The film follows Bruce Wayne/Batman after the events of the first film. He is now Batman, the savior of Gotham having won the city over by saving it from the clutches of The Joker. But where this film differs from the first is it actually follows three characters as if they are the title characters. Oswalt Cobblepot is show as a child being kept in a cage, and then proceeds to eater the family cat. His parents put him in a basket and throw him in the sewer. Some years later, amid rumors that there is a mysterious Penguin man living in the sewers, he emerges from hiding in the form of saving a baby he had one of his goons kidnap. The story is actually quite uplifting at this point. This freakish, anti-social man is warmly accepted into the world who over look his physical deformities to see the man inside. Where it goes awry is the character of Max Schrek who manipulates everyone so he can open a power plant that will drain the city's energy and make him rich. In the process, his assistant Selina Kyle, finds some files that would expose him. He subsequently finds her and shoves her out a window. She is revived (in very creepy fashion) by cats, and thus Catwoman is born. She plays the in between, going from being on The Penguin's side, to Batman's and then back again. Her main motivation is the empowerment of the female and the ruin of their oppressors (In this particular case, Max Schrek). All the while Batman is trying to figure out what is going on. Mysterious carnival characters have been attacking Gotham and Batman is failing repeatedly. In response, Max has Oswalt run for Mayor of Gotham so he can have his own puppet in office, essentially making him mayor. In a final blow to Batman, they frame him to have killed a teen pageant winner by throwing her off a roof just before Batman can grab her so he is looking over the edge while she plummets to her death. Batman manages to foil Max's plan by exposing him, but only after Oswalt discovers he has been used, kidnaps him and Catwoman kills him (and it is implied she kills herself too). His reputation isn't fully repaired but the city is safe once again and that is all Batman is concerned with.
Where this film went wrong in the eyes of many is it's tone. Although Burton has said in interviews that the film is no darker than the first; it is. It features very mature themes, very dark and gloomy set pieces and a story that is as Gothic, and well Tim Burton-y as it gets. The film is also dark, as Burton utilized shadows and bleached the film in a blueish hue. Scary clown like figures attack the citizens with machine guns and bombs, just about everything Michelle Pfifer does as Catwoman is about as creepy as it gets, and Oswalt's death isn't violent but is still gruesome (Black blood dripping out of his mouth as he can't handle the warmth). This film is a good film, but it never had a chance due to the audience it was marketed to; young kids. I couldn't imagine being a parent bringing my child to this film and seeing what I saw. It is NOT a kids film, yet the mugs, shirts, bedsheets, underwear and McDonald's toys implied this. Audiences wanted their Batman dark and brooding, but not that quick, not two films quick. This dark formula worked 16 years later with the release of The Dark Knight (which I also couldn't imagine bringing my little kid to), but the audience of 1992 simply wasn't ready to see Batman go that dark, that fast. Never has the term 'ahead of it's time' ever been so true.
Batman Returns may not have been welcomed with open arms upon it's release, and may never be fully welcomed ever, But it's still a quality film. Once one realizes the type of film they are about to view, Batman Returns will be thoroughly enjoyed. Until then, Batman Returns will be a case of a misunderstood piece of cinema.
Photos Courtesy of:
www.imdb.com
Batman returns is a dark movie I remmember when i was like five and i watched it I did not enjoy the penguin. He was to dark for the targeted audience. I saw this would have been more of a teen young-adult movie.
ReplyDeletei have to say that out of all the batmans, this is the only one i dont remember. But by reading your post i feel like i already know the movie. I am addicted to your way of explaining things. I know that sounds weird but its also true. your blog makes me think. i often go home and talk to my dad about these movies and your views. lol not creepy though :)
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