Batman (film series)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Batman film series | |
|---|---|
 Poster for Batman (1989) |
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| Distributed by | Warner Bros. |
| Release date(s) | 1966 – 2008 |
| Country |  United States |
| Language | English |
| Gross revenue | $1,624,772,639 |
The Batman film series currently consists of seven superhero films based on the fictional DC Comics character of the same name, portrayed by Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney and Christian Bale in that order.
The first film, also known as Batman: The Movie or Batman '66, was a theatrical extension of the TV series that was running at the time. In 1985, Warner Bros. hired Tim Burton to direct the 1989 version, which had no connection to the 1966 movie and is often considered the first "definitive" Batman movie. The series continued with Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995), and Batman & Robin (1997), with various proposals for a fifth installment in the continuity being cancelled after the box-office failure of the fourth. Christopher Nolan rebooted the film series with Batman Begins (2005) and The Dark Knight (2008), completely starting over with a new series of films that have no connection to the previous installments. Throughout the films, Batman has fought with several of his famous villains.
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[edit] Development
Michael Uslan had recently gained fame for convincing the Dean of Indiana University to start a course on comic books. DC Comics was impressed enough with his work to invite him to their offices. Uslan, a fan of the Batman character, was able to acquire the film rights to the property in April 1979 through a newly formed partnership with Benjamin Melniker. CBS at that time was developing a Batman in Outer Space film, though DC had no intention of granting film rights for that concept. The prevailing perception of the character was still that of the campy 1960s TV series. Uslan was always fascinated with Bill Finger's and Bob Kane's early stories from 1939, and wished instead to produce the film in that style. For his presentation to studios, Uslan wrote a short story titled Return of the Batman so as to show the studios what exactly he was aiming for. The treatment anticipated the tone that would later be taken in Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns.[1]
As Uslan and Melniker unsuccessfully pitched the film to many studios,[2] Uslan started searching for writers. He felt Superman, James Bond, and Star Wars were the three most successful film franchises at the time. As such he approached Richard Maibaum to write the script, with Guy Hamilton to direct. Both were well known for the various Bond films they had collaborated on, though the two would eventually turn down the opportunity. Tom Mankiewicz was settled upon, who had recently co-written Superman and in the past was involved with three James Bond films. Mankiewicz started writing his script sometime in 1980,[1] and was able to finish in June 1983, going under the simple title of The Batman.[3]
The script showcased the origins of both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson and included The Joker and Rupert Thorne as the main villains (with a brief cameo from The Penguin). Silver St. Cloud appeared as the love interest. Several elements from the script ended up appearing in future film installments, such as The Joker being responsible for Bruce's parents' murder (though Joe Chill was the hired gun), and Batman being framed for crimes he didn't commit (see Batman Returns). Similarities for Batman Forever had Dick Grayson's origin being practically the same (as well as stumbling upon the Batcave), and Dick saving Bruce's life before becoming Robin.[3]
While Mankiewicz was writing the script, Uslan and Melniker were still seeking a deal with a studio. Uslan recounts many stories, "At Columbia, the head of production said to me, shaking his head after I pitched my heart out, "Come on, Batman will never be a success as a film because our movie Annie didn’t do well." I looked at this guy dumbfounded. And I asked him what did the little red-headed girl who sang "Tomorrow" have to do with Batman!? And he said, "Michael, they are both out of the funny pages." At United Artists, Uslan recounted a similar story. "An exec said to me that a film with Batman and Robin would never work as a film because Robin and Marian wasn’t successful. Now that was about an aging Robin Hood and Maid Marian with Sean Connery! I just picked up all my materials, didn’t say a word and walked out of the room."[4]
It was in late 1981 that Uslan announced a 1983 release date, with a budget of $15 million, though the project continued to languish in development hell, causing repeated delays.[5] Uslan and Melniker were finally able to team with Peter Guber and Jon Peters in 1982. The four producers were able to convince Warner Bros. to finance the film after Universal Pictures declined the offer.[2] Uslan then announced in 1983, the year Mankiewicz finally completed his script, that the film would be released in 1985 and have a budget of $20 million.[5] Joe Dante and Ivan Reitman were briefly involved as directors though both would take on other projects instead (Gremlins for Dante, while Reitman opted for Ghostbusters).[2] Uslan wanted a distinguished unknown actor as Batman, with William Holden as Commissioner Gordon and David Niven as Alfred Pennyworth.[5] Even at this stage, Jack Nicholson was the choice for the role of The Joker.[4]
In the meantime, more scripts came about that included the basic premise of The Joker, Rupert Thorne, Silver St. Cloud, and Robin. All scripts were positioned as an adaptation of Steve Englehart's Dark Detective series.[6] Warner Bros., however, began to push for the project again to center on the campy tone of the Batman TV series from the 1960s, citing Bill Murray as Batman and Eddie Murphy as Robin as their primary casting choices, over Uslan's objections. After the success of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, the studio reconsidered, and decided to depict the film the way Uslan had wanted to since the beginning. After the surprising success of Pee-wee's Big Adventure, Warner Bros. handed the director's position to Tim Burton.[2]
Burton took the film as an opportunity to pay homage to the various "monster movies" he had seen as a kid. This included the Hammer Film Productions, Frankenstein, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Phantom of the Opera amongst many others.[7]
- Further information: Batman (1989 film)#Production
[edit] Burton/Schumacher series
After this long development history, all of the Batman films were distributed by Warner Brothers. They were directed by Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher.
[edit] Batman (1989)
Gotham City is in the grip of mob boss Carl Grissom, and is only met with worse fears with a corrupt police department. Millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne begins his run as the shadowy vigilante knowns as "The Batman." Reporters Alexander Knox and Vicki Vale investigate the series behind this character, as Vale is eventually taken in by Wayne's charms. The situation becomes further worse when Jack Napier, former right hand man of Grissom, hideously transforms into the psychotic Joker. Bruce Wayne must confront tragic moments from the past as the homicidal maniac starts his deadly crusade against the citizens of Gotham.
[edit] Batman Returns (1992)
A mysterious "Penguin-like" man appears out of the sewers of Gotham and is intent on being accepted into Gotham society. Crooked businessman Max Schreck is coerced into helping him become Mayor of Gotham and they both attempt to destroy Batman's reputation as a crime-fighter. However, the Penguin secretly schemes to kidnap the chidren of the wealthiest families of the City. Then, when Selina Kyle, Max's secretary, is transformed into the mysterious and sensual Catwoman and allies herself with the Penguin, The Dark Knight must attempt to clear his name, save the children of Gotham and decide the fate of Selina/Catwoman.
[edit] Batman Forever (1995)
Former District Attorney Harvey Dent incorrectly believes Batman caused the courtroom accident which left him disfigured on one side. He then unleashes a reign of terror, and assisting him is Edward Nygma, a former employee of Wayne Enterprises looking for revenge. As The Riddler perfects a device for draining information from all the brains in Gotham, including Bruce Wayne's knowledge of his other identity, Batman must stop this fight for the good of mankind with the help of his new sidekick Robin and sexy psychologist Dr. Chase Meridian.
[edit] Batman & Robin (1997)
Gotham City, is threatened by Victor Fries, known also as Mr. Freeze. Batman and Robin manage to eventually capture him. Meanwhile, a young woman named Pamela Isley witnesses illegal genetic tampering and is, apparently, killed. She is resurrected, and hires a new bodyguard, Bane. They arrive at Gotham, and aid in Mr. Freeze's escape. Meanwhile, Alfred is dying and Wayne must find a cure, while dealing with troubles with Robin, and receiving help from Batgirl, a new hero of Gotham.
[edit] Failed projects
After the box office failure of Batman & Robin, Warner Bros. was still intent on delivering yet another Batman film. Since Batman & Robin did poorly (financially and critically), the next Batman film was to have an atmosphere that veered in the opposite direction. It took roughly seven years to get the fifth Batman film greenlighted, over the course of various developing titles.
[edit] Batman Triumphant
Warner Bros. hired Mark Protosevich to write a script for the fifth Batman film, titled Batman Triumphant, [8] even before the theatrical release of Batman & Robin. Joel Schumacher, George Clooney, and Chris O’Donnell were still contracted for another film. [9] The Scarecrow was to be the main villain and through the use of his fear gas, Scarecrow would cause Batman to confront his worst fear: the return of The Joker. Harley Quinn was in the script and shown as the daughter of Jack Napier. [8]
Triumphant was to return the franchise towards its darker roots, seen in the first two Tim Burton films. As of yet, the script hasn’t been leaked online and it is unknown whether or not Jack Nicholson would reprise his role as the Joker. Due to poor results from Batman & Robin, Triumphant was canceled and Warner Bros. commissioned more scripts. [10]
[edit] Batman: DarKnight
In 1998, Lee Shapiro and Stephen Wise pitched the idea for a fifth Batman movie to Warner Bros. Vice President Tom Lassally. It was to be called Batman: DarKnight (not to be confused with The Dark Knight starring Christian Bale and Heath Ledger) and included the Scarecrow and Man-Bat as the new villains, with the studio being most impressed with the characterization of Man-Bat. [11] Fear was to be the initial theme (much like the main one for Batman Begins) and according to Shapiro, with Scarecrow being true to the source material. Within three months, Lee Shapiro and Stephen Wise sent their first draft to Warner Bros. Joel Schumacher was still signed to direct but dropped out for unknown reasons only weeks after the first draft was completed. [11] The story went as:
Bruce Wayne is in self-imposed seclusion from life, because he feels he has lost his greatest weapons in the fight against crime: his mystique and his enemies' fear. Dick Grayson attends Gotham University, trying to discover who he is apart from his guardian and unwilling to return as Robin without him. Meanwhile, Dr. Jonathan Crane uses his position as professor of psychology at Gotham University and as resident psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum to conduct his experiments in fear. During a vengeful confrontation with a colleague, Dr. Kirk Langstrom, Crane unknowingly initiates Kirk's transformation into the creature known as Man-Bat. The unsuspecting denizens of Gotham scream for Batman's head, believing the Man-Bat's nightly hunts to be the Dark Knight's bloodthirsty return to action. Bruce dons cape and cowl once more to clear his name and solve the mystery behind these attacks. Eventually, Dick ends up in Arkham Asylum under Crane's unsympathetic watch, and Kirk struggles with his "man vs. monster" syndrome as he longs to both reunite with his wife and get revenge on Crane. [11]
The script for Batman: DarKnight sat at Warner Bros. and languished in development hell up until late 2000. Shapiro stated that DarKnight was in the running the longest as the next Batman movie compared to the other Batman projects in development. [11]
[edit] Batman Beyond
In October 1999, Ain't It Cool News reported that Warner Bros. was seriously considering a live action Batman Beyond movie, based on the animated series. In January 2000, Ain't It Cool News reported that Paul Dini and Alan Burnett would be writing the script, both of whom are well known for their work on The DC Animated Universe. In August 2000, it was confirmed that Paul Dini, Alan Burnett, Neal Stephenson, and Boaz Yakin were to all write the script, with Yakin to direct. Batman Beyond was to be a sequel to the Burton/Schumacher franchise, as well as taking place in its own universe. Jack Nicholson expressed serious interest in returning as the Joker, and even had has his own ideas on how to bring him back to life[citation needed]. A script was written by the writers and turned into Warner Bros., though the project was canceled in favor of the Batman: Year One project. [12]
[edit] Batman vs Superman
[edit] Batman: Year One
[edit] Nolan series
[edit] Batman Begins (2005)
Bruce Wayne, portrayed by Christian Bale, begins his alter ego as Batman to bring justice into the corrupted city. Meanwhile, Gotham City, in the hands of crime boss Carmine Falcone, is in danger of being destroyed by the hallucinogenic gases in the water supply supplied by the Scarecrow. With the help of James Gordon and his love interest Rachel Dawes, Batman fights off Ra's al Ghul and saves the day.
[edit] The Dark Knight (2008)
The 2008 sequel to Batman Begins has Batman, Lt. Jim Gordon, and District Attorney Harvey Dent forming an alliance to take down the rise in organized crime in Gotham City brought about by the absence of Carmine Falcone, who is still missing, as well as trying to battle the homicidal criminal mastermind known only as the Joker, played by Heath Ledger.
[edit] Future
Nolan explained that as long as he is directing, he is not including Robin in the franchise because Christian Bale is still portraying a "young Batman", which meant "Robin's not for a few films". Nolan jokingly listed Frankie Muniz as a potential choice, if the studio forced him to cast.[13] According to an article on CinemaBlend.com Robin may appear in the third Batman film after all and that the next film will be based on The Long Halloween and Dark Victory which Robin (Dick Grayson) appears. [[1]] In addition, Nolan considered the Penguin difficult to portray on film, explaining, "There are certain characters that are easier to mesh with the more real take on Batman we're doing. The Penguin would be tricky."[14]
Kate Beckinsale has stated she would consider playing Catwoman,[15] while David Tennant wishes to play the Riddler.[16] Brandon Routh, who starred as Superman in that franchises revival movie Superman Returns, indicated he would be interested in working with Bale in any crossover film between the two characters, including a possible Justice League movie.
Rumors of future CGI villians include Clayface, Bane, and Killer Croc.
[edit] Cast and characters
| Character | Film | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batman (1966) | Batman (1989) | Batman Returns (1992) | Batman Forever (1995) | Batman & Robin (1997) | Batman Begins (2005) | The Dark Knight (2008) | |
| Batman | Adam West | Michael Keaton | Val Kilmer | George Clooney | Christian Bale | ||
| Alfred Pennyworth | Alan Napier | Michael Gough | Michael Caine | ||||
| James Gordon | Neil Hamilton | Pat Hingle | Gary Oldman | ||||
| Robin | Burt Ward | none | Chris O'Donnell | none | |||
| Batgirl | Yvonne Craig | none | Alicia Silverstone | none | |||
| The Joker | Cesar Romero | Jack Nicholson | none | Heath Ledger | |||
| Penguin | Burgess Meredith | none | Danny DeVito | none | |||
| Catwoman | Lee Meriwether | none | Michelle Pfeiffer | none | |||
| Two-Face | none | Billy Dee Williams (as Harvey Dent) | none | Tommy Lee Jones | none | Aaron Eckhart | |
| Riddler | Frank Gorshin | none | Jim Carrey | none | |||
| Mr. Freeze | none | none | Arnold Schwarzenegger | none | |||
| Poison Ivy | none | none | Uma Thurman | none | |||
| Bane | none | none | Jeep Swenson | none | |||
| Scarecrow | none | none | Cillian Murphy | ||||
| Ra's al Ghul | none | none | Liam Neeson | none | |||
[edit] Reception
[edit] Box office performance
| Film | Release date | Box office revenue | Box office ranking | Reference | ||||
| United States | Worldwide | United States | Outside US | Worldwide | All time US | All time worldwide | ||
| Batman | June 23, 1989 | June 23, 1989 | $251,188,924 | $160,160,000 | $411,348,924 | #39 | #82 | [17] |
| Batman Returns | June 19, 1992 | June 19, 1992 | $162,831,698 | $104,000,000 | $266,831,698 | #130 | #202 | [18] |
| Batman Forever | June 16, 1995 | June 16, 1995 | $184,031,112 | $152,500,000 | $336,531,112 | #91 | #134 | [19] |
| Batman & Robin | June 20, 1997 | June 20, 1997 | $107,325,195 | $130,881,927 | $238,207,122 | #309 | #244 | [20] |
| Batman Begins | June 15, 2005 | June 15, 2005 | $205,343,774 | $166,510,009 | $371,853,783 | #72 | #102 | [21] |
| The Dark Knight | July 18, 2008 | [22] | ||||||
| Batman film series | $910,720,703 | $714,051,936 | $1,624,772,639 | |||||
[edit] Critical reaction
| Film | Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic | Yahoo! Movies | |
| Overall | Cream of the Crop | |||
| Batman | 72% (46 reviews)[23] | 57% (7 reviews)[24] | 66% (17 reviews)[25] | B- (5 reviews)[26] |
| Batman Returns | 81% (42 reviews)[27] | 57% (7 reviews)[28] | B (5 reviews)[29] | |
| Batman Forever | 43% (46 reviews)[30] | 69% (13 reviews)[31] | 51% (23 reviews)[32] | B- (9 reviews)[33] |
| Batman & Robin | 12% (57 reviews)[34] | 21% (14 reviews)[35] | 28% (21 reviews)[36] | C- (9 reviews)[37] |
| Batman Begins | 84% (242 reviews)[38] | 63% (40 reviews)[39] | 70% (41 reviews)[40] | B+ (15 reviews)[41] |
| The Dark Knight | ||||
[edit] References
- ^ a b Bill "Jett" Ramey. "An Interview With Michael Uslan - Part 1", Batman-on-Film, 2005-11-08. Retrieved on 2007-11-22.
- ^ a b c d (2005). Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight (DVD). Warner Bros..
- ^ a b Tom Mankiewicz. "The Batman: Revised First Draft Screenplay", ScifiScripts.com, 1983-06-20. Retrieved on 2007-11-23.
- ^ a b Bill "Jett" Ramey. "An Interview With Michael Uslan - Part 2", Batman-on-Film, 2005-11-10. Retrieved on 2007-11-23.
- ^ a b c Alan Jones. "Batman in Production", Cinefantastique, November 1989. Retrieved on 2007-11-23.
- ^ Bill "Jett" Ramey. "Interview: Steven Englehart", Batman-on-Film, 2006-11-27. Retrieved on 2007-11-25.
- ^ (2005). Batman (1989) Audio Commentary by Director Tim Burton (DVD). Warner Bros..
- ^ a b Linder, Brian. "Rumblings From Gotham", IGN. Retrieved on 2006-11-13.
- ^ Karger, Dave. "Big Chill", Entertainment Weekly, 1997-07-11. Retrieved on 2006-11-13.
- ^ Ramey, Bill "Jett". "A History of BATMAN 5: What It Is and How It Came To Be", Batman-on-Film, 2005-02-04. Retrieved on 2006-11-13.
- ^ a b c d Ramey, Bill "Jett". "Interview: Lee Shapiro", Batman-on-Film, 2005-07-28. Retrieved on 2006-11-13.
- ^ Rob M. Worley. "Batman Beyond Live Action Movie (Archives)", Comics2Film, 2001-10-18. Retrieved on 2007-09-13.
- ^ "Nolan on Robin in Batman Sequels", SuperHeroHype.com, 2005-06-23. Retrieved on 2006-07-31.
- ^ Matthew Belloni. "Q+A: Christopher Nolan", Esquire, November 2006. Retrieved on 2006-10-13.
- ^ Jen Yamato. "Beckinsale On Catwoman, Wonder Woman, And Her Bond Girl Offer", RottenTomatoes, 2007-08-03.
- ^ Ben Rawson-Jones. "David Tennant craves 'Batman' villain role", Digital Spy, 2007-09-26. Retrieved on 2007-09-27.
- ^ Batman (1989). Box Office Mojo. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman Returns (1992). Box Office Mojo. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman Forever (1995). Box Office Mojo. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman and Robin (1997). Box Office Mojo. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman Begins (2005). Box Office Mojo. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ The Dark Knight (2008). Box Office Mojo. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman. Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman (Cream of the Crop). Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman (1989): Reviews. Metacritic. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman - Critics Reviews. Yahoo! Movies. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman Returns. Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman Returns (Cream of the Crop). Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman Returns - Critics Reviews. Yahoo! Movies. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman Forever. Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman Forever (Cream of the Crop). Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman Forever (1995): Reviews. Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman Forever - Critics Reviews. Yahoo! Movies. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman & Robin. Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman & Robin (Cream of the Crop). Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman & Robin (1997): Reviews. Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman & Robin - Critics Reviews. Yahoo! Movies. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman Begins. Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman Begins (Cream of the Crop). Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman Begins (2005): Reviews. Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Batman Begins - Critics Reviews. Yahoo! Movies. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
[edit] External links
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