Batman (1989)

Batman (1989)

8/10

Starring

Jack Nicholson

Michael Keaton

Kim Bassinger

Directed by Tim Burton

In 1989, Tim Burton was tasked with creating a Batman movie that would stand apart from everything before it. His groundwork and delivery paved the way for Christopher Nolan’s Batman series and Zack Snyder’s versions.
If you look at the production effort that went into this movie, you’ll come to appreciate it even more.
Burton drew themes from Batman comics like The Killing Joke and The Dark Knight Returns. He also had to work with Michael Keaton, who at the time was typecast as a comedic actor, and Jack Nicholson, who commanded a high salary, a percentage of the profits, and even dictated shooting schedules.
Despite these challenges, the film’s primary story is inspired by the Red Hood comic tale, where Batman drops the Joker into a vat of chemicals. Burton added his own flair to the adaptation, turning the Joker into a gangster and infusing the movie with gothic themes.

The plot focuses on Jack Napier (Jack Nicholson), a member of a gangster group who’s secretly involved with the crime boss’s lady. This angers the boss, who sets Jack up by sending him on a job to a chemical plant and tipping off the cops.
The shootout leads Batman to the scene, where he tries to resolve the chaos but unintentionally drops Jack into the chemicals. This transforms Jack’s face and drives him insane, turning him into the Joker.

Jack Nicholson’s Joker is very different from Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal in Nolan’s adaptation. Nicholson’s Joker is closer to the comic book version, with his movements, laugh, and silliness mirroring the character from the comics and the cartoons that followed.
In this movie, the Joker’s plan is to take over the crime ring. He achieves this by getting revenge on his boss and eliminating anyone who stands in his way.

Once in control, he turns his attention to Gotham, poisoning healthcare products and plotting to kill as many people as possible.
Meanwhile, Batman is a new figure in Gotham, and this movie serves as a brief introduction to his character.

Despite being titled Batman, the film focuses more on the Joker.
It was a massive box office success and received generally positive reviews, though some critics complained about its dark tone. Its success led to the creation of Batman: The Animated Series and helped pave the way for the DC Animated Universe.
However, some of Burton’s creative choices weren’t well-received by fans, like Alfred allowing Vicki Vale into the Batcave, exposing Bruce Wayne as Batman, or changing the killer of Bruce’s parents from Joe Chill to the Joker.

That said, I believe the movie was well done and set a solid foundation for the Batman movie franchise. Tim Burton’s adaptation remains a key piece of Batman’s cinematic history.