Paul Dano’s dedication to perfection led him to use “70 or 80 takes” for the final confrontation scene between the Riddler and Batman in the upcoming film ‘The Batman’ (2022), according to director Matt Reeves. Reeves explained that Paul loves to explore different possibilities and took two days to get the scene exactly right with Robert Pattinson as Batman. They went through numerous takes, and Paul’s commitment to seeking perfection is evident in his approach: “He’s obsessive that way.”
Moreover, Paul Dano kept Matt Reeves on his toes by making last-minute changes to the scenes. Reeves shared that there were moments where Paul, in his portrayal of the Riddler, would transition from being tickled by something to flying into a rage, and these shifts were unpredictable from take to take. Reeves found it difficult to contain his laughter while wearing headphones during the filming because Paul always brought unexpected surprises. Paul would often question if his performance was too crazy, but Reeves would reassure him that it was fantastic and encourage another take.
On a different note, Paul Dano acknowledged feeling strange about now being considered an elder on set, but he appreciates the opportunity to share his advice with younger actors. He expressed his satisfaction at graduating to a new class of character and explained that the work needs to resonate with his own life in some way. Having started his acting career as an 18-year-old, Paul now finds himself in a position where 18-year-olds ask him questions and he imparts his wisdom as an adult in the industry.