The beginning of Burton's Bat

Written by Sam Hamm, Warren Skaaren and directed by Tim Burton, Batman is the first in a series of films about the comic book hero that was released back in August 1989. This is a review of the film only. 

****Story line**** 

Gotham City is a dangerous and dark place to live that is becoming more and more fraught with criminals each day. The only protection Gotham’s residents have is the local police force, but most of these are corrupt and are only out to line their own pockets. There are, however, a couple of officers who are determined to make Gotham City a safer place. Step forward D.A Harvey Dent (Billy Dee Williams) and Commissioner Gordon(Pat Hingle). Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton), a billionaire who has resided in Gotham all his life decides to assist Dent and Gordon and disguises himself as a bat, to become known as Batman, to strike fear in to all the criminals as he slowly starts picking them off. 

During this time Jack Napier (Jack Nicholson) becomes disfigured during a terrible accident at a chemical factory. The accident changes Napier both physically and mentally for the worst. Napier decides to leave his old life behind and turns in to an unpredictable and stark raving mad crime lord of the underworld, changing his name to Joker, a ‘happy’ character with a permanent grin on his face in the process. The Joker makes it his mission to ‘take’ Gotham City and all those that reside in it. The Joker and Batman have two separate and conflicting objectives and soon clash, and have epic scuffles, as each tries to achieve what they set out to do. 

 It appears that Batman has not only captured the attention of the Joker, but also that of prize winning journalist Vicky Vale (Kim Basinger), who makes it her mission to uncover the true identity of the man behind the mask and the Bat suit. 

Will the Joker get his wicked way and take control of Gotham City? Or can Dent and Gordon stop him with the assistance of Batman? Why has Wayne decided now is the time to be a crime fighter? Will Vicky uncover the mystery that is Batman? 

****Other characters**** 

As well as the main characters, which I’m sure you agree is quite a star-studded cast, there are loads of other actors/characters in this film, all of which do a great job. Other major characters include; 

i) Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Gough), Bruce Wayne’s faithful Butler
ii) Alexander Knox (Robert Wuhl)
iii) Carl Grissom (Jack Palance)
iv) Lt Eckhardt (William Hootkins)
v) Bob The Goon (Tracey Walter); and many others 

Obviously Batman, Joker and Vicky get the most air time and steal the limelight but the supporting cast do get quite large roles to play. 
****My opinion**** 

I know that superheroes are meant to be pure fantasy and that realism shouldn’t come in to it but I prefer superheroes that are closer to real life than those that are purely fictional. Whilst Batman does not possess the greatest super powers, I think that accolade has to be awarded to Superman (the ability to not only fly but also fly faster than a speeding bullet, the x-ray vision, the ability to melt physical matter by starring at it, the ability to freeze things with his breath…. The list goes on and on) but I think his abilities are just too much. Because I like a bit of realism my favourite superhero of all time has to be Batman even though strictly speaking he has no super powers as such. His powers come from the suit he wears, the vehicles and transport modes he is given, the gizmos and gadgets he carries in his utility belt and the darkness in which he lives. 

The story line is far fetched, but then this is a comic book adaptation and it would have been stupid to think that the story would be close to life. That said, I found this film enjoyable from beginning to end and quite gripping. Not once did I get bored, or start to clock watch and given my relatively short attention span capturing me for 126 minutes is no easy feat. 

The acting is fantastic and both the main characters and large cast of supporting actors do a great job. Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson are perfectly cast for the roles of Batman and the Joker respectively (especially Nicholson as he has the perfect face and features for the Joker and is exactly what I pictured in my mind after looking at the character in a Batman magazine). With their mannerisms, the way they speak and the tone of his voices, the confidence they both portray and their powerful presence it is like the roles were made for them. Both give very convincing performances and the on-screen relationship between them is just great. Whilst Kim Basinger does a good job as I don’t think she plays her role with the same conviction and passion as Keaton and Nicholson, and as such I think there are other actresses that could have played the role equally as good, if not better. 

The special effects are primitive by today’s standards but you must remember this film is nearly 20 years old, and at that time they were cutting edge. Whilst the explosions may not be as big as modern day explosions, there are no computer generated images and it relies on old technology the film is not ruined in any way and I find it as enjoyable to watch today as I did when it was first released, which is not something that can be said about many films. 

 Like the special effects the audio and sound effects are primitive by today’s standards. Despite this I think the sound effects and background music is used very well and compliments the visuals in creating excellent atmosphere and mood. 

 Most modern films of this genre roll along at a fast pace and require a lot of concentration from the viewer in order to keep abreast of what is going on. This film is not like that although it does roll along at a moderate, and in my opinion better, pace as it is easy to follow and requires little though but rolls along quick enough to ensure that it keeps the attention of the audience and keeps boredom at bay.

Batman is awarded a 15 certificate, which surprises me. There is no foul language, no explicit or graphic sex scenes and no innuendo or sexual references. There is moderate violence but it is nothing worse than you see on terrestrial television before the 9.00 pm watershed. I would say it is a good film for the whole family (although not suitable for exceptionally young children) and I would have no problems in watching this with my seven year old nephew, and what’s more nor would my sister and she is a an over protective mother. More recent films of the Batman saga are PG so I guess the high rating is purely representative of the attitudes to censorship in the late eighties. 

****Conclusion**** 

Although it looks dated, not surprising since it has been released for nearly 20 years, Batman is a fantastic film and I would recommend it to all those that enjoy the comic book super hero genre. It is a film that is still enjoyable to watch, even after all this time that can be watched time and time again. I think it is a worthy addition to anyone’s DVD collection. So, if you are looking for a light hearted super hero film, that requires little thought and concentration to watch, then I would highly recommend this film. 

 ****Other**** 

Run time – 126 minutes
Certificate – 15
1 Oscar, 7 more awards and 16 other nominations


(Originally posted on Dooyoo under the name of Yackers1)