Batman the movie is one of those works that you will always remember as reference for transformation of a character. During the 60's and until late 80's when this movie was released, the concept of Batman was established by teh 60's series with Adam West and all those cartoons that went around, giving Batman a concept of friendly and adventurer. Nothing really serious considering his origin. When Tim Burton planned to bring him to the cinema, he decided to give him back his true nature: A dark, disturbed man with a wicked sense of justice.
Darkness is something that Burton can give to a movie. I think the choice was right, since all BUrton's work are mentally disturbing in a good way. His perception fit perfectly with the style of the Dark Knight.
The movie involves great acting by Michael Keaton, who is definetely one of the best Batmans... I would only question his acting as Bruce Wayne. Jack Nicholson was another great choice. His acting showed the perception of the Joker as a funny guy who wants to be bad and the truly insane mastermind that he is in the comics. His role was excellent considering The JOker's perception back then... He might even seem silly for today's audiences.
One of the things that I love about the film is the art design. Tim Burton is one of those directors that you can identify in his movies. You watch it and think... that's a Burton movie. YOu can see the dark humor around (like in Bettlejuice) and the monumentally artistic way to make something so hideous so lovely at the same time (Gotham City).
The movie wasn't exactly a huge action movie. It was the kind of movie that introduces a character and his life around. Batman is not considered a comic character who fights, like Spiderman. People is more involved in his psyche, especially how it works as a genius.
The movie evolves through both characters making it more like a chess game like a full contact battle. WHo is smarter? Who is more evil in its way?
Probably this brought one of its problems. The people want to see action and this is not the kind of movie that they would like to see.
Overall, the movie is a good experience at was a nice try to bring back Batman's reputation. The action is slow paced but it can be a good movie if you like that kind of things.
3.5 stars
