Written by Bob Kane, Sam HammDirected by Tim BurtonRunning Time: 125 minutes (approx)Production Year: 1989Rating: 15 CertificateProduction Country: USA / UKFilmed in ColourTim Burton's 1989 action fantasy, starring Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman, was a huge hit, but surprised many with its dark interpretation of the caped crusader. Previous versions - especially the 1960s TV series starring Adam West - had been high-camp, turning the cartoon tales into a comedy, but here director Burton deliberately went for a darker, gloomier tone. The plot assumes no knowledge of the superhero, and takes us right back to the beginning. As a child, Bruce Wayne witnesses his parents' murder by small-time hood Jack Napier. Inheriting their millions, Wayne vows to fight evil. When Napier, set up by his boss, is confronted by a caped, masked crusader and plunged into a vat of chemicals, he becomes the manic Joker (Jack Nicholson), determined to kill the man who changed his looks by bringing Gotham City to its knees. Only Batman can stop him... The lead role was tricky to cast. Charlie Sheen, Mel Gibson and Alec Baldwin were considered, but Keaton, best known for comedy, was an inspired choice. Burton had worked with him before on Beetlejuice and knew his qualities, bringing them out with assured direction. Keaton's brooding demeanour was perfect - still shattered by the death of his parents and unsure whether he's a hero or a simple vigilante, it's only when he discovers that The Joker killed his parents that he becomes determined in his mission. Jack Nicholson plays The Joker to the hilt and Anton Furst and Peter Young's malignant Gotham City, a cross between Metropolis and Blade Runner, rightfully won them the Oscar for set design. Highly recommended. Click to see when Batman is coming up on TV. Cast
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Batman is a Film programme that first aired in 1989 and has been rated 15. Batman is a 4 star programme.
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