Review of Batman Returns (1992) by Marco B — 12 Mar 2015

Batman Returns is an extremely dark and stylish tour de force that analyzes the Dark Knight's problematic psychology mainly through his confrontations with his opponents. The Penguin, who tries to come to terms with the trauma of having being rejected / discarded by his own parents, challenges Batman's "institutional" role of vigilante by trying to run for major and simultaneously kill / discredit him.

Selina Kyle, enraged by her boss' attempt to murder her and by the repressive male-led Gotham, becomes Catwoman and embarks on a ferocious crusade that soon makes her clash against Batman. There's a crepuscolar feeling of loneliness and defeat surrounding the Caped Crusader: he basically fights alone to save an indifferent city, while his foes somehow try to vent their frustrations on him.

In this depressing setting, the most innovative and striking element that permeates the whole movie is the level of perverse eroticism shown. In an very tense sequence, Catwoman first has a harsh fight with Batman, then she tries to seduce him by sensually exploring his armor with her clawed hand, strongly suggesting him that a form of fetishistic sex is occurring - but in this cynical universe, this "dream" will have painful consequences.

Elegant but gloomy, severe and unfulfilled, it's the consacration of Tim Burton's take on diversity and estrangement.