Batman (1989)

In light of the recent release of Christopher Nolan's latest Dark Knight film, "The Dark Knight Rises", I thought it appropriate to go back to where the Dark Knight on film began. Sure, the Batman character was no stranger to the cinema (The 1940's serials and the 60's movie based on the show). But it wasn't until a wacky, eccentric, up and coming director got a hold of the character that the 'dark knight' would become common knowledge.

 Prior to 1989, if you asked anybody what Batman was all about, they would have referred you to the campy Adam West television series of the 1960's. The character had never been given a proper treatment on film that was respectful of its source material. When Bob Kane first created Batman in 1939, he was a shadowy creature of the knight that stalked criminals like a vampire.

Tim Burton realized that the character needed a proper film, and agreed to direct the project Warner Bros. was formulating. Burton's recent success with "Beetlejuice" (1988) made him the hottest new director in Hollywood.Large fans of the Batman comic books questioned this decision, but went into attack mode when Burton announced he had cast Michael Keaton (who had played Beetlejuice) to portray Bruce Wayne/Batman. People thought this would be another comical adaptation, due to Keaton's work in the comedy genre. Once trailers and photos began circulating, those people were silenced.

"Batman" begins a few weeks into Bruce Wayne's crime fighting career. Rather than providing an origin story like Nolan would later do in "Batman Begins" (2005), Burton chose to leave that part of Wayne's life a mystery. Rather, he focused on the psychosis of a man that dresses up as a bat to fulfill his need to avenge his parent's death. Michael Keaton, who had previously proved to have dramatic acting chops in "Clean And Sober" (1988), delivered an excellent performance as the troubled Wayne.

 In Burton's film, Batman is portrayed as a border-line schizophrenic who is extremely damaged (to the point of sleeping upside down like a bat). While many argue that Nolan's movies are more faithful to the comics, I prefer this version. His utter craziness almost seems essential to a man willing to go to this extreme.

 To counter a hero this crazy, you need a truly insane villain. It came as no surprise when the Joker was announced to be played by Jack Nicholson, of "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" (1975) and "The Shining" (1980) fame. Nicholson played the Joker exactly as he is; a maniacal criminal. He is splendidly over the top, which works for the character.

"Batman" is a beautifully crafted film that blends fantasy and realism perfectly. It is Tim Burton's best film and Michael Keaton's biggest success. It forever altered the public's view of Batman, which has remained dominant to this day. Without this film, there would be no Nolan films. It is my favourite of the Batman films, and in my opinion the best.