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Writer's pictureGus Keller

Batman (1989): Humble Beginnings

Updated: Feb 26, 2023


Reviews by:

  • @augustkellerwrites

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Batman is well made, despite an empty script. Solid acting aside, characters are unmotivated. First, Bruce Wayne is hardly present and woefully underdeveloped. His extreme measures are never properly explained. Eventually, audiences learn about his parents, but that isn't explored. It's too little, too late. Meanwhile, Wayne's romance is forced. They're inexplicably in love, despite sparse quality time or chemistry. Next, the Joker is nonsensical. Nicholson is charismatic, but his plans have weak purpose. Lastly, nobody arcs because there are no themes to progress. Viewers might care because of pop culture influences, but not because Batman has depth or growth.


Conversely, Batman has excellent technicals. The cinematography is distinct, utilizing Dutch angles, dramatic shadows, composition, and symbolic movement. The elaborate effects use green screens, matte paintings, pyrotechnics, and miniatures. The main theme song by Elfman remains iconic. Finally, the production design is the highlight because its grungy art deco style perfectly suits the narrative and creates an immersive world. The sets, props, and costumes all have lived-in details that are unique and cohesive. Overall, Burton's attention to the script is lacking, but his filmmaking prevails. Batman is flawed, yet its craft offsets those issues and makes it a worthy experience.


Writing: 4/10

Direction: 8/10

Cinematography: 8/10

Acting: 8/10

Editing: 7/10

Sound: 8/10

Score/Soundtrack: 9/10

Production Design: 9/10

Casting: 9/10

Effects: 9/10

Overall Score: 7.9/10



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