Batman (1989)

reviewed by
Doug Skiles


BATMAN (1989)

Starring: Michael Keaton (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Jack Nicholson (Jack Napier/Joker), Kim Basinger (Vicki Vale), Robert Wuhl (Alexander Knox), Michael Gough (Alfred Pennyworth), Pat Hingle (Commissioner Gordon), Billy Dee Williams (Harvey Dent), Jack Palance (Carl Grissom)

Directed by: Tim Burton, Written by: Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren from a story by Sam Hamm based on characters created by Bob Kane

Rated PG-13 by the MPAA for violence, blood, strong language, and a sexual situation

Reviewed by Doug Skiles

The best way to review this film is to put it in one word: classic.

Yes, BATMAN (1989) is as much a classic film as is SUPERMAN (1978). It's Batman as he should be portrayed, living up to all that the classic comics taught us as kids and all that they're teaching kids about the character now. It's not a bastardization of the Batman legend like the old tv series from the late 60s with Adam West was, or the film, BATMAN (1966), that spun off from it.

Batman is a dark character. As his core is an obsession with his parents' murder, which he witnessed as a child. That story, and the obsession that springs from it, is portrayed perfectly here, and Michael Keaton fills the Batman role nicely. He seems like a very unlikely candidate - not exactly the buff type of guy you expect for Bruce Wayne. But his acting makes up for his lack of physical presence. As Bruce, he's tormented, a little odd - everything you'd expect. And when he's in the suit, he IS Batman. To this day, no actor yet has held a candle to Keaton's portrayal. Only the recent animated Batman can compete.

And only the animated Joker can compete with Jack Nicholson's expert portrayal, as well. He's evil, as he should be, and very funny, as you'd expect him to be. Again, not exactly the kind of guy who looks like the skinny fellow we associate the Joker with, but his acting speaks for itself.

Vicki Vale, the photojournalist, is a thankless role when dropped among scene-stealers like Keaton's Wayne/Batman and Nicholson's Napier/Joker, but Basinger fits in nicely. She's not over the top, but at least she doesn't blend into the background, and she doesn't disappoint in any of her scenes. As another plus, Wuhl gets a humorous and notable role as Alexander Knox, her co-worker.

Speaking of the background, what a nice background it is. The late Anton Furst created a fantastic Gotham City, a dark and decadent land with giant skyscrapers that spike up into the air and have a unique, dominating presence all their own. It speaks highly of a design when it sticks in your memory, and Furst's does. It's a very fitting look for Gotham.

Danny Elfman's score is another element of the movie that is now the stuff of legend. The main theme is rousing and memorable on the level of the RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1979) theme, and that's high praise. Elfman's music is dark at times, fun at times, and always appropriate.

If you haven't seen the original film in the BATMAN series yet, don't be put off by some of the later, lamer sequels. This is a very different vision, and much better one. It's a true classic, and something that must be experienced.

Rating: ****

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