Analyzing The Batman Movie Franchise (Pt. 1 of 8): Batman (1989)

Batman is hands down my favorite fictional character ever. The Bat ignites passion from many different kinds of people. Because of this his movie franchise has been hugely popular, but as with any series of films there have been highs and there have been lows (I'm looking at you, Joel). So with Batman's 75th anniversary year coming to a close later this month, I thought this would be a good time to re-examine Batman's film history. The game plan is to look over each of the seven Bat-films over the next seven days. Then end with an massive overview that includes a look at the future of Batman in film (B V S and Justice League). So without any further ado, let's get started.

Batman (1989) 

Directed By: Tim Burton

Batman/Bruce Wayne: Michael Keaton

Love Interest: Vicki Vale (Played By: Kim Basinger)

Villain: The Joker/Jack Napier (Played By: The Great Jack Nicholson) 

Score: Danny Elfman

High Points: 

• Not enough can be said for how this film took on a dark tone that veered the general audience away from thinking of Batman as campy like the Adam West days (Even those are fun and they have their place in Batman's history). 
• Tim Burton's Gotham was beautifully realized by Art director Anton Furst. The sets were how I had always envisioned Batman's hometown. (Even though the film was shot on a sound stage).
• Anton Furst's Bat-mobile and Bat-Wing were glorious
• Jack Nicholson's The Joker was both comical and devilishly dark. He was the main highlight of this entire film. 
• Michael Keaton did well with what he was given.
• Prince!
• "Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?"
• Danny Elfman's Batman March was/is still iconic
• Billy Dee Williams (LANDO CALRISSIAN!!) was DA Harvey Dent
• Batman did some detective work (Finding the poisonous Joker products)
• Batman got laid (Doesn't feel like that happens often)

Favorite Line: "Where does he get those wonderful toys?" - The Joker

Favorite Scenes: The Birth of The Joker and his murder of Carl Grissom

Why?: Holding off showing Joker's transformation was a brilliant move. It made his reveal when he killed Carl Grissom that much cooler.

Low Points:

• Batman killed people. He blew up a factory of Joker's Henchmen and later killed the Joker himself. All this was unlike the modern Batman and much more like the very beginning of The Dark Knight in 1939.
• Making The Joker the killer of Bruce Wayne's parents was an unneeded tweak to both character's origins.
• Kim Basinger's Vicki Vale and Robert Wuhl's (made-up fairy-tale character) Alexander Knox were largely forgettable.
• Batman was largely reactive and the only time he really helped was when he foiled the Joker's poisoned products scheme and when he kind of got rid of the Laugh-X filled balloons.
• Pat Hingle's Gordon was a goddamn joke whose relationship with Batman was nonexistent.
• I'm never a fan of giving the Joker an origin (besides knowing he fell in the vat at ACE Chemicals)
• Michael Gough's Alfred is a damn ballbuster/cockblock. First he didn't cover for Bruce when he lied to Vicki Vale about leaving town, then later on Alfred actually brought Vicki to the Batcave and revealed Bruce's secret identity without permission. What the fuck Alfred? I thought you were here to help?

Worst Line: "You wanna get nuts?" - Bruce Wayne

Worst Scene: Alfred letting Vicki Vale into the Batcave

Why?: Seriously Alfred would never do this. Such a dick move.

Verdict: This was the one that started it all. It's importance to Bat-franchise cannot be overlooked. Tim Burton's art-deco film style matched Batman's dark outlook, but it seemed Burton was never truly interested in Bruce Wayne or Batman, but just the Joker. Timmy has always preferred his lead characters be weirdoes/freaks (or Johnny Depp being a freak). He has stated that he didn't read comic books and it showed in his iteration (with Batman offing fuckers left and right). With that said Jack Nicholson's Joker was the highlight of the film. He was funny, scary, and homicidal all rolled into one. He was just fun to watch whenever he was on screen. So overall Batman (1989) gets a 7.5 out of 10. An enjoyable film that brought Batman away from the campiness of the 60's, but didn't stick much to any comic book lore.

Thanks for reading. Stayed tuned for an analysis of Batman Returns tomorrow. And make sure to follow us on Twitter @Caped_Informers or follow me @cstrand73 for all your comic book and Caped Informers news and stories.

Art By: Francesco Francavilla (Batman: The Black Mirror)

Superhero Man Crush Monday: (4/28/14)

Man Crush: Jack Nicholson

In the pages of Wonder Woman, there are men and there are Gods. When speaking about the great Jack Nicholson, I believe one must refer to him as a God to fully appreciate his impact on film. He has starred as some of the greatest characters ever conceived in the medium. Some of those characters were heroes that you wanted to cheer for, but the reason Jack is my man crush is for his portrayals of psychopathic villains. After Jack famously played the role of Jack Torrance in The Shining, he was cast as The Joker in 1989's Batman. Now most will argue that Heath Ledger's Joker is better than Jack's, I tend to agree with this, but Jack's Joker was the best part of the first Batman film I ever saw. I remember watching it as a youth and thinking he had captured my favorite villain's goofy psychotic nature. His Joker was also the start of comic book movies casting big names as their lead villains. Just take a look at the deal Jack inked to play the Clown Prince of Crime. 10 million up front and a huge chunk of the backend of the box office. He ended up with more than 50 million dollars for one movie. So Robert Downing Jr. can thank Mr. Nicholson for getting a similar deal for The Avengers, in which he got upwards of 70 million dollars. Well anyway, thank you Jack for being "The Man", and if you are ever looking for a buddy to go to a Lakers-Celtics game with, I'm your man.

"The pen is truly mightier than the sword."

- Christian

Character Crush: Spiderman

This week is Spidey Week so what better person to have my man crush be other than the Web Head himself. Spider-man truly holds a special place in my heart. He was the first super hero I ever really got into as a kid. I used to watch all his animated series shows and of course his movies. Lets talk a little bit why he's so awesome. First off, he can swing, climb walls, and has a spider sense that every one in the world would love to have. Adding to that, he can fight. His abilities allow him to accomplish great feats when it comes to combat. Overall though, he is just a fun guy. Seems like the guy you would want to be roommates with in college, or maybe hang out with at a party. I mean why not. Kid is a brain child, plus he's got a great sense of humor. All these make the perfect combination for a man crush and well deserved to boot! Oh and get out and see his movie this weekend. Give him the respect he deserves.

"With great power, comes great responsibility"

-Brady