Batman (film)

:For the 1966 Batman film, see Batman (1966 film)

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Batman was released in U.S. theaters on June 23, 1989 by Warner Bros. and soon became the highest grossing movie of the year. It was directed by Tim Burton and starred Jack Nicholson as the Joker, Michael Keaton as Batman, and Kim Basinger as reporter Vicki Vale. Although Keaton played the nominal hero of the film, Nicholson received top billing.

Related Topics:
U.S. - June 23 - 1989 - Warner Bros. - Movie - Tim Burton - Jack Nicholson - Joker - Michael Keaton - Batman - Kim Basinger - Vicki Vale

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This movie helped usher a return to the "dark" roots of the Batman of the original comics and away from the campy 1960s Batman television series and cartoon Super Friends. Like many film versions of comic book heroes, the Batman movie told its own version of his origin, and how The Joker figured in that origin.

Related Topics:
Comics - Camp - 1960s - ''Batman'' television series - Super Friends - The Joker

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Many people who recognized Batman from the 1960s television series reprehended the film for being too solemn and humorless, however, it should be noted that the character's original tone was serious-minded and not comedic or mirthful.

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Numerous comic books fans were displeased to learn that Michael Keaton (who was better known for his comedic roles at the time) was cast as the title character, and assumed that it was a sure sign of the production taking the same tone of the 1960s television series. The producers hurriedly released a teaser trailer to prove they were treating the character faithfully. The marketing move was successful and since the film's successful release, many fans consider Keaton as one of the best actors to have played Batman in a live-action film, along with Christian Bale of 2005's Batman Begins.

Related Topics:
Teaser trailer - Christian Bale - 2005 - Batman Begins

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The minor-key score was written by Danny Elfman, with songs by Prince. Two animated series (' and The Adventures of Batman and Robin) were created in the wake of the film's success, and three sequels --Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995), and Batman and Robin (1997)-- were produced. ' a spin-off of the animated television series, was released in 1993. Batman Begins, a successful restart of the saga (but often mistakenly called a prequel), was released in 2005. A new 2 disc special edition of the first four films will be released on Tuesday, October 18, 2005. All movies include commentary along with other interesting special features.

Related Topics:
Danny Elfman - Prince - The Adventures of Batman and Robin - Batman Returns - Batman Forever - Batman and Robin - Batman Begins - Prequel

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