"Haven't you ever heard of the healing power of laughter?" - The Joker.
With the upcoming release of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice next year, it hasn't take long for Detective Comic's iconic superhero to be widely discussed once again. Batman has had a highly-profiled history, largely down to the many different interpretations of the character. It could be argued that Batman first broke into mainstream media via the 1960's television series, starring Adam West and Burt Ward. Soon after the series' end, it was time to establish Batman in a more serious context, akin to his original interpretation in the comics. To achieve this, Tim Burton took on the job of directing one of the most anticipated superhero films of all time, and the result was a dark, awe-inspiring masterpiece.
Michael Keaton stars as Batman, a casting choice met with much disdain back when the film entered production. Many fans couldn't see Keaton pulling off a serious portrayal of Batman, as his previous work mainly included comedic films such as Mr. Mom (1983). I would love to have seen how those fans reacted to seeing him in the role upon the film's release, because I imagine they were soon regretting every negative thought. When Batman first appears, he apprehends two thieves, and intimidates one of them by hanging him off the side of a building. Right away, this sets the perfect tone for the film and characters, with Batman's appearance being frightening for the criminals, and his crime-fighting methods being pleasing to the audience. Throughout the film Keaton's performance as Batman remains just as powerful, and yet I feel it is his performance as alter-ego Bruce Wayne that leaves just as much of an impression, a testament to his abilities as an actor. As Bruce Wayne, nothing is given away about his character, hobbies or profession when we see him in person, making him look like a regular person, and possibly someone who wants to go unnoticed. This gives an aura of mystery about him, and helps disguise his Batman persona from the audience as well as the other characters. This is, for me, why Keaton is so perfect in this role: he is unassuming. He hides his other life as Batman so well, and makes for an intriguing character, as he struggles to find balance between both lives.
However, as good as Keaton is, he can't steal the show when you have Jack Nicholson as The Joker. For me, this is one of the greatest villain performances in the history of cinema. Nicholson perfectly balances the character's twisted sense of humour and sinister, more serious side. What makes him so brilliant is his unpredictability, making every scene with him nerve-wrecking and enthralling. One of my favourite moments comes towards the end, where we get possibly the best scene to define The Joker in any Batman adaptation. After Batman has thwarted his plans of poisoning the people of Gotham , he turns to his right-hand-man Bob, and asks for his gun. Upon receiving it, The Joker, without hesitation, shoots Bob. This is a character who has been loyal to The Joker throughout the film, and so to see him be killed off by his boss in such a surprising and cruel manner makes for a great piece of dark humour. There are moments when The Joker can be pretty terrifying, too. The scene that particularly stands out is the first time The Joker sees his face after surgery. Initially heartbroken, his sadness soon turns to insanity, as he smashes the mirror and leaves, laughing maniacally. This is a villain that has it all, and a performance that I consider one of the most memorable of all time.
A review of Batman wouldn't be complete without mentioning the phenomenal music composed by Danny Elfman. The music here plays such a big part because, as well as the performances from the actors, moods and personalities of the characters can be reflected through the particular use it. As expected, the main theme music is fast paced and energetic, and plays whenever Batman makes a dramatic entrance to fight crime. Conversely, the beginning of this theme music has a slower, mournful sounding tonality. This indicates that Batman’s origins may have been ones of a dark nature (which we learn is the case as Bruce investigates his past throughout the film), eventually becoming the saviour of the city with the arrival of the energetic section. In contrast, Elfman scores The Joker’s scenes with a different tone to that of Batman. When The Joker first appears, he kills a gang boss for trying to have him killed. When shooting at him with a gun, The Joker dances around playfully, laughing at every shot fired. The music in this scene sounds like a circus fanfare, and is heard alongside the sound of gunshots and laughter, completely complimenting The Joker’s dark sense of humour towards murder and crime, and is livelier in tone to that of Batman’s music. Both these pieces of music help distinguish Batman and The Joker apart, setting a clear definition of hero and villain.
With it's enticing atmosphere, fantastic performances and equally terrific musical score, Batman has everything a great film should have. Once viewed, it is not easily forgotten. Burton's use of all the formal components make for a unique entry in the history of superhero comic adaptations, and for me is his best film. Keaton and Nicholson are the perfect combo of hero and villain, and their performances have stood the test of time, even when compared to the highly-praised contemporary takes on the characters by Christian Bale and Heath Ledger. When I watch it now, it still has a powerful effect on me, and is a film I keep coming back to again and again.
Pros:
+ The best portrayals of Batman and The Joker in any Batman adaptation.
+ Striking and atmospheric musical score.
+ Moody visuals, matches the Batman character perfectly.
+ Well balanced humorous and serious tone.
Cons:
- Ending is very quick: The Joker is defeated and that's about it. It would have been nice for some of the other characters to get more focus on their closure, especially as some of them didn't appear in the sequel.
Michael Keaton stars as Batman, a casting choice met with much disdain back when the film entered production. Many fans couldn't see Keaton pulling off a serious portrayal of Batman, as his previous work mainly included comedic films such as Mr. Mom (1983). I would love to have seen how those fans reacted to seeing him in the role upon the film's release, because I imagine they were soon regretting every negative thought. When Batman first appears, he apprehends two thieves, and intimidates one of them by hanging him off the side of a building. Right away, this sets the perfect tone for the film and characters, with Batman's appearance being frightening for the criminals, and his crime-fighting methods being pleasing to the audience. Throughout the film Keaton's performance as Batman remains just as powerful, and yet I feel it is his performance as alter-ego Bruce Wayne that leaves just as much of an impression, a testament to his abilities as an actor. As Bruce Wayne, nothing is given away about his character, hobbies or profession when we see him in person, making him look like a regular person, and possibly someone who wants to go unnoticed. This gives an aura of mystery about him, and helps disguise his Batman persona from the audience as well as the other characters. This is, for me, why Keaton is so perfect in this role: he is unassuming. He hides his other life as Batman so well, and makes for an intriguing character, as he struggles to find balance between both lives.
However, as good as Keaton is, he can't steal the show when you have Jack Nicholson as The Joker. For me, this is one of the greatest villain performances in the history of cinema. Nicholson perfectly balances the character's twisted sense of humour and sinister, more serious side. What makes him so brilliant is his unpredictability, making every scene with him nerve-wrecking and enthralling. One of my favourite moments comes towards the end, where we get possibly the best scene to define The Joker in any Batman adaptation. After Batman has thwarted his plans of poisoning the people of Gotham , he turns to his right-hand-man Bob, and asks for his gun. Upon receiving it, The Joker, without hesitation, shoots Bob. This is a character who has been loyal to The Joker throughout the film, and so to see him be killed off by his boss in such a surprising and cruel manner makes for a great piece of dark humour. There are moments when The Joker can be pretty terrifying, too. The scene that particularly stands out is the first time The Joker sees his face after surgery. Initially heartbroken, his sadness soon turns to insanity, as he smashes the mirror and leaves, laughing maniacally. This is a villain that has it all, and a performance that I consider one of the most memorable of all time.
A review of Batman wouldn't be complete without mentioning the phenomenal music composed by Danny Elfman. The music here plays such a big part because, as well as the performances from the actors, moods and personalities of the characters can be reflected through the particular use it. As expected, the main theme music is fast paced and energetic, and plays whenever Batman makes a dramatic entrance to fight crime. Conversely, the beginning of this theme music has a slower, mournful sounding tonality. This indicates that Batman’s origins may have been ones of a dark nature (which we learn is the case as Bruce investigates his past throughout the film), eventually becoming the saviour of the city with the arrival of the energetic section. In contrast, Elfman scores The Joker’s scenes with a different tone to that of Batman. When The Joker first appears, he kills a gang boss for trying to have him killed. When shooting at him with a gun, The Joker dances around playfully, laughing at every shot fired. The music in this scene sounds like a circus fanfare, and is heard alongside the sound of gunshots and laughter, completely complimenting The Joker’s dark sense of humour towards murder and crime, and is livelier in tone to that of Batman’s music. Both these pieces of music help distinguish Batman and The Joker apart, setting a clear definition of hero and villain.
With it's enticing atmosphere, fantastic performances and equally terrific musical score, Batman has everything a great film should have. Once viewed, it is not easily forgotten. Burton's use of all the formal components make for a unique entry in the history of superhero comic adaptations, and for me is his best film. Keaton and Nicholson are the perfect combo of hero and villain, and their performances have stood the test of time, even when compared to the highly-praised contemporary takes on the characters by Christian Bale and Heath Ledger. When I watch it now, it still has a powerful effect on me, and is a film I keep coming back to again and again.
Pros:
+ The best portrayals of Batman and The Joker in any Batman adaptation.
+ Striking and atmospheric musical score.
+ Moody visuals, matches the Batman character perfectly.
+ Well balanced humorous and serious tone.
Cons:
- Ending is very quick: The Joker is defeated and that's about it. It would have been nice for some of the other characters to get more focus on their closure, especially as some of them didn't appear in the sequel.
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