Nineteen eighty nine's 'Batman' directed by Tim Burton is a stylishly dark re-imagining of Bob Kane's Batman comic book creation.
At the film's beginning we arrive in Gotham City just as Batman (Michael Keaton) is introducing himself to the criminal underworld. His presence is beginning to make small time crooks nervous to be out at night.
Batman has not gone unnoticed by local Gotham News reporter Alexander Knox (Robert Wuhl) and out of town photo journalist, Viki Vale (Kim Basinger) who set out to track down the 'six foot bat'.
As their investigations progress Viki finds herself falling for billionaire recluse, Bruce Wayne, whom she realises isn't being entirely honest and up front with her.
At the same time newly appointed District Attorney, Harvey Dent (Billy Dee Williams), sets out on his mission to rid Gotham City of its mob crime bosses and their henchmen.
In the process Jack Napier (Jack Nicholson), a right hand, number one man to mob boss, Carl Grisham (Jack Palance), is double crossed and inadvertently becomes the Joker in a botched Chemical plant robbery.
From then on the Joker unleashes his own brand of anarchy and chaos on the people of Gotham whilst becoming increasingly more obsessed with bringing down the Batman.
Batman is a landmark comic book movie for its time. It was a huge success at the box office and redefined the character of Batman for the main stream audience of the day (for many of whom the 1960s TV Show, staring Adam West, was likely to have been their greatest experience of the character).
The movies unique style and timeless design enables it to hold up many years after its first release. The film doesn't feel dated at all.
Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman was a controversial choice by Tim Burton at the time but thankfully his performance won over even his harshest critics. Whilst he may not have been the preferred choice most people agree he did a good job with what he was given.
Jack Nicholson as Jack Napier/The Joker is really the main reason to watch this movie. The role was written specifically for him and he plays it up at every opportunity. His Joker fits right into Tim Burton's world in a way that Heath Ledger's Joker from Christopher Nolan's, The Dark Knight (2008), just wouldn't.
Jack has most of the best lines and fully utilises the freedom that the character of the Joker brings for any actor who takes on the role.
A common criticism is that this movie could be called 'Joker' because it's much more about the Joker than it is Batman. However that isn't a bad thing. Under either title it's still a fun ride. By his very nature, the Joker is a far more interesting and flamboyant character than Batman.
Many of the supporting roles are fairly solid but forgettable. Kim Bassinger is believable as the love interest and Robert Wuhl delivers some great lines for comic relief. Michael Gough, as Alfred, Bruce's Butler and voice of reason, is probably the only other memorable role.
Everyone else simply doesn't get enough screen time to stand out against Jack Nicolson and, of course, Batman (as opposed to Michael Keaton).
The special effects in this movie really hold up considering it predates computer generated imagery (cgi). There is nothing that screams 'model' at you to take you out of the movie. It all holds together well.
If you're thinking of purchasing this movie on DVD or BlueRay then I highly recommend it, particularly for the special features. There are a number of documentaries about the history of this movie and the history of the Batman character that no fan should be without.
In fact the history of the Batman movies continue over the DVD versions of the Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher series of Batman films and should not be missed. Buy all four movies for the special features - even if you're not such a fan of Joel's run at the Batman Character.
Tim Burton's Batman is a MUST for any Batman fan. It should be a part of your Batman movie collection. For those of you who just like a good, fun movie, with a little dark humor then this will be for you.
Given it was hugely popular with main stream audiences it's almost a sure thing that you'll have a good time. Whilst it does have a few story flaws (like a really incompetent police force) it's not enough to spoil a very solid Batman film.
Batman
Directed by Tim Burton
Written by Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren
Based on characters created by Bob Kane
Starring: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Gough, Jack Palance