Batman (1989) - 8/10

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

Tim Burton's Batman starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson doesn't really need much of an introduction. While it wasn't the first big screen Superhero movie, its release and success marked a major milestone in seeing more comic book adaptations come to Hollywood. So, lets get to it.

1. Acting

Michael Keaton as Batman may feel iconic now, but at the time his casting was seen as controversial due to his mostly comedy filled background. Yet Keaton seems to understand something very crucial about playing the Dark Knight - you are playing two different roles. I think one of the main reasons Batman has persisted in media for almost a century is because his many iterations understand that conflict is not just hero vs villain, but also the conflict within the person themselves. Batman's dual life will always require an actor that can be two very different halves of the same damaged character. 

Much like Batman, his arch-nemesis known as the Joker is iconic. But perhaps the easiest way to sum up my thoughts for this film is that Jack Nicholson walked so that Heath Ledger could run. Nicholson's take on the character is a joy to watch. His unhinged and manic energy walks the very tough tightrope of camp, pop-art, drama, humor, and melancholy all at the same time. The writing here may not be as interesting as Ledger's take would later be, but the acting execution is one of a kind. 

- Special shout out to Robert Wuhl as reporter Alexander Knox. Most of the non-lead cast of Batman is largely forgettable including the main love interest. But there was just something about Knox that felt like more. I'm not sure if it is Wuhl's acting, or if there something about the character, but it elevates itself above the crowd.

2. Cinematography

The next two categories really go hand-in-hand. The aesthetics of Tim Burton are well established today, but at the time of this films release his only big credits were Beetlejuice and Pee-wee's Big Adventure. Batman's cinematography represents a precursor for a visual style that  most movie fans can now pick out in a heartbeat. What stood out particularly here, is the dark and moody set pieces juxtaposing the bright and colorful palette of the main villain, as well as a variety of camera techniques including the use of dutch angles (most likely a nod to the 1960's TV show).

3. Production/Costume Design

The beauty of Batman's cinematography is due, extremely so, to the excellent production and costume design of Burton's film. Everything from Batman's suit, to his vehicles, to Joker's costumes and makeup, to the matte paintings of Gotham City, and to all the various little touches around the sets, made this film into something special. And while some aspects of it will feel dated on re-watch, this film (and others like it) represents a time where great films had this intangible quality of 'movie magic'; as if the whole thing would seem so impossible if you weren't seeing it with your own eyes. 

4. Writing

Batman's legendary status suffers most when it comes to the writing. The plot and characters are fine, but its central story feels lacking. The bulk of the heavy lifting here is done by the two leads; namely Nicholson. I'm just not sure what is supposed to be compelling in the story. Maybe it was just an understanding that the plot would always play 3rd fiddle behind aesthetic and acting.

5. Sound Design

Danny Elfman has helped bring many stories to life though his sweeping orchestral suites and Batman is no exception. His score is in the pantheon of fantastic composing that, sadly, is more and more absent in modern film. 

6. Editing

A nice blending of all of the different elements that makes this film strong. The cut is well executed and doesn't get in the way.

7. Visual Effect

Again, the film is a product of its time. Batman's VFX is largely practical and shines most in terms of the production and costume design than anything specifically VFX related. However, the team may have just been waiting patiently for the third act when it can insert itself more. I think most about the blending of set and matte pieces, stunt coordination, and style. 

One particular thing that did catch my eye, was the wide shots of the Batwing flying around the city. There were moments there that felt like they nailed the actual flight feel of an incredibly fictional airplane. Also, the use of miniatures, while noticeable, were well done.

8. Originality or Strength of Adaptation

There was obviously a lot of source material the film team could draw on for the initial big screen outing. But it feels like a watered down version of a more complex story and characters that lived for decades on comic book pages. 

Yet, in hindsight, this was an essential step in laying the foundation of what more elevated and nuanced films would come later.

9. Stunt Coordination

I wont beat a dead horse with the time frame the film was made in and instead skip ahead to the fact that the stunt coordination felt very in line with the rest of the film. It matched the campy and serious moments well.

10. Direction

Tim Burton is a legendary director known for a very particular visual language. His signature, while still in its early stages at this point, is all over this film. However, the film's success is not just due to a visual flair - but rather the totality of all the above combined elements. Some weaknesses may be present, but the end result earns the lauded status it still holds in nostalgic minds today. 

Legacy/Final Thoughts

I've already touched on this film's enduring legacy. I appreciate it for what it was in its time, and I appreciate it even more for the groundwork it laid. 

But most of all, Batman legacy for me is that it is representative of a type of special 'movie magic' that more often existed decades ago. Before CGI made literally anything possible, you find these intersections of so many interesting things - like a blockbuster budget, paired with an unique visual style, paired with a bombastic score, paired with a over-the-top performance from an acting great, paired with a fictional city that still feel tactile and real. Nostalgia can e warranted.