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Written by: Bob Kane (Batman characters), Sam Hamm (story), Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren (screenplay)
Directed by: Tim Burton
Starring: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger
Rated: PG-13
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Plot
The Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being Jack Napier, a criminal who becomes the clownishly homicidal Joker.
Verdict
This movie is a cultural milestone. While later Batman movies have surpassed it, this is the one that paved the way. It explores the dichotomy of Batman and Bruce Wayne as well as linking the Joker and Batman. Even more impressive may be the iconic production design, from the suit to the car to Joker's wardrobe. At the time this was a landmark movie, but watching it now you might wonder why. While I like it, and that may be a bit of nostalgia, I'm not sure it needs to be seen. The production design is more impressive than the story itself.
It depends.
Review
While Superman (1978) proved that comic book movies could be successful, this was the next step that showed comic book movies could be dark and mature.
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| Michael Keaton plays Batman |
Two thieves provide an introduction to Gotham, which is a rough place, and the vigilante that prowls the night. While one of them doubts "the bat" is real, Batman soon confronts them.
There's a fake out en route to meeting Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton). Photographer Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger) attends a fund raiser at Wayne's house and asks him which guest is Bruce. He deflects before later introducing himself.
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| Kim Basinger, Jack Nicholson play Vicki Vale, The Joker |
Part of the criminal element Batman opposes is Jack Napier (Jack Nicholson). Napier's boss sends him out to raid a chemical plant which ends up being a set up. Jack falls into a chemical vat and thus becomes The Joker. The introductory scene is great, driving tension as a doctor profusely apologizes and Jack asks for a mirror as we only see his silhouette. As The Joker, Napier is more violent and deranged. He forces the other crime bosses to fall under his rule. Then The Joker poisons various hygiene products causing victims to die laughing. Nicholson chews the scenery with every appearance, but it fits the character.
Batman manages to stop The Joker's terrorism, but The Joker trades one scheme for another. While he doesn't have an underlying plan, it's written off that he's a psychopath that revels in mayhem.
The art production of this movie is outstanding. The car and suit are iconic. There hasn't been a better Batmobile. Then there's the dichotomy of Bruce Wayne and Batman. Entities that operate separately but are one.
The big finale is a Gothic bell tower. It certainly fits the mood of the movie, though Vicki appears just to provide Batman someone to save and The Joker a person to menace. It's ironic that The Joker indirectly created Batman, and Batman was present at the origins of The Joker. You can't have one without the other. Though other Batman movies have explored their similarities better, this is the origin of the modern depiction of Batman as a dark and gritty vigilante.
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