Andy Serkis in The Batman | Batman and Alfred, detectives

We’ve known Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler and father figure since he was orphaned at a young age. In The Batman, by Matt Reeves, this relationship is no longer so simple. Andy Serkis, who plays him, explains to The Press the dynamic between his character and the new Dark Knight, played by Robert Pattinson.

Pascal LeBlanc
The Press

“It’s a very complicated relationship, immediately indicates the British comedian during a virtual interview with The Press. Alfred wants to have empathy, but it’s not in his nature. He still feels guilt since he was unable to help Bruce get rid of his own guilt after witnessing his parents’ murder. On the other side, Bruce tries to chart his own path, but he moves forward with a lot of uncertainty. Alfred doesn’t have the tools to be the emotional pillar of their relationship, which saddens him. »

The Alfreds played by Michael Gough, Michel Caine, and Jeremy Irons, among others, were wise, if at times immature, advisers to middle-aged Bruce. That of Andy Serkis, much more tragic, does its best to orient the young man. “He’s like a teenager coming of age, but even more tormented. Alfred knows he can’t be a father to him, so he tries to be a good mentor and role model, the 57-year-old says. His background in the military and the secret service also allowed him to teach Bruce various skills, such as fighting and cracking codes. »

Alfred’s teachings proved to be very useful throughout The Batman. Of course, our hero uses his fists several times – the fights are certainly the most brutal in the series – but he must also solve many puzzles since The Riddler (Paul Dano) is the main antagonist.

Other Batman movies have proven his ability to unravel mysteries, often with the help of advanced technology. However, this is the first time that we understand why he is nicknamed “The greatest detective in the world”.

Without extraordinary gimmicks, he must not only decipher the Riddler’s riddles, but also investigate Gotham’s criminal and political underworld. Of course, Batman can count on a few allies: James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright), Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz) and, above all, Alfred. “That’s what unites them, isn’t it?” observes Andy Serkis. This is THE thing they can do together; the common language they have. I think it’s very important in their relationship. »

A dystopian city

Although it’s not explained in the film, Alfred has lived through the fall of Gotham since the deaths of Thomas and Martha Wayne – although, according to other views, all was not well in their lifetime. In Matt Reeves’ version, Bruce Wayne has been wearing the Batman cape for two years and criminals are beginning to fear his presence. But there is still a lot of work to do. “The city has reached a point where you can feel nihilism in the air, illustrates Andy Serkis. There is a glaring lack of social services, corruption is everywhere and gangs have taken control. »

These remarks correspond exactly to what we observed during the viewing of The Batman. By our simple look, Andy Serkis seems to guess our next question, because he answers it before we even say a word.

Even before the inevitable happens, Gotham is already plunged into great darkness. The atmosphere is gloomy, it rains constantly and the streets are filled with poverty and danger. We feel the ambient distress. This impression, which sets the tone for the film, comes from the artistic director (production designer) James Chinlund, according to Andy Serkis. “What he and his team have done for Gotham is pretty amazing. When I was on the Wayne Manor set, I felt like I was in a museum. Bruce’s parents’ bedroom which is left as it is with dust and books everywhere… It’s fantastic to be able to inhabit this world for a while. »

Blockbusters for over 20 years

Because he often portrayed “digital” characters, one doesn’t immediately realize that Andy Serkis has starred in some of the biggest productions of the past 20 years. He is among others Golum in Lord of the RingsKong in King KongCaesar in Planet of the ApesCaptain Haddock in The Adventures of Tintinsnoke in Star WarsUlysses Klaue in Black Panther and Baloo in Mowgli, which he also made. He was also behind the camera for Venom: Let There Be Carnagereleased last year.

When we ask him what he thinks of the various filmmakers – Martin Scorsese, Ken Loach, Francis Ford Coppola – who do not recognize the artistic value of some of these films, Andy Serkis replies: “It’s a shame that they are labeled as mere blockbusters that have no real meaning. These movies reach millions of people because they tell great stories with structure and a belief system you can buy into. In an era of post-truth, they play an even greater role. Without wanting to analyze too much what they represent, I believe that their cultural importance is enormous. »

The Batman hits theaters March 4.