When we all first saw ‘The Penguin’ portrayed in Matt Reeves’ 2022 film ‘The Batman,’ unless you knew that is was Collin Farrell playing the legendary role, you never would have known.
Farrell was so covered in makeup, convincingly realistic prosthetics, and spoke so differently that without prior knowledge it would literally be impossible to ascertain that he was ‘The Penguin.’
Though he appears for just 12 minutes of actual screen-time in ‘The Batman,’ which went on to claim monumental critical and fan acclaim, grossing over $700 Million worldwide. The resurgence of cinema after the COVID-19 Pandemic was largely started by Reeves’ successful adaptation of the classic comic book film.
Though Reeves’ universe was completely separate from that of Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, which had grossed over $1.1 Billion just three years prior to the release of ‘The Batman,’ fans found themselves renewed in the more dark and detective-style portrayal of Batman Reeves had chosen.
This was no small task, especially considering the other-wordly success of Christopher Nolan’s Batman series throughout the 2000s, and early 2010s. Nolan’s Batman was, and is still considered, not just a great set of comic book films, but great films in a general sense.
Fans of ‘The Batman’ were not particularly excited to hear that ‘The Penguin’ would be getting his own series, that was until the first episode.
Almost immediately, through the magic of the cinematography team, Farrell’s acting, and the dedication this production team evidently put into the making of this series, fans were hooked.
I found myself intrigued with the show from the opening scene, which shows Farrell standing over Gotham as the events of the last film are played over, with new hints being dropped as dramatic music plays.
By the time Farrell gives his first Rex Calibrisi speech, a gangster that the Penguin knew as a child, I was totally hooked, as were the audience across the world.
This series is not a little good. It is the best television series I have seen since Bryan Cranston shaved his head bald in ‘Breaking Bad’. Here are some of the best aspects of the hit television series ‘The Penguin’.
1) The Music
‘Joker 2’ took things too far, where ‘Joker’ hit the nail on the head. We don’t want a musical when we sit down to watch a film or show about a Batman villain, but the music present within the piece almost always sets the mood and potential for the entire script.
The use of Bobby Darin’s ‘Call Me Irresponsible’ during the first real action scene of the show in Episode 2 is masterful to say the least.
The use of music that ‘The Penguin’ would have heard and adored through his mother is a constant throughout this show. The use of certain songs is both creepy, and beautiful.
Music, especially tasteful music, used within a film can enhance the product tremendously. ‘The Penguin’ has a tremendous and unique soundtrack that expands the Matt Reeves Batman universe in a way that we have not seen to this point, other than when it was successfully done in the 2019 ‘Joker’ film by Todd Phillips.
2) Cristin Milioti
As somebody who has not watched much television or film over the last 10 years, I must admit that I had no idea who Cristin Milioti was coming into this series. Based on her performance in this show, I now believe her to be one of the most talented actresses on the entire planet.
Milioti carries entire scenes with just her eyes. You find yourself entranced by her portrayal of ‘Sofia Falcone’.
When she gives a speech, or takes control of room, she commands your attention. Not just characters in the show, but yourself as a viewer. There are only a handful of characters that I have ever seen illicit that kind of response out of an audience. Walter White, portrayed by Bryan Cranston is one, Tony Soprano, portrayed by James Gandolfini is another.
Milioti is enchanting throughout this series.
3) Collin Farrell
Collin Farrell should be given every single television award available for his work on this series. There is no question in your mind when watching ‘The Penguin’ that Oz Cobb is not a real person.
Farrell is so deeply into this character throughout the series that you lose yourself in his portrayal, and often forget it is actually Farrell doing the acting.
Oz Cobb feels like a real person, and just as Milioti did with Sofia Falcone, Collin Farrell achieved something in this series that has rarely been seen.
Final Score: 10/10
I don’t know how this series could have possibly been any better. It gets a perfect score from me. It’s on the level of ‘Breaking Bad,’ ‘The Sopranos,’ and other television royalty. I cannot wait to see Farrell reprise his role in ‘The Batman 2,’ which is set for release in 2026.
