So, we're back at it again! One low-tier hero and an oft-forgotten sidekick later, I'm sure DCEU Rebirth is doing just fine for itself. After all, audiences would eat up movies about obscure characters in a cinematic universe that up to this point, has been critically malinged and split audiences down the middle. It really is just the model for success, isn't it? Oh, wait, no. That's a terrible path to take.
But this is fantasy land, so let's get back to pitching movies that will never, ever happen! My previous two pitches, Plastic Man and Roy Harper, Snowbird, seemed to be well-received enough. So I figured I'd really mix things up for this one. Instead of another pitch about a hero many keep on the sidelines, why not give a villain most people know as Ace Ventura, Carrot-Topped Pet Detective his own movie? What could possibly go wrong, right?
Right?
E N I G M A
Directed by Antonio Campos
Written by Craig Shilowich and Trey Edward Shuts
Based on The Riddler by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang
***
Why Engima? Because Riddler is stupid, Edward is plain, and Riddle Me This sounds like a bad Platinum Dunes horror movie. Enigma captures the essence of the twisted mystique of the Riddler character better than any generic synonym or subtitile following "The Batman" ever could. Edward Nygma (simply named Edward here) is one of the most well-known, yet underrated, adversaries of the Caped Crusader, and a proper slow-burn feature film would finally give him his due.
There was a moment where I contemplated what purpose the movie should function. I knew from the getgo that I wanted Enigma to be more than your standard "villain goes after hero" movie. We see enough of those each summer. And while many give them grief due to the way they steer so far from the source material, The Dark Knight Trilogy showed us that the concept of the superhero, and conversely, the supervillain, could be taken to places of higher political and philosophical purpose. Not only what they are or the way they would function outside of the panels of a comic book, but their higher existential purpose and how they can represent the very world we live in.
This was a direction I felt the narrative needed to go. Take the Riddler, and put him in a world where his message and motive would be poignant off the silver screen. I wanted a character less like Jigsaw and more like a blend of Gordo Moseley (if you haven't seen The Gift, change that now. I highly recommend it.) and Anton Chigurh in the way he operates and why he does what he does. More elaborate, more classy, and for a purpose greater than "I hate the good guy because he is good and I am not".
Living in the suburban outskirts of Gotham is Edward (Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea), a mentally ill hermit whose living expenses are paid for by the estate of his wealthy family. With his only communication with the rest of the world being through a computer screen, his ideas of society are warped by the toxicity of social media and tabloids. However, he carries a considerable admiration for Batman (Ben Affleck, Gone Girl), and an unhealthy antagonistic obsession with Bruce Wayne. When his fascination with both leads him to discovering they are one in the same, Edward sets up an elaborte scheme that scales Gotham City. The twisted game Edward leaves for the Caped Crusader may have repurcussions that throw Gotham into political turmoil, as well as expose the hero for what he is to the world. Enigma is a collaboration between the minds behind modern thriller masterpieces It Comes at Night and Christine, and carries a thematic resonance not seen in superhero cinema since The Dark Knight.
So, what are we thinking? Sounds alright, yeah? Also, I kind of spoiled some of the people involved with filmmaking duties. But hey, read on anyway.
Director
Antonio Campos
A man with a knack for directing methodical dramas dealing with dark themes and ideas, Campos was the only man I saw for the job. While not very known outside the film buff circle, Campos has a very small, yet respectable filmography. Campos' full-length debut was 2008's Afterschool, a quaint character piece about the Internet-obsessed Robert (played by Ezra Miller, aka The Flash) accidentally recording the death of two girls and being asked to put it together in a memorial video. It received love from critics, and was praised for its performances and ideas. His next film, Simon KIller, follows a man in Paris who befriends a prostitute and unleashes his dark side. It similarly garnered critical praise.
It's his most recent film, however, that cemented the fact that Campos is a rookie to keep an eye on. 2016's Christine recounts the real-life tragedy of Sarasota-Bradenton reporter Christine Chubbuck and the buildup to her on-air suicide via gunshot. It flew under the radar last year, but it made my top ten of 2016. The film is something of a ticking time bomb. Even if you hadn't known the story prior like I had, you feel for every second that something bad is going to happen, but the film keeps you in suspense as to when it will, no matter the inevitability. Campos' direction is slick and careful, as he recalls the essences of Kubrick and implements his slick direction into a story small and scaled-back. Rebecca Hall gave one of the year's best performances as the titular Christine, and was shamefully snubbed by the Academy.
It is a film that's stuck with me since viewing, with its near-perfect pacing and subtly-spoken message about the media that rings true now more than ever. Campos and Enigma are a match made in Heaven.
Screenwriter(s)
Craig Shlowich and Trey Edward Shults
Christine's screenplay was one of its strongest elements, with an appropriate amount of unease and tiptoeing. Naturally, bringing the screenwriter of the film, Craig Shilowich, on board to write Enigma was a perfect fit.
The other name, Trey Edward Shults, should be a little more familiar to those following the horror scene. Shults is responsible for the critically-adored experimental drama piece Krisha, which was based on his own short film of the same name that recounted a cousin of his relapsing at a family reunion. It made waves at the likes of Cannes Film Festival and New York Films Critics Circle, and one the Grand Jury Prize at SXSW. His follow-up, It Comes at Night, though unpopular with mainstream audiences because of its stylized approach to horror and misleading marketing campaign, received similar acclaim, and has made my top ten films of 2017 list as of the time of writing.
The screenwriters have very similar styles to one another, and the team-up would be perfectly complimentary to each. Their past history shows levels of talent that would make sparks fly when brought together.
Misc.
You already know what I'm gonna do here. This part is the one where I put in the least effort, and it shows. But I'm sure you don't care, and you know what, neither do I. Maybe I should stop announcing that, though. People might call me out for my hack fraudery and stop reading my articles.
Produced by Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Melody C. Roscher, and Craigh Shilowich
Music by Lesley Barber (Manchester by the Sea)
Cinematography by Mike Gioulakis (It Follows)
Edited by Sofia Subercaseaux (Christine)
Production companies
RatPac-Dune Entertainment Not anymore, Brett Ratner. You sex pervert.
DC Entertainment
Borderline Films
Atlas Entertainment
Cruel and Unusual Films
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
Alright, so there we go. Very good, very good. The most annoying part is out of the way. Now I can rest easy. Kick back with my Frank Sinatra/Count Basie record, a cold glass of sarsaparilla, and--
-- oh, wait. No I can't. I'm not done yet. What did I get myself into?
The Cast
Ah, nice. This part is actually fun. I can get behind keeping on with this project if it means I get to play pretend casting director and piss you all off with the lack of Idris Elbas, Charlize Therons, Bryan Cranstons, and Tom Hardys. They can't play everyone, you know! I mean really. Get some imagination, will ya?
-Casey Affleck as Edward-
A mentally-ill hermit living in a suburban recluse paid for by his family. Socially inept, but intellectually gifted. Sheltered from the world due to his perceived dangerousness. Decides to subject Gotham to a cruel game after learning the truth behind Batman's identity and how it contradicts what he stands for.
Notable Works: Manchester by the Sea & The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
-Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman-
Playboy billionaire owner of Wayne Enterprises by day, crime-fighting vigilante by night. When in the cape and cowl, an almost inhuman presence that terrifies criminals. Gets caught up in Edward's trap that puts both Gotham City and his own identity in and out of the suit at risk.
Notable Works: Gone Girl & Argo
-Lakeith Stanfield as Arthur Brown-
A criminal-for-hire bought off the dark web by Edward. Helps Edward set up traps and clues all over the city, and enacts the first event that sets off the chain reaction Edward was hoping for. Later detained by Batman, and after escaping, killed by Maggie Sawyer, for which Edward intended.
Notable Works: Atlanta & Get Out
-J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Jim Gordon-
The experienced, honest police commissioner of the GCPD. Is brought into the fold after Edward's plan leads to the death of Officer Crispus Allen, which Edward and Arthur Brown made it appear Batman was responsible for.
Notable Works: Whiplash & Thank You For Smoking
-Brady Corbet as Detective Harvey Bullock-
Hotshot detective taken under the wing of Commissioner Gordon. Known within the GCPD for his controversial methods and hatred for Batman. Pushes for pursuing him when he's framed for killing Officer Crispus Allen.
Notable Works: Thirteen & Mysterious Skin
-Paul Dano as Lonnie Machlin/Anarky-
Online AntiFa activist with a staunch anarchist perspective. The controversy surrounding Batman and Officer Crispus Allen prompts him to rally others and riot, luring out Batman, which Edward planned for.
Notable Works: Okja & Swiss Army Man-
-Rebecca Hall as Officer Maggie Sawyer-
Officer Crispus Allen's partner, who witnessed his death and blames Batman. Convinces Commissioner Gordon to enact the investigation, but her own outside discoveries begin to put her on Edward's trail.
Notable Works: Christine & Professor Marston and the Wonder Women
-Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth-
Bruce Wayne's advisor and eye in the sky during his nightly patrols as Batman. Helps navigate through Edward's game from the Batcave, and offers Bruce his ideas and perspectives.
Notable Works: The Lion King & Dead Ringers
-Regé-Jean Page as Officer Crispus Allen-
A well-respected young officer in the GCPD who had a bright future in the force before his untimely demise. His death sets in motion Edward's plan.
Notable Works: Roots & Mortal Engines (upcoming)
-J. Smith-Cameron as Edward's Mother-
Edward's rich mother who is paying for his seclusion. Reveals to Batman and Officer Maggie Sawyer than Edward killed his father, but she hid him away and covered it up to cost their family shame and tabloid spotlight.
Notable Works: Rectify & As Bees In Honey Drown
***
Bonus
What was Edward's plan?
1. Arthur Brown attracts GCPD and Batman's attention
2. Arthur sets off explosion that kills Officer Allen
3. Arthur tampers with crime scene to frame Batman
4. GCPD launches manhunt for Batman
5. Batman's perceived racial profiling has public turn on him
6. AntiFa riots go violent, forces Batman to intervene
7. Batman's force against protestors sparks controversy
8. Arthur leaves clues for GCPD about Batman's identity
9. Edward leaks information about crimes to Maggie Sawyer
10. Maggie discovers Batman's innocence and seeks him out
11. Batman notices Arthur recurring at crime scenes, detains him
12. Arthur uses tech given to him by Edward to escape
13. Batman and Maggie go to see Edward's mother, who reveals the truth about Edward
14. Maggie stays and guards Edward's mother
15. Arthur arrives and kills Edward's mother, and Maggie kills Arthur
16. Batman finds Edward, who commits suicide with makeshift Batarang gun
17. Frames Batman for murdering a seemingly-innocent mentally ill man
18. GCPD arrive at crime scene, where Edward left evidence pointing to Bruce Wayne being Batman
19. Bruce Wayne forced to escape Gotham, retire Batman mantle
20. Maggie goes to share leaks with GCPD, but Edward had hacked her computer and deleted them before his death
21. Gotham thrown into political and social turmoil without a hero
So, what did we think? Better than the previous ones, or worse? That's all kind of subjective, but not really, because objective fact exists and there's a scale when it comes to grading good and bad art that people seemingly forget about when it comes to something they enjoy. This has honestly been my favorite of the lot, and I'm curious to know what you all think. So leave your comments down below!
Oh, crap! I got movie sign! Gotta blast! Cheers!