Batman (1989)

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PG-13

Peter Guber | Jon Peters | Michael Uslan | Benjamin Melniker

Sam Hamm & Warren Skaaren - screenplay

Sam Hamm - story

Bill Finger - Comic Book (uncredited)

Bob Kane - Comic Book:

Danny Elfman - score

Prince - songs

Roger Pratt

Ray Lovejoy

Warner Bros

United States | United Kingdom

English | French

Acton Lane Power Station, Acton Lane, Acton, London, England, UK - interiors: Axis Chemical Works

Acton, London, England, UK - Axis Chemical Works

Bedfordshire, England, UK

Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England, UK - interiors: Wayne Manor

Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Hertfordshire, England, UK

Knebworth House, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England, UK - exteriors: Wayne Manor

Library, Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England, UK - interiors: Wayne Manor library

Little Barford Power Station, St Neots, Bedfordshire, England, UK - exteriors: Axis Chemical Works

Little Barford, Bedfordshire, England, UK - Axis Chemical Works

London, England, UK

Long Gallery, Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England, UK - interiors: Wayne Manor gaming room

Marble Hall, Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England, UK - interiors: Wayne Manor armoury

Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK – studio - Gotham City

St Neots, Bedfordshire, England, UK - Axis Chemical Works

Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England, UK

ASCAP Awards

1990 Won ASCAP Award Most Performed Songs from Motion Pictures Prince for: the song "Partyman"

Academy Awards

1990 Won Oscar Best Art Direction-Set Decoration Anton Furst & Peter Young

Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA

1991 Won President's Award

1991 Nominated Saturn Award Best Actor Jack Nicholson

1991 Nominated Saturn Award Best Costumes Bob Ringwood

1991 Nominated Saturn Award Best Fantasy Film

1991 Nominated Saturn Award Best Make-Up Paul Engelen, Lynda Armstrong & Nick Dudman

1991 Nominated Saturn Award Best Supporting Actress Kim Basinger

American Comedy Awards, USA

1990 Nominated American Comedy Award Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture (Leading Role) Jack Nicholson

BAFTA Awards

1990 Nominated BAFTA Film Award Best Actor in a Supporting Role Jack Nicholson

1990 Nominated BAFTA Film Award Best Costume Design Bob Ringwood

1990 Nominated BAFTA Film Award Best Make Up Artist Paul Engelen & Nick Dudman

1990 Nominated BAFTA Film Award Best Production Design Anton Furst

1990 Nominated BAFTA Film Award Best Sound Don Sharpe, Tony Dawe & Bill Rowe

1990 Nominated BAFTA Film Award Best Special Effects Derek Meddings & John Evans

BMI Film & TV Awards

1990 Won BMI Film Music Award Danny Elfman

Brit Awards

1990 Won Brit Best Soundtrack

Evening Standard British Film Awards

1990 Won Evening Standard British Film Award Best Technical/Artistic Achievement Anton Furst

Golden Globes, USA

1990 Nominated Golden Globe Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical Jack Nicholson

Grammy Awards

1990 Nominated Grammy Best Album of Original Instrumental Background Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Danny Elfman

1990 Nominated Grammy Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television Prince for: the song "Partyman"

Hugo Awards

1990 Nominated Hugo Best Dramatic Presentation

People’s Choice Awards

1990 Won People's Choice Award Favorite Dramatic Motion Picture Tied with Steel Magnolias (1989)

1990 Won People's Choice Award Favorite Motion Picture

Young Artist Awards

1990 Nominated Young Artist Award Best Family Motion Picture - Musical or Fantasy

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A millionaire who, as a child, witnessed his parents' brutal slaying, turns his resources against the criminals of Gotham City, and in particular a sociopathic killer called The Joker.

Tim Burton's Batman is the first big screen treatment to translate the comic's dark style and complicated hero intact, thankfully abstaining from the gaudy, camp approach of the television show (and later, the dire third and fourth films in the series). Keaton is brilliant in the title role, emotionally and physically convincing; his casting was originally controversial amongst fans but he remains the strongest Batman filmed so far. Yet it's Nicholson's Joker that (perhaps unsurprisingly) steals the show. He struts outrageously through the part like a cross between Mick Jagger and his own Jack Torrence, turning in the most gleefully over-the-top performance of his career.

The symbiotic relationship of the two characters, both suffering issues of duality in their personalities, lends the film great emotional depth. Bruce Wayne is compelled to do what he does even though it gives him little satisfaction. Likewise, The Joker is driven by his madness and desire for vengeance. Such complicated characters had never before been seen in a comic book adaptation (which at the time were usually relegated to serials or television). We can thank - or curse - Batman's huge success for the wave of comic book movies that have dominated the summer blockbuster season for the last fifteen years. Batman was, and still is, their template.

Jack Nicholson got the role of The Joker and demanded top-billing and a lucrative deal that gave him royalties on all merchandise.

Batman was released the year of Batman's 50th birthday.

In a newsroom scene, Vicki Vale and Alexander Knox examine a map of Gotham City which has been marked with Batman sightings. The map is actually a map of Vancouver, British Columbia.

The real name of the Joker in this movie (Jack Napier) is a reference to the actor Alan Napier, who played Alfred in the TV show "Batman" (1966).

The Batmobile was built on the chassis of a Chevy Impala.

The Joker: Tell me something, my friend. You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?
Bruce Wayne: What?
The Joker: I always ask that of all my prey. I just... like the sound of it.

Vicki Vale: Well, I mean, let's face it. You're not exactly normal, are you?
Batman: It's not exactly a normal world, is it?

The Joker: Where does he get those wonderful toys?

The Joker: Haven't you ever heard of the healing power of laughter?

The Joker: I have given a name to my pain, and it is Batman.

Vicki Vale: You're insane!
Joker: I thought I was a Pisces!

The movie fixes you in its gravitational pull. It's an enveloping, walk-in vision... As rich and satisfying a movie as you're likely to see all year. Reviewed by: Hal Hinson of the Washington Post.

Despite its interesting, grim tone and undeniably striking visuals from director Burton and production designer Furst, the film fails to synthesize its strengths into a compelling whole. Reviewed by: TV Guide Staff (Non Credited)

The movie's problem is that no one seemed to have any fun making it, and it's hard to have much fun watching it. It's a depressing experience. Reviewed by: Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times.

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