Director: Tim Burton
Produced: Jon Peters & Peter Gauber
Screenplay by Sam Hamm & Warren Skaaren
Cinematography: Roger Pratt
Starring:
Jack Nicholson as The Joker/Jack Napier
Michael Keaton as Batman/Bruce Wayne
Kim Basinger as Vicki Vale
Robert Wuhl as Knox
Pat Hingle as Commissioner Gordon
Billy Dee Williams as Harvey Dent
Michael Gough as Alfred
Jack Palance as Grissom
Jerry Hall as Alicia
This film is definetley one of directors Tim Burtons Master pieces it has terrific sets, the cinematography is exceelent, although the acting could have been better in certain cases of the supporting cast, but anyone who enjoy's this film and subsequent follow up the followed will all agree that Michael keaton was the perfect Batman.
Any scene with Jack as the Joker is a treat. His performance is even more over the top than his role in The Shining . My own personal favourite scenes are in the musem where they trash the art and off course where he plays chicken with the Batwing. Despite it's comic book qualities the film is very very dark and despite trying to subtle the violence throw the Jokers wit you can't deny it but it is very disturbing. I speak off the scene in the musem when the Joker tells photographer Vicki Vale of his new work in progress only to show his girlfriend badly scarred face underneath a mask she is wearing.
Despite this was fantastic film that every should watch yet not to over analysis.
2. The film was in early development even in the early 80's. The decision to make a film of Batman was as a result of the immense popularity of the Superman films.
3. This was the first film Nicholson made with director Tim Burton. The next was in 1997 in the film Mars Attacks
4. In 1968 Nicholson lost out big time in the mercahndising deal for the Monkees film Head which he wrote and Produced. For Batman he grossed in excess of $60, 0000, 000.
5. There was heavy secuirity surrounding the Jokers make up.
6. Adam West who played the original Batman in the series wanted to play Batman.
7. In Great Britain this film was the first film to be given a 12 release certificate due to the violence in the film.
8. When the Joker is standing on the road when the Batwing is shooting at him, this is a tribute to the the film Patton in which the title character does the same.
9. The people who designed the sets of Gotham City delibeartely mixed styles as to create a morbid and bleak looking city.
10. The Axis Chemical factory is in fact a left over set from the 1986 film Aliens.
11. The surname of The Jokers original persona Jack Napier was that of the original Alfred from the Series who died two months before filming began.
12. Robin Williams was also thought about for the original Joker. He was also considered for the role of The Riddler in the 1996 film Batman Forever.