The Cinematography of The Batman | Sound + Image Lab

Director Matt Reeves joins us again this week to discuss The Batman. This is part 2 of our special 2-part episode on this movie, where we discuss the film's incredible cinematography. If you haven't already, be sure to check out part 1, where we break down the sound and music of The Batman, in our podcast archive from earlier this week, or on KZbin:
• The Sound and Music of...
Joining Matt is Director of Photography Greig Fraser (who joins us separately, later in this episode, as he is currently on location in London), and Supervising and Lead Digital Colorist, David Cole.But this episode is not just a deep dive into the technical aspects of their fascinating post-production process, but also includes details on how Matt and Greig managed to make such an epic movie feel like you, in the audience, were right there in the middle of all the action.
""When we shot things, even like the Batmobile chase, even though there's a tremendous amount of visual effects in the movie, I didn't want you to be aware that we were doing them at all. And so we always used the parameters of how you would do it if you were doing it practically. And so [with] the Batmobile chase, we're putting cameras and we're locking them onto hard mounts, so you're watching a lot of hard mounts and that kind of stuff. And then, 'what's in focus?' And it's in the middle of rain. And 'what does that rain look like?' And there were times when Greig would take a filter and put a little bit of silicone on it... so that when you put it in front of the lens and when it got wet, you had the sense that it wasn't just that we were in rain that was perfectly photographed. The lens itself got wet. So you feel like you're in the middle of it. And so everything was about putting you squarely in that experience.""
- Matt Reeves, Director, Co-Writer, and Producer, ""The Batman""
Be sure to check out The Batman at a Dolby Cinema near you.
www.thebatman.com/
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#Batman #TheBatman #MattReeves #Dolby #DolbyCinema #DolbyAtmos #DolbyVision #Filmmaking #Directing #Cinematography #PostProduction

[@impatrickt]

I am so happy that Greig and Matt are so eager to share their process and thought process for this film. Filmmakers of all skill levels are eternally grateful for this level access to such masterclass filmmaking. Thank you, Dolby for making this happen.

[@C--A]

The Batman isn't a masterclass. Great cinematography can't elevate a decent but flawed film. A better director like a Denis Villeneuve, James Mangold, Steve McQueen would of made a better Batman film. No offence to Matt Reeves but he simply isn't at their league for filmmaking!

[@the_allens_]

@@C--A It is at the very very least a technical masterclass. Greig is in a whole other world right now with his cinematography.

[@perusing350]

@@C--A I disagree. I am a big fan of Denis Villeneuve (esp. Arrival) but his trademark slow, contemplative, mulling pacing (which I love for films he did do) would not be a good fit for a Batman movie. Matt Reeves's choice - a fresh window of time to examine Batman's life, a fresh style and storytelling, detective noir - and the gorgeous, thrilling execution are masterclass. Matt Reeves is definitely in their league for filmmaking.

[@guillermovaccarezza7105]

That is one important thing Nolan's movies did not exploit much is having Gotham be super aesthetic, dark and "gothic". It looked more like a generic, corporate city like NY, Chicago or Sydney. I know he was going for a more "realistic" approach but I honestly enjoy gotham being fancy and ominous,

[@ThreadBomb]

I'm glad that this Gotham was more expressionist without being overthetop gothic like Burton's films.

[@guillermovaccarezza7105]

@@ThreadBomb 100% agreed

[@Beanboyproductions]

Its cool to see how these directors interpret the city of Gotham. Reeves vision was a masterpiece.

[@_CoasterNinja]

I like all the different ways Gotham has been portrayed on screen by the different directors. But I agree with others that my favourite so far has been Matt Reeves interpretation.

[@mmpg34]

I think Nolans dark knight trilogy choice of grounded reality architecture as direct opposite of Schumacher's batman and robin exaggerated art deco architecture. Similar to how 2000's X-Men dark gritty costumes to be taken more "seriously" by a general audience vs how Disney's marvel today leaning back towards comics colorful costumes.

[@8thofthe8th]

The Sound and Music discussion was incredible and I'm not even a "sound guy". Very much looking forward to this - an excellent idea by Dolby. Really lets the veils descend on the creative process - totally inspiring.

[@auto54matic]

My thoughts exactly. 💯

[@eeehmmwhat2406]

This movie had had one of the best cinematography i‘ve seen. Every shot in this movie was just perfect

[@drumbum3.142]

No Need to Repeat that Savvy, Accurate Observation Now. Thank You

[@TheMrBlackSanta]

You could probably put an NF song over the entire film

[@LarryHazard]

I watched it three times and I usually don't care for blockbusters or capeshit movies. Third time was with Dolby Vision and focusing on the cinematography and uses of lenses I realized this was probably the best looking blockbuster I've ever seen. There's no frame that doesn't look beautiful

[@kazvanrooij]

@@TheMrBlackSanta lets not

[@rockettheracoon85]

Yea know that I look back at that comment I hate my style and will continue to improve over it

[@realiascailt]

I wasn’t excited about this movie and didn’t watch any reviews beforehand, I spontaneously went on my free day to the theater alone and it was one of the best decisions in my life, this movie was so beautiful and especially the beginning monologue and penguin chase were so well done that I can’t stop thinking about it. This movie made my whole week and I can’t wait for it to come out on Blu-ray so I can watch it again on a 4K oled tv. Honestly it’s my favorite Batman movie and one of the best superhero movies ever

[@Supesx77]

I swear to god this is my first time watching something like this for any movie. & its for THE BATMAN that's how much I love this movie. 🦇

[@Batman-li4ub]

This movie is a technical masterpiece as far as I’m concerned, a lot of comic book fans and filmmakers are going to look back at The Batman as the movie that got them into filmmaking

[@ameerfaris6336]

Exactly

[@TheMultiPickle]

Lets all appreciate Dolby putting out 2 and 1/2 hours of interview (really good interview) content to a 3 hour movie

[@TCReyes]

This movie deserves it! These interviews were such a fascinating treat. I already loved this movie and now I appreciate it even more.

[@Andromeister27]

The Batman had really beautiful cinematography, especially like the close-up macro shots man oh man so much detail.

[@sengbush0077]

I’ve seen this film 4 times in Dolby…it’s a masterpiece of film, lighting, and as a 30 year Batman fan…this scratched an itch I’ve had for a long time. This film should be taught in schools

[@C--A]

It's not a masterpiece. The unbiased reviews give The Batman a fair 8/10. I've seen The Batman at the cinema and 8/10 is a fair score. It's a good but flawed film which drags on for 30 minutes too long.....

[@jamesreacts2420]

@@C--A cap

[@errwhattheflip]

@@C--A Saying that unbiased reviews are the only ones that give it an 8/10 is pretty biased in it of itself. I would say it's more akin to a 9/10 than an 8, but that's just me.

[@x97k8]

shut up@@C--A

[@MeteOguc]

I was on the edge of my seat the whole movie, not only the car chase scene. I think that is something I never felt or experienced in any comicbook movie ever so far. Another different feeling was that I did not want the movie to end so soon. I enjoyed the atmosphere and interactions a lot. Can’t wait whatever is next about this movie.

[@filmreject1930]

Something I’ve come to love about Matt Reeves is that he is an incredibly collaborative filmmaker. He doesn’t necessarily have a specific visual style with his movies but he is able to create something new entirely with his collaborators in each individual release. He’s also able to bring an amazing amount of pathos into his storytelling and writing. God I love this movie.

[@uja1096]

Hope Greig Fraser wins for Dune and gets nominated for The Batman.

[@williamsargent5611]

The batmans cinematography was better

[@tarunindoriya902]

@@williamsargent5611 i agree, it was like blade runner...

[@joshheralal8758]

@@williamsargent5611 It felt like a comic book.

[@rohanpillaij6467]

@@williamsargent5611 Both were amazing imo

[@gokhanersan8561]

Or the other way around.

[@AronBagel]

What an absolute delight to hear Matt, Greig and David talk about this film in such depth.

[@MrSinemax]

What a great interview it was. Huge respect to the host for navigating the conversation without making it too artificial. As an aspiring screenwriter, learning profound and comprehensive information about the filmmaking process is really helpful as well as being insightful for my&our viewers' potential careers. So thank you, please continue the podcast in video format. Have a nice day :)

[@jonathanbyron4785]

It really is a big screen experience. My friend and I saw the film last week in Extreme Screen, and wow... one of the most visceral and amazing cinematic experience I've ever had. Just so glad we got to see this on the big screen... the visuals were incredible and the SOUND! Woah! SEE THIS IN THE CINEMA!

[@vinikyks]

Thank you Mr Reeves for truly understanding Batman at its core and for making this gem of a movie

[@christopherdavis678]

Exactly! It shows that Reeves and Pattinson both understand the character at his core....he's a detective and the relationship with Gordon was spot on and Jeffrey Wright was great as well! The way they presented Gotham City lured me in and it was an immersive experience!! Hands down my favorite comic movie!!

[@gokhanersan8561]

Even if you aren’t into emo, or dark mood movies, you gotta go see this one on the big screen. This is one of the few big budget movies of the last 15 years that’s worth seeing in the theater.

[@NikitaAnnenkov]

The word you’re looking for is Noir lol not emo

[@fullchicken4492]

This was not emo whatsoever

[@madisongeronimo6859]

EMO???? It was certainly very NOIR

[@gokhanersan8561]

@@fullchicken4492 There was an emo scene or two, with Pattinson’s wet bangs hanging over his forehead. But, the actor avoided emo for the most part.

[@mydreaminorbit9297]

The Cinematography was fantastic, every shot was so visually interesting and alive. I found myself wanting to explore every inch of Gotham. The sound design was also next level. Even in subtle moments such as Batman walking you could hear the heft and weight behind his footsteps.

[@LarryHazard]

I love quiet scenes like Bruce going through the renewal papers cause every sound is perfect, it sounded like old movies if they were done with modern technology

[@MannyMenace]

One of the FIRST things I thought was that the sound design and sound editing was magnificent. For sure. Already the winner of the Oscar.

[@KPZivot]

Cinematography of this movie was top notch No.1

[@joshheralal8758]

The cinematography felt like a comic book.

[@brukehintsa2207]

I love Matt Reeves’s works. Truly a born legendary filmmaker.

[@stam7250]

Since dune, this is the most impressive movie that has come out. It makes sense that the greig freiser was involved with both

[@DBStarr7]

Per the "first time you see it in a theatre", that is exactly why I have a strict "no trailers" rule. If I watch a trailer, I'm going to create expectations of what I'm going to see, where what I really want is to be told a story. For that to happen at its most rudimentary level, I need to go in with having seen the least I can get by with. In the case of the The Batman, all I had looked at prior was the movie poster art. Perfect!!

[@augustmakesedits]

The trailer is phenomenal though you should give it a watch now that you’ve seen the film

[@DBStarr7]

Oh, yeah! Afterwards, I watch them all!!@@augustmakesedits

[@floraean]

the sound design in this, the guns?? there was something so different I've been obsessed with this film's creation

[@aliensmadeus]

the amount of testing they had to do is insane. worked out very much. huge respect

[@offtankgaming1310]

Really would love to see Greg and this team take on Mr. Freeze, just for the night and day difference with Batman and Robin. This movie looks gorgeous. So much love went into this.

[@jmaguire2232]

I hear a lot of people saying they don't want more Joker but I'm dying to see how Greg Fraiser shoots him. He's gonna look so awesome.

[@boomerang-digital8514]

don’t understand how he would do a grounded mr freeze 🤔

[@nlg070301]

@@boomerang-digital8514 just play Arkham City

[@boomerang-digital8514]

@@nlg070301 wouldn’t say that’s grounded. he has some huge futuristic looking suit on.

[@Batman-li4ub]

@@jmaguire2232 you’ll get a cool sneak peek when they release the deleted scene of him and Batman

[@ilovelctr]

I'm a huge fan of Greig Fraser, who I'd rank as my favourite DP of all time. I love it that he's able to accommodate his cinematographic style to the theme of a movie. The way he shot Let Me In is phenomenal, some of the coolest shot framing and focus pulling imo.

[@scatterbrainedreviews]

I just love how you can feel the synergy and love for the character but also respect and care towards each other’s as a crew. It genuinely feels like some Batman fans that were friends happened to make a Batman movie.

[@Krazy80s]

I LOVE this type of technical analysis and discussions. The Batman has beautiful cinematography, and it's primarily in the 'dark'.

[@caydie_pies2632]

This film has to win an Oscar or an Emmy

[@disconnected22]

This should have SOOOO many more views. These are both amazing discussions. In a perfect world, these would be on the Blu-ray

[@kirstyholmes9318]

I only watched this movie recently, after missing the cinema run. I watched it on my iPad whilst baking and was already struck by how incredible it sounded (even on an iPad). It also looked incredible - it had a realism to it but in a surreal way. Feeling I had not given it enough of my attention, so I watched it again, days later on my TV with sound bar. This movie looks and sounds so good and is incredibly immersive. I’m now disappointed I didn’t make it to the cinema to see it - I hope they make another, I won’t make that mistake again. I’ve watched both parts of this Dolby podcast series about The Batman now and I really enjoyed them both, I am also struck by the team and especially Matt Reeve’s enthusiasm for this film and their jobs in general. Great interviews!

[@brandonolson6299]

Absolutely fascinating hearing these masters talk about their craft. Never heard of skip bleaching - sounds like an entire science in and of itself.

[@arunadisesh1715]

I'm not a cinematographer or photography enthusiast but this movie really made me appreciate both that no other film except Seven has.

[@teagueshoup]

This was a gift. I’m so thankful for this kinda access into one of my favorite movies of all time.

[@MusaonYT]

The Batman's color grading and cinematography is top-notch! Can't say the same for any of the Marvel movies.

[@alexwr]

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is pretty great as far as the colouring and the sets go, however I personally think that The Batman just sets the bar so high. No recent blockbuster compares.

[@selena___]

Thank you for these labs - eager to absorb these insights before I see the movie again at the theatre

[@tsl129]

Part 1 and 2 were so good and so insightful. Really glad I watched.

[@JohnWickPotter]

I’m not a cinematography person. Sound editing. The small nuances I rarely care to dig more into and the process. There was interstellar OST. That was it. And I love movies. Seen enough to give me a proper opinion. This movie made me care about the soundtrack, the acting, the scenery, pacing, SOUND EDITING. This movie delivered everything so good a casual movie goer like me praises it. Look I’ll be honest. The movie is a masterpiece. There is one scene I find myself needing to see again. And again. Because of the sound. The introduction to the batmobile. That. Gave. Me. Chills.

[@Supesx77]

The cinematography is amazing I loved how sometimes the trailers show a scene which is not in the movie. But in this movie you can tell Matt had full control. 🔥

[@C--A]

He didn't have full control. He wasn't allowed to make a R rated Batman. He wasn't even allowed to let the Penguin smoke his signature cigar!

[@ThreadBomb]

I like that the trailers didn't spoil the first appearance of the Car.

[@uja1096]

You should also record a session on the cinematography of Dune.

[@jackferry99]

That episode comes out next week as part of the Best Cinematography Oscar nominees

[@danbakes9602]

yes please

[@el_danimal5028]

I saw the movie this past weekend. The sound mix was incredible! Every details is clear and impactful. Go see this if not for the movie but the sound.

[@thegrynne]

Fraser has such respect for the "performance" and the performers.

[@raimee81]

After watching these 2 roundtables, it looks like they arrived at the core ideas very early on. This is a amazing achievement for any movie. I'm just so grateful it was a Batman movie. This is easily becoming one of my all time favorite movies for the final product and the journey of how it came to be.

[@caanramah5879]

Absolutely fascinating. I saw this film three times at the cinema. There was just so much to take in, break down and appreciate, that it took multiple views just to soak it all in. This conversation shows why. I absolutely love this film.

[@darkjedi7]

Seal that Sound, Music, Cinematography and Production Design Oscars nom!

[@neutralfog]

Amazing interview. I watched the whole thing. Very remarkable artists. Much respect to each one of them.

[@sailingsam3815]

Beautiful cinematic craftsmanship

[@incomeinventors574]

Thank you for this Dolby! These interviews are outstanding!

[@PASTRAMIKick]

so much insight, this movie was clearly made by people with passion, the post process stage of the grading with the bleach bypass combined with the other image and whatnot is pretty crazy and fascinating.

[@slamrobot6584]

I just realized Batman's contacts allow him to also see in the dark. I am dumb.

[@monohalcyon]

I've seen the movie in IMAX but this makes me want to drive 100 miles to the nearest Dolby theater lol

[@asgo7320]

I enjoy Nolan's movies a lot, but this one I keep rewatching and I love everything about it! The soundtrack, cinematography and colors, the actors and how the director understands Batman as a character. I can see why some people who loved The Dark Knight will find this movie disappointing, but this a different kind of movie. It has a comic book feel to it and it's slow and dark and beautiful.

[@ReaperXC]

At 15:45, perfectly said. I love most of the MCU but the practicality in The Batman was phenomenal.

[@jaiminsharma]

Matt would look great as Gordon...

[@djmileski]

Amazing movie, channeling the animated series for sure. As a matter of fact, the intro to the animated series has red and blue themed tones also. Well done Reeves and Co. to say the least.

[@oatmat]

Yo Matt Reeves better be on the directors roundtable this year

[@lowlowseesee]

the muzzle flash lit scene was already done in Equilibrium. many influences, on purpose and accidental. this film was everything. can not wait to own it

[@LeighABrett]

This is immensely enjoyable content, thank you so much for creating the space for the talent to share their insights and stories. Bravo!

[@Dolby]

Our pleasure!

[@charlieweston2292]

Sounds like so much fun just to creative people going down town and shooting to insight BATMAN and Gotham city!!

[@UNPRECEDENTEDPICTURES]

Thank you for sharing this discussion and process with the world. Wow, so fascinating and insightful to hear of the lengths that the team went to in creating the visceral aesthetic. These discussions are also super effective in promoting the movie, because I had no desire to watch "another Batman movie" but after this, I can't wait to watch it!

[@adriannespring8598]

Looove this insight & incredible detail!!

[@Lilaquath]

Euphoria & The Batman - two gems we got in the last years

[@jetblk2834]

Inject this into my veeeeiiiinnnss!!

[@honk_honk9085]

I love these videos. Glad the YT Algo got me here

[@theknowledgebysaurabhkumar6575]

Dolby: We are committed not only towards creating great cinematic viewing & hearing experience but also in upbringing of great filmmakers.

[@Random-xd4zm]

So Beautiful He named the Studios Like Scanline VFX Love it 🤌🔥

[@adamfanalways]

👏👏👏👏They delivered a phenomenal Batman movie 🎥 my hats off to Matt and Dave, fantastic! I just saw it for the 5th time and I love it more each viewing! My favorite Batman movie about Batman and Robert Pattinson is now my favorite Batman👏👏Go see this movie 🍿 in theaters, it has to be seen in a theaters!

[@spencerpalmer2918]

This was fantastic! Thanks!

[@8KHDRVideoBySittipong]

Very nice to know how the look was made.

[@paulepsimos8396]

Watched it in Dolby. 100% worth it

[@WriterusAeternus]

I’m going back to see this on IMAX. The Dolby Theater in Burbank didn’t give me the immersive feel that a lot of other people described. Maybe I sat too far back but yeah.

[@from1978]

Batman aside, this was an artistic masterpiece on many levels.

[@auto54matic]

Incredible. 🤯👂🏼🎶

[@Theredspirit]

i cant wait

[@crlclssic]

excited

[@rahuljn9095]

Meet Reeves 🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@anfurnee]

i would defintely buy tickets to a feature length behind the scenes of matt just making this film

[@NeverNoodle]

Great discussion. The only thing it's missing is references to the visuals they are talking about.

[@WhiteWolf496]

OMG AND A CINEMATOGRAPHY ONE!!!

[@Triforcefilms]

Curious how long until the stand-in digital filters to emulate Film processing: Interpositive, bleach, etc... when will the ability to spoof these qualities be nuanced enough that we can simply stop using film stock through to final viewing. Clearly it's infinitely closer than a decade ago. The power and flexibility of just shooting a clean digital film and getting to play with the final cut as if it were shot and processed in ANY number of ways. That's the real power of digital film making.

[@alexwr]

Oh, it's already here. There's plenty of tools available today emulates film to near perfection. Even some KZbinrs have managed to match it pretty close. I suppose nothing beats the real thing, but you also can't beat the flexibility of digital.

[@TheThegtrain]

Fantastic interview/interviewer!

[@Supesx77]

Matt Reeves 🐐

[@Supesx77]

This movie was like a game cut scene but better.

[@ljdobles8104]

Muy buena entrevista 👌🏻

[@charlieweston2292]

I feel like although the film looked great. I would've liked it a whole lot more if the film alerted to the fact this was seen and felt through Batmans eyes somehow. Hearing it has transformed my understanding of the film.

[@captbruce]

I hate to be THAT guy, but can you please tell us what microphone you use(d) for this podcast? Amazing session here and truly informative for filmmakers and how vision and choice matter in storytelling. Thank you for doing this!

[@joegamer6914]

great video

[@yesulokesh3406]

It's incredible

[@kamrhd]

I need Greg Fraser to do a Spider-Man movie

[@eyadjiroudi2000]

You guys should do this with Zack Snyder. I bet that would be a very exciting conversation.

[@jrecon]

going to mix in atmos;)

[@The_Vizo]

Saw it on Dolby. It’s the same experience as watching it in a Cinemark XD.

[@parissideris1757]

dolby this is awesome

[@tyc9909]

omg thank you dolby

[@craigrussell3062]

54:28 LOL at the difference between the layman's webcam framing and the cinematographer's

[@Angel-ri1jl]

🔥

[@natek9036]

at 6:43 he talks about negative prints and the he says “ scanned back ip “ i googled it and i couldn’t find anything what does that mean

[@galactic85]

"Red is not a color I would normally associate with Batman" Me: Anyone else remember the red skies in Batman the Animated Series?

[@PetSymmetry]

Can someone please explain to me what they mean when they say IP? I just don't know what they're referring to.