The Dark Knight Rises Legacy: Do The Original Batman Films Still Hold Up?
Without further ado, let’s rewind back to a time of spandex, camp soundtracks and rising stars, as we examine the first four Batman films...
Every franchise has its roots, and the Batman film series stands testament to that having lasted nearly three decades. Admittedly the saga of comic-book adaptations has had its peaks and troughs, its various incarnations, yet there are few other film franchises out there that have sustained their weight for such a lengthy period of time. With The Dark Knight Rises just around the corner, now seems as good a time as any to look back at the classic series of flicks which led to the inception of an iconic adapted legend. Without further ado, lets rewind back to a time of spandex, camp soundtracks and rising stars, as we examine the first four Batman films with up to two decades hindsight
Batman (1989)
Before Tim Burton stepped onto the scene, it had been rare for filmmakers to attempt big screen adaptations of comic-book superheroes. The first adaptation of the Dark Knights adventures, then, was almost a testing ground for future instalments both for the franchise and for the genre as a whole. That sense of this realm of cinema attempting to find its feet is very notable in Batman, a flick which with hindsight seems conflicted in direction and tone. Jack Nicholson is famed for his portrayal of the crazed Joker, and to some extent Id say that the acclaim surrounding his role is justified. Sure, theres little of the intense darkness and gritty realism of Heath Ledgers 2008 version present here, but Nicholson clearly revels in the madness of his character and as foils to the Dark Knight go they really dont get more iconic than this. To be fair, though, Michael Keaton is almost as impressive in the lead role, bringing a strong level of gravitas and empathy to the Caped Crusader considering the somewhat hilarious nature of the costume he dons. Many regard this original instalment as their favourite entry in the classic Batman franchise. I wouldnt go that far, as there are scenes so focused on the Joker and other sub-plots of the narrative that youd wonder who the film is really about, yet I wont deny that the special effects are sublime, the cast well-chosen and the majority of the plot accessible and compelling. Its no masterpiece, but Batman builds solid foundations for whats to come.
rating: 3
Click next below for part two as Tim Burton goes darker on us...