It’s hard to imagine a time when superhero movies weren’t a constant fixture of American life. The rise of Marvel Studios and their cinematic universe-style storytelling has dominated the past decade with a seemingly endless stream of comic book movies and TV shows. However, before filmmakers like Christopher Nolan and Sam Raimi revolutionized the genre in the mid-2000s, superhero films were less frequent and often perceived as cheesy, cheap, or disposable. Even Richard Donner’s ‘Superman’ was not seen as a platform for meaningful artistic expression. Then, in 1989, Tim Burton’s ‘Batman’ arrived, changing everything.
‘Batman’ is, in many ways, a straightforward adaptation of the iconic character’s story. Yet, despite advancements in filmmaking technology and the increasing complexity of comic book movies, ‘Batman’ remains remarkably captivating. This enduring power stems from several key factors that Hollywood seems to have forgotten.
‘Batman’ is a true original. While it may not be the most narratively inventive film, its bold decision to rewrite comic book canon by making the Joker (played brilliantly by Jack Nicholson) the killer of Bruce Wayne’s (Michael Keaton) parents is a testament to its originality. This creative choice would likely ignite fierce criticism from online fans today. However, the simplicity of the story, which follows Bruce as he confronts the Joker not only for the future of Gotham City but also for the life of Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger), is both beautiful and effective. The film embraces the archetypal nature of its characters, allowing them to go big and loud, echoing the larger-than-life quality of the source material.
The visual design of ‘Batman’ perfectly complements the outsized style of its performances and story. Thirty-five years after its release, the film’s visual aesthetic remains unique. Roger Pratt’s stark, colorful cinematography, combined with Anton Furst’s production design, creates a live-action Gotham City that feels ripped straight from the pages of a comic book while simultaneously evoking the gothic atmosphere of silent films like ‘Metropolis’ or ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.’ ‘Batman’ possesses a tangible, purposefully artificial quality that calls to mind the German Expressionist film movement, yet it still feels modern, at least for the late 1980s.
‘Batman’ is one of Tim Burton’s best films. The film embraces its craft, showcasing the work of every artist involved in every frame. It is as much a Tim Burton film as it is a comic book movie. Burton’s artistic sensibilities are not curbed; instead, he was allowed to create a ‘Batman’ movie that was as dark, stylistic, acidic, and spooky as any other film he had made. This freedom allowed Burton to create a superhero movie with a distinct identity, setting it apart from its contemporaries and ensuring its enduring appeal.
‘Batman’s’ ingeniously constructed shots, sets, and backgrounds combine to create a Gotham City that feels both harsh and dreamlike. Every shot is filled with tangible textures, making viewers feel like they could reach out and touch the cold, rain-soaked steel or unbending concrete on the other side of the screen. This tactile quality is a stark contrast to the reliance on green-screen backgrounds and computer-generated effects that dominate modern superhero movies. These effects, while visually impressive, often create a sense of artificiality and weightlessness.
‘Batman’ stands out because it embraces practicality. The film’s sets are designed to be noticed, and its actors are lit in such a way that shadows dance across their faces as they move and their expressions change. Thirty-five years later, ‘Batman’ remains a shining example of what happens when a superhero movie prioritizes realism. The executives running Marvel and DC today could learn a lot from ‘Batman’s’ approach to filmmaking.
‘Batman’ (1989) is streaming now on Max.
