Warner Bros. and DC Comics Batman For decades, both in comic books and in extended media such as television. gameand the film, with the last one seeming to play the character particularly well and his presence being very formative for many viewers, but no matter which Bat-actor you grew up with or what the first non-comic media the character appeared in was, they all exist in some way in the shadow of one particular Bat-interpretation.
Released on June 23, 1989, the film directed by Tim Burton marked the beginning of the Dark Knight’s staying power in pop culture for decades. As it was the first Batman film since Adam West’s 1966 film, it was an event in itself, a rarity in franchise filmmaking today. Its importance was further heightened by the fact that Keaton and Jack Nicholson were cast to play Batman and The Joker, respectively. Prior to accepting the role, Nicholson famously demanded to be top billed alongside his co-stars in promotional materials, and to receive a cut of all merchandising revenue and the film’s profits, which resulted in him being paid $10,000 for the role. $60 million to $90 millionAs biographer Mark Elliott noted in 2013:
Batman The film grossed $411.6 million, making it the sixth highest-grossing film of the year, so Nicholson was pretty prescient in that respect. But like everyone else at the time, he probably didn’t expect it to become so defining. Even on a smaller scale, its impact is clear. Without it, we would be lost. Batman: The Animated Series (The film’s theme song was borrowed from Danny Elfman. opening), or the DC animated universe that followed, defined multiple generations. Superhero Storytelling Likewise, that magic is easily felt throughout its three sequels, each of which follows on from the first and offers some pretty interesting (and often bizarre) twists on the then-established Batman canon and tone.
Looking across Hollywood, our current obsession with box office success is BatmanIt grossed $40.9 million in its opening weekend, a record set earlier this year. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Ghostbusters II. As a Salon reporter pointed out at the time: Scott Mendelsohn In 2009, Batman “It redefined how much money a movie could make in its first three days in release.” […] This was the first mega opening weekend for a film industry that has come to rely almost exclusively on the first three days as the cornerstone of a film’s success.”
the Batman’s But it’s this casting that has endured the longest. It was a controversial choice at the time, as Keaton was primarily known for comedic roles. The success of the film showed why you should never judge a book by its appearance, but that lesson has yet to fully sink in. Heath Ledger and Robert Downey Jr.— Heck, even the current Batman. Robert Pattinson-when They are He would go on to play the Joker and Iron Man, and, as with Keaton, the two actors’ interpretations of their characters would prove more defining than anyone could have ever imagined. Aside from that, Keaton’s success as Batman perhaps inspired other stars to take chances and star in films outside their comfort zone.
Many actors have played the role of Kaur (or Male voice Picking it up over the decades, the spirit of 1989 Batman And yet it wasn’t until recently that WB decided to tap into that well again. Batman ’89 Comics Set New PostBatman Returns The film was able to pick up the storylines that were left off after that film, particularly with Billy Dee Williams as Two-Face and Marlon Wayans as Robin. John Jackson Miller was the director of the original sequel. revival novel By October, Keaton decided to suit up again. flash and Batgirl. Considering how much WB likes to go back in time, Digging an old wellThat relative understatement is a bit surprising, but it’s likely because the studio Batman (1989) It is important to be careful not to over-milk any particular cow.
Just as the character of Batman is very important to DC and Warner Bros. Batman The film is an equally important piece of modern Hollywood: even if it’s not the best Batman movie (depending on how you look at it), we’d all be the poorer if we didn’t have it, especially since it would mean missing out on a pretty amazing opportunity. prince Soundtrack. So, Batman (1989)Although you may not have planned it, you’re a founding father of superhero movies and modern blockbuster culture.
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