Why The Batman Doesn't Show [SPOILER] Face, According to Cinematographer
WARNING: This article contains The Batman spoilers
The Batman cinematographer Greig Fraser explains why the film kept audiences from truly seeing the face of Barry Keoghan’s surprise character. Writer and director Matt Reeves’ Batman reboot follows Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader as he tries to earn the mantle of “World’s Greatest Detective.” Inspired by comics like Batman: Year One and The Long Halloween, The Batman introduces villains including John Turturro's Carmine Falcone, Colin Farrell’s Penguin, and Paul Dano’s Riddler. Long before the film was released in theaters, The Joker was also rumored to make an appearance.
In 2020, Keoghan joined the cast of The Batman with Warner Bros. confirming his character to be GCPD officer Stanley Merkel. However, speculation ran rampant that Keoghan had actually been cast as yet another Clown Prince of Crime. Stanley Merkel has proven to be a misdirect. Near the end of the finished film, a dejected Riddler is incarcerated in Arkham Asylum. There, he is consoled/befriended by Keoghan’s Joker, who tells him there are worse things to be than a clown. While audiences never get a good look at this face, his notorious identity is made clear by that last line, the green hair, and a maniacal laugh.
Related: Who Plays The Arkham Prisoner In The Batman (Now Confirmed)
In a recent interview with The Wrap, Fraser was asked about the choice to leave The Joker’s face largely hidden in The Batman. The cinematographer played coy and said, «I can’t comment on who it is, but this Gotham is a bubbling cesspool of crime, isn’t it?» Read the rest of the quote below:
«So, giving a little kiss or an introduction of who else may be living in this prison. I mean, what a fantastic opportunity to do
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