1989: it was a perfect teen time: it was the time when sequels were great, void of the CGI disease that kills ideas (Ghostbusters 2, Indy 3, Trek V). It was also the time when comics became mainstream in France and this Batman movie helped this a lot. The funny thing is that it was released late (in September), long after all the magazines and the hype talked about it. All the family liked it, with me buying the score and Prince's tapes and my brother buying the VHS (now, i know you laugh because you don't buy it anymore!).
23 years later, comics have exploded at screens but has become rather boring to read and watching this first movie again on screen is still great: The opening credits with the loud batman theme and the maze is the perfect beginning and encapsulates the whole movie: it's a Gothic opera, with visuals and music foremost. Thus, the actual script is not essential: in fact, it has good points (the tangent portrayal of Batman) but weak ones too (the gunned Batman, the ties Batman/Joker and the ultimate fate of Joker) . Actually, Batman stays rather in the shadows (which fits him) and it's rather the Joker and Gotham City that take command. Nicholson is always good playing insane so it's a good choice for the part and his character is really close to comics: a funny and flashy maniac who brings disorder. Gotham is built from a fantastic vision: buildings have character and it's also dark, tidy. Danny's score is phenomenal and Tim never let an opportunity to have an iconic shoot (the batwing on the moon). In conclusion, it's a great experience who can please every one!
23 years later, comics have exploded at screens but has become rather boring to read and watching this first movie again on screen is still great: The opening credits with the loud batman theme and the maze is the perfect beginning and encapsulates the whole movie: it's a Gothic opera, with visuals and music foremost. Thus, the actual script is not essential: in fact, it has good points (the tangent portrayal of Batman) but weak ones too (the gunned Batman, the ties Batman/Joker and the ultimate fate of Joker) . Actually, Batman stays rather in the shadows (which fits him) and it's rather the Joker and Gotham City that take command. Nicholson is always good playing insane so it's a good choice for the part and his character is really close to comics: a funny and flashy maniac who brings disorder. Gotham is built from a fantastic vision: buildings have character and it's also dark, tidy. Danny's score is phenomenal and Tim never let an opportunity to have an iconic shoot (the batwing on the moon). In conclusion, it's a great experience who can please every one!