Batman (1989)

Starring: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, and Jack Palance

Written by: Sam Hamm and Walter Skaaren based on charactes by Bob Kane

Directed by: Tim Burton

In 1989 there really was no other film to compare. It wasn’t a movie, it was a movement. Kids were cutting the batsignal into their hair, graffitti arose of the bat signal. Batman was just plain cool and people were looking for a real Batman film. Adam West need not apply (although he did..)

When you come down and look at the film, the story is not anything shocking or revealing. It was a fairly straight forward tale of how a young Batman meets up with the Joker and does battle.

However there are a few things about the film that take it far above average.

First and most obvious is Jack Nicholson. At the time Jack was the first choice by many to take on the role and here we are years later and it’s still a very iconic role. Even after Heath Ledger delivers an Oscar worthy performance, some would argue that Jack=Joker.

Secondly was the inspired choice of Michael Keaton to play Batman. Keaton? That was my thought when I first heard it. Mr. Mom? But once you get past the physicality of Batman, Keaton just HAS the psychology of the Dark Knight down pat. Batman is supposed to be a tad psychotic. Keaton pulls it off superbly.

Thirdly and the most important was the style. Tim Burton added a lot to this film that made the film a success. The visual style is brilliant. Almost a period piece, almost a direct nod to film noir, the comic book style was highly reminscent of Frank Miller’s Return of the Dark Knight miniseries.

Overall it was a success both commericially and artistically and well worth a spot on your DVD shelf.

B+