The Dark Knight on Film pt 2: Burton Begins

After twenty years of enduring the bumbling crime fighter image endowed by Adam West and the makers of the old television shows, Warner Brothers decided it was time to take a more serious approach to the Caped Crusader. The studio, in a rather ballsy move, handed the material over to a young filmmaker named Tim Burton. Burton would take on The Dark Knight twice. First, with the revolutionary Batman, and again with the disappointing Batman Returns.

Batman (1989)

Unsatisfied with the direction the studio was going with the original screenplay, Burton wrote his own treatment and hired his own screenwriters. During the three year development process of the film, Burton had success with his film Beetlejuice (starring Michael Keaton). Happy with the results of that film, WB finally green lit the film and work began in earnest.


So, how did it turn out? Let's look at each part:

Casting:  Much like the casting of the original Superman film, the studio set about casting a name for the villain. What Hollywood actor had the energy and pizzazz to bring The Joker to the big screen without turning him into a caricature? Enter Jack Nicholson. With an A list actor attached, the filmmakers sent a message to the world. They were serious about Batman and were determined to make a legitimate film.

Nicholson took the role to heart, and clearly enjoyed every moment. He begins the film as a sort of jaded gangster who longs to move up the chain of command. Once his transformation is complete, Nicholson is free to let loose and fill the screen with his antics. As one of the Hollywood greats, he makes the most of his character. This Joker is not the bumbling laughing fool from the television series. He is a man who was once bored with the killing. Now, reborn, he has rediscovered (and reinvented) his thirst for mayhem. 

The choice for Bruce Wayne caused a fair amount of controversy. Fans protested the choice of Michael Keaton for the Dark Knight. He was too small for the suit, too scrawny to kick anyone's ass. What was Burton thinking? Many fans feared that the filmmakers were returning to the camp they so desperately wanted to escape. Keaton, after all, had been known as a comedic actor.

What's interesting about the choice is that it was so against type. Burton's idea was that Bruce Wayne would be an average man, not a barbarian or weight lifter. He used his mind rather than his muscles to capture criminals. He would, therefore, need the batsuit to strike fear into his enemies.

Keaton also brought an edge to the character that hadn't been there before. This was a man who regularly fought his own memories. This Wayne was isolated from the world around him; he is even awkward in his own house. Keaton is able to balance the fear that lurks just beneath Wayne's surface with the dark humor that shadows the character. One gets the feeling that Wayne himself realizes how ridiculous it can all be, but is powerless to stop it.

Burton also introduced us to Robert Wuhl as Alexander Knox and Kim Bassinger as Vicki Vale. The inclusion of these characters really added a depth to the film that allowed it to cross multiple genres. Wuhl functions as both the rapid wisecracker from the 1930's and 40's who provides most of the film's humor, as well as the audience's everyman. He has our view on the world and frequently warns Vale against her actions. Vale, in turn, proves to be the most rounded of all the love interests in the films. (At least until Nolan's.) She is a smart woman who becomes intrigued with Wayne and his alter ego. Using her skills as a journalist, she delves into their dark beginnings and eventually wins his heart. (Um...at least until the next film, I guess.)

Script: After ten years in developmental hell, the script for Batman was finally completed and filmed.  During that time, writers struggled to find the right tone for an updated version of the character. They also had to decide exactly what kind of story to tell. Would it be an adaptation of one of the comics? Would it combine several of the graphic novels? Would it be something original? Ultimately, the script chose to take it's own path while borrowing the look and feel of the latter books.

The film tells the beginning of the Joker and shows how he and Batman have a mutual hand in creating the other. In this story, Batman is not the loveable deputy of Commissioner Gordon. Instead, he is a rumor that is whispered in hush tones. He is a masked vigilante that appears to be on the opposite side of the law. He is not trusted, nor does he trust anyone else. He truly is The Dark Knight.

The strengths of this script are many. The most obvious is the seriousness given to the material.  From the first scene, we know that this is not going to be a Saturday morning cartoon. The film gradually takes us into a fantastic world; revealing each step in a way that allows us to accept this heightened reality. We get to know Bruce Wayne in a way that we hadn't before. We also see his origin and feel the pain that caused his transformation.

The film is not all psychology and drama. The action sequences here are abundant and extremely well done. Each piece is designed to reveal something about Batman and his abilities, rather than just to fill screen time with explosions. Each gets us from point A to point B; there are no unnecessary fights or car chases here.

There are a couple of problems. Many fans were outraged that Alfred the butler allowed Vicki Vale to enter the batcave without Wayne's permission. I have to admit that I never thought this was the case. I always assumed Bruce had told Alfred to let her in. Even if he hadn't, the film clearly establishes Alfred's love for Wayne and shows that he knows Bruce better than Bruce knows himself.

The other problem takes place at the end of the film. The characters climb a bell tower of an old cathedral. Somehow, there is an army of henchmen there, ready to strike at Batman. I was never sure of how they got there or why they were climbing the tower in the first place.

In the end, though, the script is a triumph. When the film opened on June 23, 1989 fans and critics alike were bowled over. This was a Batman they had never seen before. This was a city overrun by crime and an antihero who didn't get stuck in giant teacups or put under dancing spells.

Set Design/Cinematography: Although it would seem an obvious necessity, Burton chose to set most of this film at night. The previous movie had taken place mostly during the day. (As did the television show.) Although it may have been easier to film under the sun, the setting completely disagrees with the character. This film presents the Dark Knight in his natural environment.

Burton's Gotham has a wonderfully timeless look to it in this movie. The architecture is a blend of modern and 1930's. The characters' clothes are even a mix of these styles. The effect is that it sets everything just out of time. This could be the present or the past. A major benefit of doing this is that the film won't seem to age as fast as other versions.

Even with this specific style, the sets seem very real. I completely believe that these criminals exist in the dirty city and watch over their shoulders for "the bat." The scale seems large but appropriate. Unlike later movies, the sets are interesting while being slightly restrained. There are no laser lights and disco balls hanging from the batcave. (It's a movie, after all, not a music video.)

Director: Burton's vision for Batman was one the audience had been craving for years. He took the material seriously and walked the fine line between realism and the comics. This was a film that allowed the audience to have fun without lowering itself to parody. These were characters that had back stories and motivations. They were unhinged and blurred the line between hero and villain. This Batman looked badass and had cool vehicles and gadgets.

Bottom Line: Given all of the preconceptions of what Batman was, it's nothing short of a miracle that Burton and company were able to deliver a film of this quality. The film has its flaws to be sure.  However, it hit almost all of the right buttons. I would dare say that Nolan took many of his own cues from this version of the story. If you rewatch his films, you are sure to see similarities. Nolan, however, chose to eschew nearly all comic styling and go for heavy handed realism.

Personally, this is my favorite Batman film. I remember being a kid when this one was released. I followed all of the publicity during the filming. I had the trading cards and had my parents scour the toy stores for the elusive action figures. I was looking forward to it so much, that I can't believe I  wasn't disappointed by the actual film when it opened.

Unfortunately, it would be a long time before I got excited by a Batman film again. (Sixteen years to be exact.) For the next several years, the films devolved into a bigger mess with every new outing.

Batman Returns (1992)

After the resounding success of the first Batman film, a sequel was inevitable. Studio executives were sure to be planning on an entire series of installments for years down the line. The first problem, however, was convincing Burton to move on the next one. Exhausted from the long shoot of the 1989 film, Burton chose to work on a smaller project: Edward Scissorhands. The studio continued pressing the director to begin on the sequel, however, he was unsure whether to return or not. The studio's offer would shape the resulting film in a way that I believe ultimately hurt it. They encouraged the director to make the next Batman installment a "Tim Burton Film."

So, how did it go?

Casting:  Michael Keaton returns as the Dark Knight for a final time. Initially a controversial choice, his return now prompted optimism for the direction of the sequel. Keaton, here, plays the Caped Crusader much as he did in the original. He is just as dark and mysterious as he was previously. As Bruce Wayne, Keaton is given a new opponent to deal with: the dating scene. The subject could have actually provided more insight into Wayne's mind if it had been developed a little more. (More on that subject in just a moment.) The usual criticism concerning Keaton and this film is that he is barely in it. The film spends the majority of its time dealing with the villain, most notably Danny Devito's The Penguin.


Nicholson's take on the Joker provided incalculable positives to the franchise. Unfortunately, it also provided the franchise's death knell: Each villain tries to top the last in their outrageous performances. Many of the actors that were cast in the subsequent films eschew their own ideas in favor of recreating Nicholson's energy. Danny Devito's Penguin is no exception. In this version, he is an abandoned circus freak who is hell bent on exacting revenge against Gotham. Kudos must be given to the filmmakers for attempting to revitalize a villain who had been, up to this point, essentially nondescript. (Aside from his trick umbrellas, could anyone really describe any personal details about the character?)  As the grotesque mad man, DeVito is perfect. He plays rotten to the T. Even his larger than life performance isn't necessarily wrong; it just sets the precedent for all the villains to follow.

The sequel also established a staple that would continue even to this day: each film would have two villains. Michelle Pfieffer portrays the criminal love interest known as The Catwoman. Pfieffer is one of the genuine highlights of the film, as well as the franchise. She easily transforms herself from the meek secretary into a dangerous sexpot. Her performance, unlike most villains, is sleek and slightly reserved.Whereas DeVito is allowed to revel in being the bad guy, Pfieffer must make the audience feel both empathy and hate for her. She is definitely one of the most interesting characters in the entire series.


Rounding out the cast is Christopher Walken as Max Shreck. Shreck is an unscrupulous businessman who becomes the Penguins unlikely ally. Walken is enjoyable as usual in the film, even if he doesn't really seem to be giving his all.

The characters of Alexander Knox and Vicki Vale are notably absent here. With such grandiose events taking place in this film, it could have benefited by Knox's grounded humor. There is even a reporter character that could have easily been beefed for Robert Whul. I'm not sure exactly why they didn't. Vale's absence is more understandable since the Catwoman provides Wayne's female lead.

Script:  The character of Bruce Wayne is defined by the duality of his persona. Batman Returns is similarly constructed. This script is the most unusual of the franchise; it never seems to really find a consistent tone. One minute, it is a fairy tale come to life (a Burton specialty.) The next finds it in true sequel form. The film shifts from playful joy to truly dark malaise. (Many viewers were caught unaware by this shift, and were no doubt turned off by it.)

The majority of the story here focuses on the Penguin and his attempt to abduct Gotham's first born. The film spends most of its time dealing with DeVito searching for his parents and running for mayor. It spends so little time on Catwoman's arc, that she is nearly relegated to cameo. For me, the Penguin's story is just not that interesting. It especially pales when compared with the complex relationship between Selena Kyle and Bruce Wayne. The few scenes that do exist only entice the audience's appetite for more. Instead, we suffer through Penguin's disgusting sexual innuendos and Christopher Walken's ridiculous hair.

 Set Design/Cinematography: At first glance, Returns seems to be just as rich and interesting as the original. Upon closer inspection, however, it is easy to see the differences between the two. The sets of the first are expansive. They easily convince you that the action is taking place in a real town. The sets of Returns are noticeably smaller; they consist mainly of a street corner and a small square. Gotham feels claustrophobic this time around. With so little room to film, the scenery gets a little repetitive. The blocking seems a little constricted, and occasionally forced.

The filmmaker's decision to place this film during the winter also hinders the look. The snow adds to the claustrophobic effect; the Christmas holiday limits the film's appeal. By referencing a specific time of year, the movie seems to feel out of place if watched outside of that period.

Depending on your point of view of the direction the film takes the characters, the costuming and make up designs are either brilliant or flamboyant. Most fans approve of the catwoman's outfit and design. It's sexy, and yet practical. The Penguin's make up is absolutely surreal. He is disgusting and bizarre. Whether you like him or not, DeVito's appearance is truly unforgettable. (Christopher Walken's hair is terrible, though.)

Director: Having Tim Burton back for this sequel was a no brainer. His vision of the Caped Crusader established the character as a viable property for years to come. Unfortunately, his mind was elsewhere during the making of this film. It is obvious from all the pieces here that Burton wasn't as invested in making Batman so much as another of his offbeat fairy tales. When talks came around for the third installment, he and the studio mutually agreed that he should be replaced.

Perhaps if Burton had waited longer to take on the Dark Knight, he could have made a film closer to the first. Or, maybe the studio should have replaced him sooner. In either case, Burton was not the right choice to bring Batman back to the screen.

Bottom Line: Batman Returns is the strangest entry into the franchise. It doesn't strike the same fun, dark chords of the first. It isn't even the spectacle that the latter films become. It is both fantastic and vulgar; too broad and yet, bottled. Audience reaction turned out to be quite negative, necessitating the addition of a new director and vision. After such a disappointing turn, it's easy to see why Warner Brothers chose Joel Schumacher's bright eye for the next round of movies. Unfortunately, he would do even more to destroy the series than Burton ever could have.

The Dark Knight on Film Pt 1: Holy Serials and Series, Batman!

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