18 ARTS: FILM
THE FOUNDER May 2022 For the first time since Mask of the Phantasm, we have a Batman who needs to learn where his morals lie. A Batman that seems to take pleasure in the violence, rather than understanding the importance of protecting. This is reflected in the colour choices used; for most of the film, there is a prominent use of orange and yellow, representing the misunderstanding and lack of clarity for what the Bat ultimately represents, resulting in the explosions that very nearly doomed Gotham. The only time red is used is when he cuts that cable at the end, killing his past self to become something better. Pattinson’s portrayal is my favourite live-action Batman and there is no competition. Being portrayed in this film as a cowboy, evident just from the heaviness of his footsteps, the future of this character remains to be seen.
Source: Instagram, @thebatman
The Relevance of Dirty Pretty Things in Today’s Climate TILLEY BENNETT | FILM EDITOR
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tephen Frears’ thriller Dirty Pretty Things, shared with audiences in 2002, follows the life of Okwe (Chiwetel Ejiofor) a hotel porter who encounters a human heart in the toilet of a hotel. This sets up the film to have a fast-paced plot which parallels the life of the immigrants depicted.
The film is a chilling depiction of humanity and the empathy we share with others. It particularly seeks to dismantle the stereotypes surrounding the perception of immigrants, particularly illegal immigrants, in the United Kingdom. Considering postBrexit Britain, this film maintains extraordinary pertinence today.
Source: IMDb
This film is far more of a social observation than a ‘whodunnit’ style murder mystery, despite the human heart adding anticipation to the plot. The film follows eight days in Okwe’s life and yet there is no respite from the oppressive nature of his reality. What Frears does well is observe a London removed from the romanticised vision of the capital that is often shown in cinema. There is only one recognisable street in the entirety of the film and yet Okwe and Senay (Audrey Tatou) seamlessly sink into this version of the city. Their ability to blend into the background of bustling London provides great insight into the uncertainty of
their lifestyles. They have had to create a life that is so secretive and underground that London is merely a geographical location rather than the prosperous city filled with hope that audiences often witness. Amidst the heart-aching stories of desperation and disillusionment, there is the tender and loving relationship between Senay and Okwe. Tatou brings real warmth to the character of Senay, a woman who rather ironically wears her heart on her sleeve. She is proud, determined, and aspirational.
