VFX supervisor Dan Lemmon breaks down the thrilling Batmobile chase sequence in The Batman, and reveals that most of it was done practically.
Weta FX VFX supervisor Dan Lemmon, who worked on The Batman, breaks down the film’s Batmobile chase scene and reveals how much of it was created practically. Released earlier this year to strong reviews from both audiences and critics, Matt Reeves’ DC film sees Robert Pattinson take on the role of the Caped Crusader. The Batman features more of a detective take on the iconic hero as he attempts to find and stop the Riddler (Paul Dano) after a series of murders in Gotham City. Although the Riddler serves as the film’s main villain, the Penguin (Colin Farrell) serves as a secondary antagonist, with one thrilling sequence seeing Batman chase Farrell’s character through the streets of Gotham.
The Batman‘s Penguin car chase remains a highlight of the entire film, and now, in a recent sit-down with THR, Lemmon details how the sequence was brought to life with both practical and visual effects. The VFX supervisor explains the complex vehicle rig they used to shoot the scene, including its climactic jump through a wall of flames. He adds that the Batmobile jump and flames “were completely practical until the point where the car hit the ground and stood back up on its raised suspension.” Check out Lemmon’s full comment below:
“They featured push-button-switchable two-wheel to four-wheel drivetrains and Formula One-style brakes that could be adjusted and activated at each wheel. Two of the vehicles could be driven from a pod attached to the outside of the vehicle, which allowed Robert Pattinson to be in the driver’s seat while an unseen stunt driver drove the car. For this shot, we stripped one Batmobile down to its lightest possible weight and set it up with long-throw suspension and doubled shock absorbers, allowing the Batmobile to jump 12 feet high and soar for 80 feet before it touched down on the pavement again.”
How The Batman 2 Can Top The First Movie’s Batmobile Chase
Almost all live-action Batman movies have featured a Batmobile chase scene of some sort, meaning it’s likely that Reeves’ sequel, which was officially announced earlier this year, will feature the iconic vehicle’s return. In contrast to the Batmobile in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight movies, which was designed to look more like a military vehicle, Reeves’ takes inspiration from classic American muscle cars. To accompany this more retro design, Reeves’ chase scene in The Batman is also heavily inspired by 1971’s The French Connection, which puts the camera in and on the car during the scene to make the action feel more visceral.
It’s unclear who the villain will be in The Batman 2, but, instead of altering the thrilling, realistic feel of the chase, the sequel may do well to adjust the circumstances surrounding the scene. Instead of the Caped Crusader chasing somebody, perhaps the sequel could turn the tables and feature a swarm of enemy vehicles chasing him. The scene could retain the same visceral elements from The Batman, but the stakes could be wildly different. Alternatively, Reeves’ sequel could also draw from The Dark Knight and feature Pattinson’s hero speeding through traffic against the clock to rescue somebody he cares about.
It remains to be seen what Reeves has in store for fans with his sequel, but arguably the biggest flaw with the car chase in the first movie is that it’s over too soon. By retaining the same gritty, practical elements that made The Batman such a hit, the sequel can continue to test Pattinson’s character in new ways while still maintaining the same brooding atmosphere and tactile qualities. With Reeves still working on the script for The Batman 2, it will, unfortunately, be quite a while before fans find out whether there is another Batmobile chase sequence to come.
Source: THR