Batman (1989)

The DEFINITIVE Batman movie to most people - Batman came to life in full glory in 1989 directed by a master of dark film, Tim Burton. Amidst major disapproval of Michael Keaton cast as Batman, there was a huge amount of publicity for this movie. Being the first serious and dark adaptation of Batman to the big screen it has been the sounding board for all future sequels. Most people rate it as the best of the new 4 part series(not including Batman - Adam West(1966)). Pitting Batman against his greatest enemy the Joker, the movie was a huge success and has spawned the 3 sequels. Jack Nicholson was outstanding as was Michael Keaton to most people's surprise. The chemistry between Keaton and Nicholson was unbelievable as was their interaction with the rest of the cast:

Cast List:
Michael Keaton -- Batman/Bruce Wayne
Jack Nicholson -- The Joker/Jack Napier
Kim Basinger -- Vicki Vale
Robert Wuhl -- Alexander Knox
Pat Hingle -- Commissioner Gordon
Michael Gough(I) -- Alfred Pennyworth
Jack Palance -- Carl Grissom
Billy Dee Williams -- Harvey Dent
Jerry Hall -- Alicia
Directed By: Tim Burton

Plot:
The movie centers on the conflict between Batman and the Joker who is poisoning the people of Gotham city. His toxin leaves its victims grinning horriblely from ear to ear. The origin of both Batman and the Joker are told during the movie. The origin of Batman is shown in a flashback which Bruce has during the movie. The familiar story of how his parents were shot down in front of him on the way home from a movie is hauntingly portrayed. The origin of the Joker is part of the storyline, as Batman accidentally drops Jack Napier into a vat of chemicals while trying to apprehend him. The name Jack Napier was given to the Joker, but his true name is not known in the comics. It is also revealed that it was a young Jack Napier/Joker who killed Bruce's parents. This was not the case in the comics, but after the movie was released it was re-written that way in the origin of Batman in the comic book world. A secondary plot exists between Bruce and Vicki Vale. Vicki finds out that Bruce is Batman and they try to work out a relationship. Jack Nicholson is superb in his role as the Joker and was nominated for an Academy Award for the role. Michael Keaton defined the character of Batman and most people consider him the best out of the three actors that have portrayed the role.


Pics:
Here are some pics from this masterpiece:

Michael Keaton as Batman in the famous pose
Keaton as Batman with one of his "toys"
Keaton as Batman with Kim Basinger as Vicki Vale
Keaton as a "bat in the bellfry"
Jack Nickolson as The Joker
Nickolson as The Joker going "with a smile"
Keaton as Batman has Nickolson as the Joker in his grasp
A collage of pictures from the movie

Keaton graces the cover of T.V. Guide  

Information about this movie can be found at the Internet Movie Database at: Batman(1989)

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