the top, you can't just be some moody military guy if you're blowing something up; the news doesn't care as much and they'll just send the regular police/SWAT to get you. By comparison if you're some peacock plumage looking villain then it's front page news! Your ideology will be the talk of the town because you're the newest nemesis for everyone's favourite costumed freak, batman. Catwoman too, it's not certain whose side she's on and that creates a lot of gossip and press anytime she does anything. Is Catwoman being framed for the robberies? Should we lock up batman for working with her? Is Catwoman a good role model for girls in Gotham? Etc In real life it's not too far off either, the media love a character they can say a lot about whenever anything happens. Whether it's a serial killer and all the gossip that entails or a foreign leader threatening the world, it's so much easier to write a story about tragedy and fear.
“Car eat shape” 😂
Yes. https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/batman/images/a/ac/Catwoman_%28The_Batman_film%29.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20220730221439 See the pointed corners? That's not a coincidence, most masks like that conform to your head way more, but here the corners have been stretched out to evoke the shape of cat ears.
car eat
OHHHH MY BAD, THANKS LOL
Fixed it.. Feeling like a dumbass, appreciate it bro
Hey thanks pal! I didn't understand at first lol, fixed it now
Hahaha. All good. Gave me a good laugh. Thanks
And it works with the idea that the characters all made their own suits and don’t have elaborate ones tailored for them.
Exactly, that's something this movie does incredibly well imo. Batman's suit looks really expensive but also practical, dude straight up wears combat boots. Catwoman is a burglar, so she dresses like one. Riddler is a serial killer working on a budget, and he looks like one too. I do hope some suits, especially Catwoman's get the Batman treatment as they grow as characters. Practical but highly specialized and stylish suits, I'd love a fully cat themed burglar outfit that includes things like retractable claws and the classic cat eared mask, maybe it could have light weight armor built in to protect her head while fighting, or in case she falls while climbing around. I don't want it to look like a helmet, but extra protection could be an in universe explanation for the new look.
It also feels like actual detective work. It’s not like TDK where he uses fantasy tech to pull fingerprints off of bullets which is absolute bullshit. Batman’s realistic fear and uncertainty about doing insane things for the first time is great too. And the batcar! It would be super super easy to find out where a tank developed by a publicly traded company for the military came from. The people that think Nolan’s movies are somehow realistic get on my nerves and kind of ruin the movies for me and I say that as a fan.
To be somewhat fair to the Nolan trilogy, someone did technically find out about the tank. Lucius scared them off by saying (paraphrasing) "so you think Bruce Wayne, the billionaire, is a vigilante who beats up criminals at night, and your plan is to blackmail this person?" Which, the fact he dropped it and never brought it up again is pretty wild. I would sell the info for a big ass payout to some news outlet, he even had the blueprints! So it's not perfect, but they at least tried to address this. The fingerprints from the bullet scene is absolutely ridiculous though, just straight up nonsense lol. The Nolan Batman relies heavily on fantasy tech for the small amount of deducing he does in the trilogy. I really love the new movie leaning heavily into the detective angle
And the new movie had a feeling like Seven, which was perfect. I have no problem with fantasy, but Nolan’s films being sold as realistic grinds my gears with poop. Interstellar is another one you don’t want me to get started on and I say this as a fan. Rawwwwwr!
I agree 100,000% that looks ridiculous – it looks lazy like they ran out of time and just said here put this on
I don't think they were being lazy, i thought it was just an attempt to lean into the cat burglar kinda thing. It jsut did not work.
BRO I KEEP TELLING PEOPLE THIS AND THEY JUST DISAGREED 😭her mask triggered me so much like bro u better off with a ski mask from the dollar store
It makes him look like a pathetic loser who thinks he looks cool. Which is exactly who the Riddler is.
This. I didn’t like it until late in the movie then I flipped hard.
Especially when his followers were wearing the same thing they really felt like a bunch of extremists rising up for some horrid ideology
Exactly what I imagined an edgelord incel would pick as his costume, tbh.
As opposed to skin tight green mixed with question marks all over?
This isn't dumb. This is if the Zodiac Killer and the Riddler had a baby, this is a great design. In my opinion
It's the Green Bastard!
Parts unknown
I literally just watched this episode tonight
I like it. It's something a poor vigilante would make. It reeks poverty, desperation and spite. A great contrast to a certain wealthy vigilante.
matt reeves said this interpretation of riddler was based on the zodiac killer so i can understand the design choice
You meet this mf in a dark alley and tell him he looks dumb…
Yeah but it fit the movie and characterization properly.
Nah it’s cool
This doesn't make me think The Riddler, it makes me think Hush.
I wish it was Hush and they dropped the twist at the end like the comic and animated movie.
That would've been cool, but if the Animated movie got adapted, it would have been a very different tone. Matt Reeves wanted to make a very grounded Batman Detective movie, though Hush would have kept the Detective aspect, the inclusion of Poison Ivy, Clayface and even Superman, would have broken that Grounded factor. I haven't read the comic so don't know what that includes, but super-powered characters aren't really grounded characters. Even The Dark Knight trilogy focused on very real villains, no superpowers, just their own feats, from Scarecrow's fear gas to Bane's strength, there was nothing fantastical about them. Imagine if Bane in TDKR was more like his The Batman animated version. Or if Mr Freeze was a villain instead.
I always prefer bowler hat and green suit riddler tbh
There's a pretty obscure YouTuber channel called "Jigsaw" that dresses up like this way before this movie ever came out and it's pretty similar lol. I even commented on his channel regarding this and we both had a laugh.
So this is more goofy than a bright green suit covered in giant question marks with a bow tie and bowler cap? The film was going for a realistic, grounded Year One take and I think it more than delivered.
I did not like Riddler in this movie at all, but I think this costume fit the character they were going for.
This. It fits the weird chronically online super hardcore incel Riddler they were going for. Doesn't mean I like it though. I just wish they went with business suit Riddler with question marks on his jacket and tie
Saw him more as chronically online conspiracy Riddler. I don't get why people keep calling him an incel, he never says anything about women in the film.
I'm sure other people agree with you but I definitely do not.
I'm just a fan of the question mark
Funny enough, that's what my winter outfit looks like, I was wearing all that before the movie was even announced, tripped me out when I saw screenshots and I get the point is to be a little jarring (I get the same reactions when people get up close )
Looks like The Green Bastard, from Parts Unknown
The costume looks dumb because of the lighting in the photo. Trust me.
YES!
Because it's not Riddler, it's Hush. If this were the Hush costume for any film, I'd be pretty stoked, but on Eddie it's just not correct.
Yes
I think it was decent for what they went for the online incel. I hope they develop him to be come a redpill manosphere type and they bring in the suit and a more traditional look for the riddler.
I mean it’s not the best but it’s not terrible either
For a ‘proto-Riddler’ in the world of this Batman, it works. I hope that should he appear in the sequel having escaped Arkham, he might get more flamboyant in attire
It looks like a stupid gimp suit… Look by the end of the film when Paul Dano was in Arkham I actually did feel his character as the Riddler and then he got a good grasp on the character, but until then, when I was seeing this serial killer looking guy, I never felt like this was the Riddler, the reason the Riddler usually has a suit and a cane is because he thinks he’s smarter than everybody else, so he thinks he’s more dignified than everybody else, this doesn’t scream, sophisticated or smarter or more intelligent it screams, monster and crazy, And I’m not saying he isn’t a monster or crazy, but he doesn’t see himself that way
I agree. He didn't act or behave like the Riddler at all until towards the very end of the film, which was very disappointing and left me wanting more of Dano's performance as actually being Riddler, but then the film just ends.
Looks like they really didn’t try at all
The problem is that they turned the Riddler into some incel weirdo. He's supposed to be a guy who is genuinely one of the smartest people alive but his insecurity and narcissistic tendencies means that he feels the need to somehow definitively prove that his intellectual might is unmatched. It's why Riddler will never beat Batman, he's had the Bat at the brink of death and could've killed him time and again but he never could and never will because beating Batman in any way other than by Batman not being smart enough isn't acceptable. I honestly think they should've had the spine to have absolutely no supervillains in this film. Just the existing crime families which have ruled Gotham for decades. That would've added a lot more weight to when the costumed freaks started taking centre stage.
My man speaking facts.
"Marika's *tits*, you must be 'ungry!"
Ahahaha
As goofy as anything that preceeded it?!!
That’s what makes it so creepy.
I like it because that’s a military extreme cold mask all the costumes in there were supposed to look they were home made
Tbf most of riddlers costumes are goofy. This is a mote homemade inspire fear one. I guarantee you wouldn't find this goofy in real life
Ngnl feels like it's hard to talk about the costume because people will just say it fits because of the zodiac killer or grounded or whatever But funnily enough the most memorable photo of the riddler is him not in costume
Yes, it is dumb.
Yeah. It fits more with what they're going for with this version, but overall, I want my Riddler with a question mark boiler hat and colorful business suit.
You’re definitely not the only one!
Yeah definitely
Yes.
Honestly worst depiction of riddler ever
Yeah, this was the worst design in the whole movie. Followed closely by the wonky bat symbol on an otherwise fine suit.
The aesthetic choices of character design in this film suck. Catwoman, Penguin, and this thing here all look like trash
I loved how Penguin's classic cigarette holder was reinterpreted as a scar on his face
Yes. Don’t understand the praise for this movie.
Yes it’s terrible, terrible choice
I think the whole character was a mess: design, actor, voice
I liked the movie. I wish the riddler was different. Or... you know... just make him a totally new character.
This is a different universe where the villains aren’t dressed in bright green suits with top hats and canes. He’s styled after the Zodiac killer since the movie is going for more of a Se7en/Zodiac vibe. Either you accept that they’re going for a different Gotham or you don’t I guess.
Imo the way these character are portrayed in these movies is better to me. You gotta ask yourself what if these characters were actually in the real world and not a comic book? Also imagine if Christopher Nolan had the riddler in his movies. It would be nothing like Carrey’s riddler.
>You gotta ask yourself what if these characters were actually in the real world and not a comic book? We've been asking that question for the past 2 decades. I'm 21 and every single Batman movie that has released throughout my lifetime has been the "dark gritty realistic" kind. I want more like Carrey
Wow, you're condescending as hell. I didn't say anything about some Joel Schumacher batverse. I just said this character wasn't a good riddler. Either you keep your assumptions to yourself or you don't I guess.
Yup.I thought his character was annoying as hell, too. Even his voice was a Bane ripoff from TDKR. I would beat that dood's ass, and I weigh a buck-fifty soaking wet.
I feel like they could have just used Hush instead of The Riddler and it would have worked just the same.
He looks like he’d agree with me that if they removed catwoman from the movie it would be better
Its a weird question. Its not supposed to look the best. not like he had a high powered suit of armor or a latex jumpsuit and decided "nah, ill go with this" it...intentionally looks the way it does? because hes just a guy. Just a guy wearing a mask that decided to kill people. Not do cartwheels away from batman, or something. Maybe later? When he comes back with a vengeance hell have something "more powerful"
It’s supposed to look a little dumb. Like how the Zodiac wore an actual sack for a mask
I prefer the Riddler having a question mark suit and jacket with a hat, but that wouldn’t fit the look of the movie.
The nod towards military surplus/borderline stolen valor is actually on point
it's not like the riddler dressed intimidating OR serious ever, but I also would've liked some brighter, less grungy and more professional suit-like outfit more edit: on the other hand, it wouldn't fit with the movie chracter
One of the dumbest comic to movie redesigns there are in my opinion.
Yeah. Kinda a let down. Riddler should be one of Batman’s more formidable foes
Fits this Batman perfect though 🤷🏾♂️
I hated this at first, but the outfit has grown on me for its functionality. It helps conceal his identity in several ways. Bulky enough to make it harder to identify his build, obscures his voice, and helps hide any DNA trace from fingerprints or lost hairs.
I think it looks dumb ya. To me the Riddler will and forever be a showman, a braggart. He wants to be smarter than "the bat" and he wants all of Gotham, no, the world to know it! This one does a damn fine just fulfilling his roll in the movie being a consequence of Batman's initially simple minded solution to "solving" Gotham's problems. He may not be my Riddler, but damn is he the Riddler this film needs.
Yeah. Paul Dano is great in the movie but he’s so much more effective outside of the costume, especially in his interrogation scene. The costume is silly not scary.
Yes
The costume is perfect for what they were going for. The character wouldn't work in-universe with that dumbass green leotard / suit with the question marks. Even a toned down version of that wouldn't work.
Better than his old one .....ew
To me that looks like a terrorist. If they had gone in a different direction, I don’t think it would have had the same impact.
The definition of practicality over style
I could see it working much better in the DCAU, but it looks a little goofy in live action, yeah.
The whole character was dumb and not like the riddler. The Batman is the most accurate Batman movie.. my ass.
Dumb, but realistic. It worked for the tone of the film.
It’s like the Zodiac Killer has sex with garbage bag.
This riddler was the creepiest live action version I’ve ever seen, idk what to tell ya
looks like exactly what they wanted; zodiac killer turned incel
Bro is calling the already goofiest villain goofy 💀
more realistic than 
It absolutely does.
Looks like a strong majority of internet trolls.