Review of Batman (1989) by Kai82 — 15 Aug 2021

This was for a long time the definitive Batman movie until “The Dark Knight” took the crown. It was dark, matured and had a good cast atop on director Tim Burton. Strangely it was the first Batman movie since “Batman The Movie” from 1966 with Adam West.

Compared to the lighter and humorous setting of the 1966 movie this is much darker and a grim representation of Gotham City, Batman and society. I don't think I need to introduce Batman as anybody has heard of him even people who never read the comics.

He is probably the most famous superhero and also commercially successful. This movie does tell the beginnings of Batman and the Joker with all struggles. Batman is just a rumor at the beginning and the Joker just Jack Napier a criminal on his way to the top of the food chain.

The story works well for its genre while the characters and visuals enhance the experience. I should also say that this movie did not shy away from showing some drastic things for its time and age rating.

I was impressed by this and a bit shocked back then. The characters did their best and Michael Keaton was a surprisingly good Batman aka Bruce Wayne. I did not think he could pull this off but he surprised me positively.

As fun fact Bill Murray was a candidate for this role too and this would be the stuff of legends ;-). Many say Batmans strength is the best villains gallery in fiction and I agree. It is only natural to pick the Joker for this.

Jack Nicholson is just amazing as Joker / Jack Napier. He is crazy, scary and insanely intimidating. He was the definitive Joker for a long time too and I can even understand those who still think he is the best.

Then we have Viki Vale who is a photographer who is drawn into the struggles when she does an investigation about a rumor of a crime fighter in a bat costume. She delivers a good performance and I was invested in her character.

Other than those I always love to see Billy Dee Williams and Michael Gough is a good Alfred Pennyworth. Side note: Alfred is probably the greatest bad ass in the Batman family. Just look up the one time he beat up Superman or escaped captivity with Bane who immediately recolonized his potential (Both examples are no jokes and really happened).

In total we got a good cast and well done performance by genre standards. Jack Nicholson's performance was quite famous and left an impact here. Presentation wise the movie creates a dark atmosphere. Gotham City is a grim place, run down and a fine mixture of former greatness and decay.

The costumes and practical effects work well. The Joker make up / mask alone is incredibly good. I must praise Tim Burton here as director. He made a really good movie with a clear vision. Of cause Danny Elfman made a good soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere and still works well.

The rest was history as this movie was financially successful, impressed fans and most critiques and laid the foundation for the next movies. Overall I think this movie holds up well enough to recommend it.

The Dark Knight took the crown but this was the gold standard before.