Today is the 35th anniversary of 1989's Batman, a film that had a lot of all and a lot to prove. Superhero movies were considered a dead genre after Superman III and Superman IV. Michael Keaton was a comedy actor, and Tim Burton a very niche director although he had Pee Wee's Big Adventure and Beetlejuice under his belt. Throw in the wild card of Jack Nicholson and folks weren't too sure, but with a unheard of at that time marketing campaign behind them. Audience members worldwide learned quickly the magic they created.
No disrespect to any of the other Batman films and actors, but this one in my opinion is just about flawless. It's implied that Bruce Wayne in this film has only been Batman for a couple months but the film doesn't dwell on that. He also shows but doesn't drag it out how he still has confliction with his dual personality as Bruce Wayne and Batman, especially when it comes to keeping it a secret from Vicki Vale as their relationship gets closer. The movie get's to the point from the very beginning and moves the story along so swiftly, it does not feel like it's 2 hour and some change runtime.
The action scenes aren't over the top but they are effective, highlighting Batman using his fighting skills, wit, and tech arsenal to combat Joker's goons. Speaking of Joker, Jack Nicholson's Joker is still revered today for his perfect blend of the Joker character. Homicidal and clearly dangerous, yet campy and over the top. The parade scene where he poisons the citizens of Gotham is the perfect example of that and one of my favorite scenes in the movie.
The city of Gotham with it's cathedral's and grimness became it's own character within the film. The museum scene, parade scene, and the rooftop battle help show the culture of the city. The look and feel of the city and the film overall inspired the design of the 90's cartoon classic Batman The Animated Series and to a degree the 2010's series Gotham. The film score is iconic and even that was adapted for the cartoon series as well. The fight scenes have audiences adrenaline pumping hoping Batman overcomes the numbers game. And there truthfully aren't a ton of fight scenes, and they are spread out which makes it more digestible and every fight scene matters.
Without sounding like a broken record, I love watching all of the Batman films, yes even Batman & Robin. But I just really love this particular Batman movie and even though later films have more action, drama, and higher stakes. This one is just magic in my eye's and is without a doubt the best Batman movie ever.
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