The classic cinematic genre known as Film Noir can be characterized by secret sinister villains, dark urban settings, and a gritty flawed protagonist. It often focuses on detectives investigating grisly murders or kidnappings in a sleazy and corrupted city. Almost every Batman comic book series could be adapted to film in that fashion, but there is one, in particular, that would be especially fitting.
Batman: Europa (by Matteo Casali and Brian Azzarello) follows The Dark Knight as he searches throughout Europe to determine who was responsible for infecting him with the deadly virus Colossus. His journey begins in Berlin where he discovers his long-time foe the Joker on the same ill-fated path. The two are forced to work together to uncover the potential assassin and the trail leads them to Prague, Paris, and Rome where the final battle occurs.
Why Batman: Europa Would Make An Excellent Period-Piece Detective Film
Europa presents a straightforward race against time-mystery; the classic detective plot line. Despite the arguably clichéd story arc, the series is perfect for a standalone film that emphasizes the urban and unfamiliar backdrop portrayed in the comics and less on broadening the DC Universe. An attempt to incorporate multiple heroes or overarching themes would detract from the solitary and foreboding attributes of Film Noir and would likely not be as effective. The European setting is ripe for a Soviet-era spy thriller and could be a perfect model for Batman and Joker's trek across the Atlantic to hunt a would-be murderer.
Unique artists illustrate each issue of the four-part run with distinct styles. However, they all employ the same shadowy feeling familiar to Film Noir. The mysterious ambiance is a critical component of the genre and Europa reflects that mood with somewhat obscured images and subdued colors. The artwork differs from the long-running Batman comics in that it is less flashy and bright or well-defined. Precisely why the illustrations would be ideal to adapt to a similar cinematic visual landscape such as Film Noir.
Batman: Europa Partners the Dark Knight With the Joker
Batman often engages in inner monologue during his romp with the Joker across Europe. It's not uncommon for the character, but traditionally a popular technique of Film Noir. The script of Europa follows the long-established narrative of the lone detective forced to compromise his ideals to face the greater evil. Batman's struggle to reconcile the decision to team up with his sworn enemy often surfaces throughout the series.
The Dark Knight's persona nods to the mid-century black-and-white detective stories of the original Film Noir era. Brooding and unapologetic for doing whatever it takes to track down a criminal, with sometimes murky or contradictory motivations. The script, the artwork, and the tone of Batman: Europa could only be shown on the big screen with a distinctive treatment. Its simplicity and its ability to draw tension and suspense from the environmental mood make it the ideal candidate for a stylistic Film Noir crime drama.