First, I think it's important to note that I am a Batman fan. Have been since I first watched Tim Burton's Batman in 1989 and will probably always be. I will try my best not to be too biased while discussing the six Batman films that have hit the big screen in the past 20+ years (I will NOT be discussing the 1966 Adam West Batman film).
Batman (1989)
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson and Kim Basinger
Box Office Gross: $411,348,924 (Worldwide)
"Tell me something my friend, you ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?"
Why was this movie one of the most successful in the entire Batman franchise? A few reasons: Directing, writing, and casting. All of these elements were spot on. Tim Burton's vision of a dark and corrupted Gotham City was pure art. Like all of his films, Burton was able to create a world no one else could ever dream of.
Michael Keaton's portrayal of Batman was exactly how I would imagine the superhero to be. Edgy, dark, obsessed as the caped crusader and still able to convince the audience that he was the super rich/super smart Bruce Wayne.
And what can I say about the genius that was Jack Nicholson as Joker? He was funny, menacing and downright insane, bringing one of the most villainous comic book characters to life. His one-liners were impeccable - "Never rub another man's rhubarb" - what the hell does that even mean? Who cares! It was hilarious!
Final Verdict - My favourite in the franchise, Burton's Batman brought new life to the campy series from the 60s and reminded fans why the superhero is dubbed "The Dark Knight". Without this version of the film, there would not be the current Dark Knight series.
Batman Returns (1992)
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny DeVito
Box Office Gross: $282,800,000 (Worldwide)
"My name is not Oswald! It's Penguin! I am not a human being. I am an animal! Cold-blooded!"
After the success of Batman, Burton signed on for the sequel, Batman Returns, on the condition that the new film would offer something new and exciting. Did it ever! Returns was significantly darker than its predecessor and although it didn't perform as well at the box office, it met with critical praise for its characters and Burton's creation of a one-of-a-kind atmosphere in which these dark characters reside.
Michael Keaton once again delivered as the manic-depressive title character. With this performance, he raised the bar for any other actor ever attempting to tackle this dynamic and layered character.
Danny DeVito as Penguin is kismet. Who else could portray this short, nasty, complex, and evil character? He embraced the role, becoming every bit of a sewer-dwelling penguin, right down to snacking on raw fish. At times, you felt for the character, wondering what could have been. But then he would do something maniacal like biting the nose of an innocent campaign manager and you would remember he was an evil monster. Though not as captivating as Nicholson's Joker, DeVito provided a dark villain to challenge the Dark Knight.
Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman. Is there any other Catwoman? Honestly, when I think of this character, I think of Pfeiffer's portrayal. She was sexy, enigmatic and strong. She embodied the Catwoman persona to a T. The only female lead in this film, Pfeiffer went toe to toe with some devilishly talented actors and stood out among them.
Final Verdict - A phenomenal sequel to a classic film. Every bit a "Tim Burton film", Returns delivers in all aspects and is a spectacle that deserves to be seen.
Tomorrow, I will take on the final two installments in the first Batman film franchise series and Friday will be the first two from the reboot, Dark Knight series.
What are some of your favourite one-liners from the first Batman film?
No comments:
Post a Comment