As a movie lover who has spent countless hours immersed in the gritty underworld of Gotham City, I can confidently say that “The Penguin” is a masterful addition to the Batman universe. It’s not just an origin story; it’s a deep dive into the psyche of one of Batman’s most intriguing villains – Oz Cobblepot, played brilliantly by Colin Farrell.
Titled “The Penguin,” this HBO series unfolds a week following the events depicted in Matt Reeves’ 2022 film “The Batman.” However, it would be misleading to label it solely as an origin story for the villain. Instead, Lauren LeFranc’s creation delves into the metamorphosis of Oswald “the Penguin” Cobblepot (portrayed by Colin Farrell in a transformative role), whose obsession with power escalates into something monstrous and uncontrollable. This gripping limited series offers an intricate analysis of criminality, weaving a tale that is both twisted and captivatingly disturbing.
As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I find LeFranc’s gripping narrative unfolding post the Riddler’s attack on Gotham particularly captivating. The city’s most vulnerable areas are left in ruins, and with Carmine Falcone, Oz’s boss, deceased, it seems like the perfect opportunity for Oz to make his move. He hastily assembles a daring yet ill-conceived strategy to take over the criminal underworld. While the Falcones frantically reorganize to preserve their longstanding grip on Gotham, Oz’s relentless pursuit of power is met with unexpected twists.
Despite enduring heavy losses due to the Riddler’s attack, I, as a cinema devotee, found Vic to be kind-hearted, timid, and struggling with a stutter. Yet, there was something within this new protege that reminded me of my own past – an yearning to belong somewhere. I, Oz, perceived this hidden potential in Vic, and I exploited his vulnerabilities to forge a connection with him. Over the course of eight gripping episodes, our relationship evolved into something resembling a father-son bond, shedding light on who I could have become if Gotham and my mother, Francis (an exceptional portrayal by Tony winner Deirdre O’Connell), hadn’t shaped me into the hardened man I am today. Feliz portrayed Vic with such tender emotions that despite his involvement in heinous acts, I found myself easily forgetting the sinister nature of my own plans as a viewer.
Despite being frequently undervalued due to his looks, social position, and physical limp, Farrell’s character exhibits a mind that operates at an astonishing speed. Driven by an unyielding ambition to control the city, Oz skillfully manipulates those around him, including Vic, whose longing for family ties fortifies his allegiance to his leader. The series delves deeper than merely exposing Oz’s state of mind, which encompasses his fixation on status, luxury vehicles in shades of plum, and Eve (played by Carmen Ejogo), a sex worker who shares his company. Instead, it offers an insight into the consequences that unfold when societal issues are left unaddressed.
Just as “The Penguin” is Oz’s narrative, it equally belongs to Sofia, who shares the story. While Oz was shaped by despair and hardship, Sofia, his formidable foe, carries a deep-seated anger stemming from a different source. The Falcone family has ruled over Gotham for years, and Sofia was born into affluence and wealth. However, the series illustrates that the highest and lowest classes are interdependent, capable of harboring similar vices. Oz is known for his agility and ability to blend in, while Sofia’s monstrosity manifests differently. At first glance, she appears in an immaculate snow-white suit, but beneath this façade lies a calculating, thoughtful woman determined to wield power. The contrast between the two characters, particularly their upbringings and responses to power shifts, is one of the most intriguing aspects of “The Penguin.
In this story, the city of Gotham itself plays a crucial role as a character. The series “Gotham” demonstrates how corruption, exploitation, and accumulation of wealth can rot from within, suffocating some residents while lifting up others. By delving into the intricate mechanisms of Gotham’s government, from the mayor’s office to the criminal underworld of Oz, the show exposes the wickedness that breeds and flourishes at every level.
In the richly textured world of Reeves and LeFranc, the transformative work of makeup artist Michael Marino, who turns Farrell into a complex character both pitiful and terrifying, should not be overlooked. The city and his chosen life have toughened Oz. He understands he’s an acquired taste, yet his narcissism lets him manipulate others’ compassion for his benefit. It also empowers him to persevere when faced with adversity.
In the world of “The Penguin,” my obsession with power and status is at the heart of the story, but it’s also a tale of repeated traumas. Characters like Oz and Sofia aren’t just randomly appearing figures; their surroundings mold them into what they become. Surviving in a world filled with crime requires an ability to adapt, especially when dealing with those who are even more ruthless. Enduring such brutality often leads to change. As the saying goes, it’s not that we are born evil; rather, we are shaped into it.
I’m thrilled to let you know that ‘The Penguin’ will make its grand debut on HBO and Max, setting sail on September 19 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. From then on, every Thursday at the same time, new episodes will continue to air, beginning with September 29.
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2024-09-12 19:17