It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since The Batman hit cinemas across the globe. In the same breath it feels like both decades ago and only yesterday. But now I’ve had the chance to see the film on the big screen again but in an experience like no other.
On March 18, despite plenty of transport strikes, we made our way to Hammersmith for The Batman Live, a fully orchestral concert experience for Matt Reeves’ critically acclaimed film. Hosted by our friends at Warner Bros. the concert saw attendees watching the film on a giant screen over the stage as a group of incredible musicians played Michael Giacchino’s incredible score.
We weren’t allowed to film, but here’s a sneaky peek at the event from the promoter:
It was an incredible experience to hear the music played live. I’ve had the opportunity to attend a handful of events like this whilst living in London and it doesn’t work with every film. It takes a special kind of musical score to work in a live setting and The Batman doesn’t disappoint.
The score album clocks in at 1 hour 56 minutes which should tell you all you need to know. The film itself is packed to the gills with music and so it was difficult to know whether to watch the screen or the assembled musicians on stage.
Right from the opening track, “Can’t Fight City Halloween”, the orchestra had us immersed in Reeves’ world. The recurring Batman theme throughout the album filled the venue from floor to ceiling and easily made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It’s exhilarating to hear such intricate and exciting music in a live arena and the night really didn’t disappoint.
I was able to hear elements of the score that are impossible to pick up on through tiny headphones or a home sound system. The orchestra’s percussion section did a wonderful job of bringing out some of the heavier beats that lie under the lush string section. It was incredibly to pick up on these elements and fill in some of the blanks that you just wouldn’t hear outside of a live setting.
For those who haven’t yet experienced this kind of event. The rest of the film’s sound remains fully intact. All of the dialogue and sound effects are still audible but retuned to allow the orchestra to be at the forefront. It can take the edge of some action but thankfully The Batman features so much low-end sound – think the Batmobile car chase – that this was never an issue.
The Batman continues to tour across the globe through April. The team will return with future films later in the year.
