The Batman – Marcel Sobkow

I had the extreme privilege of working closely with an exceptionally talented crew at Territory Studio as we were tasked to create a majority of the film's screen graphics. Our goal was to artistically enhance the main storyline and to assist the remarkable director, Matt Reeves, in achieving his unique vision for the movie.

It was a true honor to receive the opportunity to contribute to such a masterful piece of cinematography. In many ways, it played a pivotal role in my artistic career and all I can say is that I'm incredibly grateful. A truly humbling experience is to know how much creative pursuit is being invested out there in making a project of such caliber.

PART ONE

THE BATCAVE

My main task was to design screen graphics that would somehow represent the type of technology that Batman would use and operate on. It was supposed to be understood as digital yet with a hint of analog feel. A software that was not intended to appeal as clean and perfect but rather rough and utility-oriented. It was meant to give the impression of being quickly put together to serve a very practical purpose, much like the other tools in Batman's arsenal.

To assist the director's vision I created several screens in order to display the idea of analysing a harrowing crime scene. Batman would first record everything he witnessed during one of his nighttime pursuits. He would then feed all of the gathered data into his own, custom-build system. Careful examination of the recorded footage would serve as another investigation instrument. It was important for the audience to recognize that recordings were captured using lens-based technology, so we were asked to use circular shapes as a primary design element. All other assets were incorporated as metadata supporting the sequence's overall concept.

PART TWO

THE BAT AND THE CAT

In extreme circumstances, unlikely alliances can unfold. Our next objective with Territory Studio was to develop additional screen designs to visually enhance the opening of yet another chapter in the film. The lenses' investigative features are demonstrated when Batman allows Catwoman to use them as an infiltration tool. This technique allows him to observe her encounters and interactions while also collecting facial recognition data of corrupt individuals who are being ravished by the underground nightlife of Gotham City.

Bruce's and Selina's unlikely partnership is slowly being formed. The next sequence we were looking at is a kind of blend of two previous ones. In his covert hideout, Bruce is using his technology as a secure communication channel with Selina. This brief scene subtly hints to the audience that the two characters are beginning to understand that they actually need to rely on each other in order to succeed in their endeavors. Through their constant exposure to deadly risks and challenges, a special bond arises between them.