Although one of The Batman’s best scenes is when the Dark Knight calls himself “Vengeance”, actor Robert Pattinson made the opening scene so much better. In the first act, Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne narrates from his journals about his mission, stalking the darkened alleys of Gotham and hunting criminals. This culminates in a ruthless scene where Batman faces a crowd of thugs that’s incredibly enhanced with one simple piece of improvisation.
Having been The Batman for only two years, this early version of the Caped Crusader is far more concerned with brutally avenging his parents than actual justice or heroism. As such, this mentality is perfectly framed by the vicious beatdown of the lead thug with Batman declaring himself as “Vengeance” itself. However, the scene in question was originally tamer before Pattinson added the final two punches to the scene, both of which land after the thug’s already fallen to the ground.
Pattinson’s The Batman Punch Change Was Genius
According to Pattinson during an interview with @KevinMcCarthyTV, the final two punches were his idea with key intention. While the “I’m Vengeance” line is iconic for the Dark Knight, Pattinson wanted to add an extra layer of dimension to his version of Batman: “I wanted to say it as the guy is losing consciousness so it goes…into his dreams…I really want his future to be really, really damaged.” While seemingly a simple addition on the surface, Pattinson’s explanation reveals the true depth of what those final punches mean as he shares the core of who he is to Gotham’s criminal element.
This change is quite genius on the part of Pattinson as it perfectly establishes his version of Batman. It also helps separate his incarnation of the Dark Knight from Bale’s or Affleck’s, who were also gritty in their own respective ways. Saying “I’m Vengeance” specifically to a semi-conscious enemy is far more terrifying and intense than saying it to a crowd of goons, frightened as they may be. Furthermore, the fact that this shot was used in the very first teaser only makes it more important as it became viewers’ very first impression of Pattinson’s Batman.
Pattinson’s Improv Fits The Batman’s Message
The opening “Vengeance” scene in The Batman symbolizes the entire movie’s message, acting as the starting point of Bruce Wayne’s journey in the film. By the end, he realizes that he has to be more than a symbol of fear to Gotham’s criminals by becoming a symbol of hope to its innocents as well. However, the added brutality at the onset thanks to Robert Pattinson is a massively defining moment, informing his entire arc in director Matt Reeves’ version of Gotham.
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