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Batman (1989)
Starring Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, and Jack Palance. Cinematography by Roger Pratt. Edited by Ray Lovejoy. Produced by Peter Guber and Jon Peters. Written by Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren. Directed by Tim Burton.
In Gotham City, a filthy American megalopolis, crime rules not only the streets but the local government as well. A vigilante is born from vengeance and his name is Batman (played by Michael Keaton). The film tells of the origins of Batman; spanning from his tragic childhood, into his early adulthood, and eventually explains his blood lust for Jack Napier, now known as The Joker (played by Jack Nicholson).
It also reveals the details of Bruce Wayne’s relationship with photo journalist, Vicki Vale (played by Kim Basinger). With amazing action, romance, and drama, this film is not only the strongest film in the Batman franchise, but surely one of the greatest comic book adaptations of all time.
The Batman motion picture was initially set in motion back in the very early eighties. The first script was written by Tom Mankiewicz and was the story of Batman and Robin battling The Joker and The Penguin. But the production team was changed and the project was eventually shelved.
In 1985 producers Jon Peters and Peter Guber rediscovered the project and went hunting for a director. Rumor has it that fellow Gods of Filmmaking Joel and Ethan Coen were at one time considered to helm the project, but based on the strength of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure Burton was offered the role and he started pre-production before he even began filming Beetlejuice. Burton came up with a new, darker treatment for the story, passed it on to screenwriters Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren and nearly three years later the film was green-lit.
This is one of the only movies that Burton wasn't allowed complete artistic control over. Huge financial risks were involved and Burton admitted that this was the first time he really felt pressure on a movie set. But Burton came up ultimately triumphant and with the film’s enormous success (one of the highest grossing films of all time) he became of Hollywood’s most exciting young filmmakers.
Budget: $35,000,000
Total US Gross: $251,188,924
Genre: Action
Runtime: 126 Minutes
US Release Date: 6/23/89
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Awards:
Academy Awards:
Won for art direction/set decoration.
Golden Globes:
Nominated for best actor in a comedy or musical.
American Film Institute’s Top 100 Lists:
100 Years… 100 Heroes and Villains (#46 Hero – Batman) (#45 Villain – The Joker).
Tagline: none
Quote: “I have given a name to my pain, and it is Batman.”
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