Tim Burton's Batman was one of the most important superhero movies of all time. The release of the 1989 movie kickstarted modern superhero movies as we know them today, showing that comic book movies can be dark, adult-orientated films. F0r Batman, the film also changed the public perception of the character from the camp 60s version to a darker, more serious hero. However, despite the fact that Burton's films are some of the most influential, not everyone is a fan of the movies he directed.
This article will give 5 reasons why Burton's Batman movies are the best and 5 reasons why they're not.
Best: Batmobile Design
The Batmobile has had some incredible designs over the years, with each era of Batman offering a different style of Batman's favorite car. However, the design in Burton's film is a consistent favorite across many Batman fans.
The long, stylized design of the Batmobile, complete with bat wings on the rear of the vehicle, perfectly fit in with the gothic theme of the universe Burton was trying to create. Additionally, this design also helped to inspire the Batmobile in Batman: The Animated Series.
Not: Fight Choreography
Fight choreography has been incredible over recent years. Films like the Bourne movies, Daniel Craig's James Bond, and the MCU have given us a wealth of incredible movie fights to watch.
This recent trend in exciting and detailed fight scenes makes some older films seem more aged than they may deserve to be. This also applies to the Burton Batman movies, with the fight scenes being stiff and rigid in comparison to modern fights.
Best: Catwoman
For many, Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman will be the best iteration of the character of all time. Her performance in Batman Returns helped to elevate the movie into the success it is today.
While some fans would suggest the character of Catwoman in Burton's movie was far different to the comic version, due to the lack of theft and her supernaturally-implied return, the chemistry with Keaton's Batman and the intimidating, sexually-charged manner in which she played the character can't be denied.
Not: Stiff Suit
If you were to choose a suit to fight crime in, you probably wouldn't opt for one that restricts your movement. Yet, this is exactly what Keaton's Batman did in the Burton era.
The movement is restricted to such an extent that Batman has to turn his entire body to look around, rather than just turning his head. This strange design also restricted movement during fight scenes, making for a rigid looking Batman.
Best: Michael Keaton
When Michael Keaton was first announced to be taking on the role of Batman, fans were outraged as the character of Batman was supposed to be dark and series, but this comedic actor was set to take on the role.
However, Keaton was shown to be incredible in the role. It was in the role of Bruce Wayne where he shined particularly well. His comedic background helped him craft the 'mask of Bruce Wayne,' meaning other characters did not suspect him of being Batman at all.
Not: Didn't Finish Harvey Dent Arc
One of the biggest disappointments of Burton's exit from the Batman franchise prior to Batman Forever was the fact that Burton didn't get a chance to bring Billy Dee Williams back to play Two-Face.
The Star Wars actor played Harvey Dent in Batman 1989, setting up an eventual turn into Two-Face that would ultimately not happen. Instead, the role was recast to have Tommy Lee Jones as the double-sided villain.
Best: Theme
Batman has had some incredible themes over the years. The Batman 1966 theme is memorable and unique, perfectly capturing the feel of that interpretation; while Hans Zimmer's score for the Nolan trilogy was epic in its own right.
However, there is something about Danny Elfman's score for Burton's movies that just seems to capture the character of Batman more than others. Furthermore, the Birth of the Penguin theme from Batman Returns is one of the most memorable Batman scores of all time.
Not: No Burton Arkham Asylum
Aside from Wayne Manor and the Bat-Cave, the most iconic location in the Batman mythos is the terrifying and haunting Arkham Asylum. It is this mental institution that houses most of Batman's rogues gallery, with Joker, Two-Face, and Riddler all calling Arkham home at one point.
What is strange, however, is that Arkham never appeared in Batman or Batman Returns. This is odd considering Burton's love for the macabre and gothic. Just imagine how unnerving Burton's Arkham would have been!
Best: Gothic Style
This entry has been hinted at throughout the list, but Burton's Gotham is the best design of the city seen on film so far. The city is truly a character in its own right, with gothic architecture and a dark, misty gloom always visible across the city.
It is the design of the city that helps the Burton movies stand out and work in their own right. If the city wasn't stylized in this way, the film would almost certainly not have worked.
Not: Batman Kills
One of the biggest problems Batman fans have with the Burton movies is that Batman is clearly a murderer. While he doesn't attempt to kill in the first film (though he probably didn't expect that gargoyle to the Joker's weight), he starts to actively try and kill in the second film.
In Batman Returns, the Caped Crusader attaches a bomb to a goon and even uses the Batmobile exhaust to set fire to another henchman. This is clearly a murderous version of Batman.
