Rating: 4.5/5
Synopsis:
For the first time ever, Tim Burton’s “Batman is getting a big screen release in Dolby! The film takes place in a Gotham City filled with problems, where crime boss Carl Grisham operates the criminal world. His righthand man, Jack Napier, falls into a vat of chemicals after being betrayed by Grisham. Napier’s sanity is broken after the accident, becoming the homicidal Joker. He intends to poison the citizens of Gotham by tainting their cosmetic supply throughout the city. But a hero in the shadows has no intention of letting the Joker get away with this. Batman, a mysterious figure who operates outside of the law, must prove to the citizens and police department that he can be trusted in order to defeat the Joker.
Positives:
Burton’s “Batman” was my introduction to superhero movies. It has a very special place in my heart when it comes to my love for the genre. There are so many pieces of the film I relive from my youth, whether it be Keaton’s first time saying “I’m Batman” or Nichonson’s Joker speaking to a deceased victim as if he were alive. The film has so many memorable scenes that I’ll never get sick of rewatching. Plus, Danny Elfman’s classic score will always stand the test of time! The film features a gothic, moody version of Gotham City, presenting crime as an everyday problem that regular citizens are concerned with. This issue is addressed at the beginning of the film when Harvey Dent is brought on to combat crime. Keaton’s introduction as Batman is an all-timer, where he combats two criminals who just robbed a family. As he lowers himself into the frame with his massive cape, he startles the two robbers and delivers his classic “I’m Batman” line. It makes me grin every time I watch it! Burton adds to this broody aesthetic with a score that fits this world while staying true to his style. The lighting and set design are so unique, feeling whimsical yet grounded. I love jumping into this world and seeing how it operates!
Nicholson is actually the main star that is showcased in the opening credits. I remember hearing how controversial Michael Keaton’s Batman casting was due to his comedic background. The performances across the board are outstanding. Keaton provides an interesting take on the character, one that is more soft spoken and mysterious than other iterations. He has a unique sense of humor that helps his version stand out. But he balances the stoicism of Bruce Wayne well, never overspeaking but always calculating. He also has one of the better Batman to Bruce voice changeovers of any actor. I’ve always enjoyed Kim Basinger as Bruce’s love interest, portraying Vicky Vale as an inquisitive yet passionate reporter. To date, Michael Gough is my favorite onscreen Alfred. He perfectly portrays Alfred’s British snobiness while challenging Bruce’s motivations. At the same time, his fierce loyalty to Bruce and his desire to assist him are always prominent. But the main highlight of the film is Jack Nicholson’s version of the Joker. He is a perfect balance of all the character’s traits, combining his homicidal tendencies with a twisted sense of humor. He is motivated by his jealousy of Batman, amplifying his demented mindset while always having fun with his crimes. He is also the most accurate version of the character we have to date, frequently bursting into laughing fits when any sane person would be horrified. He is truly the yin to Batman’s yang. It’s clear that Burton put a lot of emphasis into crafting this world and the characters that inhabit it.
I really enjoy the story too. We see a withering Gotham City that is in desperate need of change. The politicians are largely ineffective and there are segments of the police department working with the crime bosses. This gives way for Batman to present himself as an ally of order, combating these criminals through avenues the police can’t operate in. But the Joker also presents himself as an agent of change by playing on humanity’s ability to overlook red flags and lean into shortsighted desires. I like that the film challenges Batman by having to win the trust of the public while combating an enemy trying to paint him as the villain. We see the selflessness of the character on full display, avoiding the spotlight and always maintaining a fervent sense of justice. The story takes a detour from the comics by making Bruce’s connection to the Joker more personal which is an interesting direction. Most of Burton’s characters get great development which cements this as one of the best Batman films.
Negatives:
This is an excellent film through and through. But Burton makes a few choices that hold “Batman” back from being perfect. While most of the characters in the story feel fleshed out, a character that has always bothered me is Commissioner Gordon. He is wildly underutilized in his dynamic with Batman. What makes Gordon one of the most important characters in the Batman lore is his equal sense of justice in a system that is largely crooked. That’s where he and Batman connect, allowing for a swift collaboration between Batman and the Gotham Police Department. But Gordon has no such sense of justice in the film. Pat Hingle does what he can with the material but I believe the writing of the character is to blame. This could have made the story so much stronger due to Batman largely being viewed as a dangerous vigilante. We never get to see that relationship blossom which is a bummer because it elevates both Gordon and Batman in the comics. There are also some Burtonisms that may be divisive. He has a gothic, whimsical style that translates well to most elements but also makes his films feel more fantastical. Both Batman and Joker have gadgets that fit more into a dark, fantastical comic rather than a grounded live action film. I believe these attributes help Burton’s films stand out amongst other Batman films but I can see how they might be perplexing to some.
Conclusion:
It was such a treat getting to experience Tim Burton’s “Batman” in a Dolby theater! The gothic atmosphere combined with eccentric characters make this an experience that stands on its own. Burton grasps what makes the character unique, giving Batman a film where he can operate as he does in the comics. All of the performances are excellent but Nicholson’s Joker steals the show. Not only does “Batman” stand the test of time, but it helped pioneer the comic book genre to be taken seriously in mainstream film culture. I’ll always have a soft spot for the film as it inspired me to become a fan of superheroes. I’d encourage audiences to give this a fresh watch because it’s truly one of the strongest old school superhero movies!
