9# The Art Gallery Scene - Batman (1989)
The Art Gallery scene in
Batman (1989) is a little bit confusing. You may have noticed a lack of criticism for the first Batman on the rest of this list, due to my belief that it was the best one of its generation a previously comical television serial brought bang up to date with tension and a twisted Burtonesque edge. However this moment in Bat-infamy simply can't be ignored. In this scene, an attempt is made to introduce the previously 60's prevalent exaggerated humour into the far grittier and moodier Burton representation, with the combination of the two producing a result which doesnt really work. It could be argued that the bad dance routine set to the music of
Prince reinforces the Jokers sense of humour and theatre, in addition to showcasing his desire to destroy and disrupt ordered society. He certainly does that, smashing valuable statues and defacing priceless paintings. However, after brutally murdering mob bosses and cold heartedly gassing innocent civilians this scene seems a little too light hearted for its own good. Perhaps losing the music would have been sufficient, or cutting out the ridiculous dancing from the henchmen (who are nowhere near as deluded or psychotic as the Joker)? I cant quite put my finger on how this scene could have been improved, perhaps a sign that Im being overly critical, but as per the definition at the top of this article it doesnt quite fit for me with the rest of the film and as such has found itself here. Its a shame, since
Jack Nicholsons portrayal of the Joker was otherwise very dark and menacing (for me both Nicholson and Ledger delivered stellar performances).