Learning to Love Batman Returns
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ธ.ค. 2019
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Happy Two Year Anniversary and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays from Eyebrow Cinema! To celebrate the occasion, let's take a look at Batman Returns, Tim Burton's highly divisive comic-book movie from 1992. This is a movie that I used to take for granted, but in light of an increasingly corporate superhero movie scene, the odd quirks and choices of Batman Returns have become more endearing to me. This video is all about how I learned to love Batman Returns.
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Batman Returns always has been and always will be my favorite Batman film. Its dark, its depressing, its deep, and it feels like Batman, sounds like Batman, and is what makes Batman an amazing character. The villains are sympathetic, the music is haunting and melancholic, the world feels real and adult, and the acting phenomanal. This film is the one film I always enjoy rewatching because of how much it reminds me of why I love Batman and his villains: because they embody the darkness we all have inside of us. Batman being the embodiment of rage and revenge for his murdered parents due to a criminal, Catwoman being an embodiment of resurrection and rebirth having been killed and reborn as a free spirit who seeks to destroy those who killed her, and The Penguin represents children who suffer from abandonment issues due to his parents abandoning him because they were appalled by his appearance and he was raised like an animal by literal animals in a cold and dark sewer.
Well said.
Definitely my second favourite behind the dark knight. Burtons style, which was put on a leash in the first one, flourishes. The style and visual presence of penguin and catwoman is just so perfect
Well said!
I hope that the upcoming The Batman starring Robert Pattinson will have a good script, good direction, good costumes and set designs as opposed to the Affleck ones. After Pattinson's act in The Lighthouse I am convinced he could bring some much needed emotional depth and existential angst to a role I grew disinterested in even though the character is one of DC's most complex and troubled heroes.
Ditto. I feel like its the only Batman movie that really really really understands the world of Batman from the comics. It's also a movie that goes full Tim Burton in the best way possible. It loses itself in its own universe, and by shameless embracing its cartoonish absurdity, it achieves glory.
Batman was a copy of The Shadow and originally he DID kill criminals and also used guns. The reason that changed had nothing to do with enhancing storytelling. It was because of the Hayes Codes and people worrying that comics were corrupting kids. I personally think Batman is better when he's killing bad guys. It makes it more him more fear inspiring to criminals, and it's easier to make scenes in movies have a payoff.
Glad I'm not the only one. It has become one of my favorite Christmas movies even!
Mine too! It has a lovely Christmas atmosphere.
@@EyebrowCinema True, great review and Merry Christmas brother! Goodwill to all men...and women ;)
@@EyebrowCinema Did this movie make Pfeiffer more famous than she already was at that point?
This is one of my favorite comic book films. It's just so weird and fascinating
@@EyebrowCinema Your channel is legit: interesting topics, great editing, intelligent insight, pleasant voice and excellent enunciation.
Keep up the great work! 🖖✌👍
You gotta admit i played this stinkin' city like a harp from hell
best line of the movie followed by the drowning little kids one.
@@Cucerescmunti yeah Penguin thug speaking up and saying ‘er boss are we really going there with this?’
classic moment.
"Could be worse, my nose could be gushing blood!"
Bruce saying "Merry Christmas" to Alfred at the end feels so genuine, with the music in the background serenely playing as Bruce thinks about what happened for the last few nights. Such a good ending to such a wacky movie.
I literally teared up watching this. I'm 33 years old, and have spent the majority of my life defending this movie with the same exact reasons you've highlighted here. The fact that these characters aren't able to grow from their tragic upbringing is what makes this movie so beautiful and relatable. And, like you said, being unable to detach yourself from trauma and stay drowned in your fatal flaws is just a factual aspect of humanity. This movie dared to do what so many super hero films are way too afraid to attempt - the hero doesn't win. At least not the traditional sense. The feelings this movie evokes are so unique and haven't been replicated since. Thank you for making this. Long live Batman Returns!
Nicely put. I'd like to add that although this movie is a tragic fairy tale of people unable to find their happy end, it is also a strangely hopeful movie to me. Even though the characters ultimately do not find the peace they wish for, all of them came close. So no matter what situation you might be in, there might always come chance for you to redeem yourself or move on. Yet even if you do not make it this time, another chance might still be out there.
Well said, and you hit the nail straight on the head.
I always love Batman Returns since I was a kid, it's my favorite Batman movie of all time not to mention one of my top 5 favorite Christmas movie.
Nice to see support for Batman Returns.
Eyebrow Cinema Ditto.
I was thinking that myself while watching this, it really is a Christmas movie isn't it?
Mine too, man.
I loved Batman Returns. I had no idea that there was a significant population, other than over-protective parents, that disliked the Keaton Sequel.
Batman Returns is still the best Batman movie, imo and it’s one of my favorite movies. Tim Burton is an amazing director.
Better than the dark knight?
bigwhopper6501 In my opinion, yes.
@@viceregaldust3191 yeah but how lol
bigwhopper6501 Because I love the story, Danny Elfman’s theme continues to give me chills, I love Catwoman and the Penguin, and because it’s my opinion.
@@viceregaldust3191 Its good but they should of had more batman in it, I find batman returns to be more if a dark twisted fairytale not in a bad way but if u look at the plot, a shy weak woman wants to be confident and tough but when gets it she realises shes more broken than she was before because now shes a freak like batman and penguin who are also alone
I never needed to "learn" to love this movie. It's peak classic Burton, it's got Danny Devito and Christopher Walken...I've always been a fan.
This film has a ‘timeless’ and ‘dream like’ quality about it
It’s unlike any other Batman film - in my opinion it Burton’s best film
It’s a perfect combination of stunning visuals and iconic music - whole large sections of this film has no dialogue - it’s very ‘cinematic’ at its core - light and sound
Keaton just nails this role - I love that the Bat costume is Art Deco inspired reflecting the Art Deco city Batman inhabits
The Christmas setting gives the film an odd kind of Charles Dickens 19th Century vibe
It’s all very compelling
Unique and original looking film unlike any other film I can think of
Sometimes a filmmaker achieves perfect world building I think Tim achieved this with Batman Returns!
It’s my favourite Batman film
People go on about how Die Hard is the most unorthodox Christmas movie ever.
Batman Returns: Hold my beer
I always loved this movie, but I found it hard to articulate why. This is one of the best film analysis video's I've seen in quite a while.
Female Trouble by John Waters is the most unorthodox Christmas movie ever. It all happens because Dawn Davenport doesn't get cha cha heels for Christmas.
@@thomasanthony4012 haha, cut me some slack, it's the first time I've ever used it.
Gizmo and Stripe would like a word with you ; )
Eyes Wide Shut: allow me to introduce myself
This is both my favourite Batman movie and my favourite Christmas movie.
I will always love this film. If it's weird and emotional, then it's a comic book film I love.
Good way to summarize things. Batman Returns is the most weird and the most emotional.
Best Batman hands down. I mean it was the first Batman I saw though
Great video. One point missed, I think - Batman does grow in Batman Returns. He takes off his mask for Selena, which shows a recognition of his own identity in hers when he says "we're the same," which of course makes them perfect for one another. The problem is that this is Selena's tragedy, and you're right that this psychosis is what keeps them apart.
Always loved this movie. Burton's Gotham, Keaton's Batman, and Elton's music have no equal.
this might be my favorite video on TH-cam. im not a batman fan-- but i grew up loving batman returns, and some of these passages brought me to literal tears. the way you describe elfman's music in general, and specifically how it always returns to the same tragic score to mirror the tragedy of the story, literally took my breath away. you found words for something i was too young to articulate, and exist in my adult mind not logically but more symbolically. it really give me a spark of warmth feeling that recognition, feeling those symbols turned into words. thank you. the whole video is well-researched and funny and very clever at times-- but the way you described the music... gave something back to me. it gave me some life. :)
I saw Batman Returns when it came out. I loved it then and I still love it now. It remains my favorite live-action Batman movie. It's a dark fairy tale. Goofy and gross. Funny and tragic. Christmas and Halloween. It takes immense pleasure in its characters freakishness and their unavoidably tragic ends. It's quintessential Burton.
My favorite Batman movie. It has a dark fairy tale feel. Fever dream logic. The cast, the music, the cinematography.....I could go on. It's unique and i feel there never will be a Batman,let alone comic book, movie like it again. Also my favorite Christmas flick.
Fever dream logic, that's exactly it: DC's Heart of Darkness.
Too bad Michelle Pfiffer didn't get her own catwoman film. She was so good!
I'm deeply curious how that would have turned out, or if she would have returned in a Tim Burton-helmed Batman 3. One of the great Hollywood "what ifs".
I agree Warner did Burton wrong with his Batman series.Who knows DC universe could had started earlier before the millennium.
Honestly that could’ve been a great thing
I loved this video so much. You really get what the Tim Burton movies are all about
@@EyebrowCinema To be completely honest, the Penguin is a pretty boring character and villain in the DC Batman comics especially compared to the rest of his rogues gallery.
So Tim Burton taking a lot of liberties with the character was not completely wasted, besides making him a grotesque lecherous creep.
And about Bruce/Batman having limited screentime in BR, that is objectively incorrect. Since Batman has even less screentime in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, although that has a lot to do with how the plot is written with Batman put out of commission by Bane halfway through.
I think 1 thing this has over Batman 89 is the cinematography. No disrespect to the former, but batman returns looks so good, like the lighting and colour timing look modern.
I'd agree with that. There's a richness to the nighttime cinematography in Returns that the 89 film lacks.
@@EyebrowCinema Shot composition too. Love the channel by the way
@@cianryan5955 Thanks mate.
Very underrated of the Batman films. And one I'll always love.
Like most Tim Burton films, the best things about this movie are the atmosphere & Danny Elfman's music.
The best thing is Michelle Pfeiffer's purr.
Like most unconventional artists, when he's good, he's amazing (Batman films) but when he's bad (Dark Shadows) he's awful!
@@pulsarstargrave256 Poor Tim has taken a downward turn into Disney remake hell!
"The Dark Knight", "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm", "Batman Returns", and "Batman Begins" are to me the best Batman films so far in adapting various aspects of the comics.
Great picks. Happy to see Phantasm in that tier. Wonderful movie.
I actually thought the dark knight rises does a great job of pulling together 'difficult to put on film' comics. No man's land, knightfall and the dark knight returns are all put on the screen in a coherent story.
@@preadultpostteen facts...Not to mention the Count of Monte Cristo and Tale of Two Cities allusions.
Hard agree with these being the best Batman films, though I haven't checked out Mask of Phantasm yet.
My top 3 are:
3) Batman Returns
2) Batman Begins
1) The Dark Knight
This is the ultimate Christmas movie for me, ever since I saw it at Christmas on TV in 93. It is a dark fairy tale, the oldest kind of story, and has more atmosphere than any other superhero movie. It is truly the most emotional if you can lose yourself to it. Burton should be proud of this. (and stop wasting his talent on Disney trash)
I think it's probably my favourite Burton movie, narrowly edging out Ed Wood.
Well Wednesday exist, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice released in September this year.
Batman '89 is a Batman movie with Tim Burton flair. Batman Returns is a Tim Burton movie starring Batman. As a fan of both Tim Burton and Batman I love both films.
I’m so glad I found your channel. I recently rewatched Batman returns and it was a lot better than I remembered. I especially love the atmosphere and tone that Tim Burton builds.
I'm glad you found me too! Cheers, mate.
Spot on with most of your points. Two minor quibbles: Batman doesn't have an arc per se, but he is revealed as a character. The scene where bruce watched penguin on televsion, witnessing a "hero" who was deformed and abandoned by parents hits bruce hard, and he immediately begins seeking evidence that Penguin is evil. This is instinctual: recognizing there similarity is what leads Bruce to be sure there is darkness in penguin's heart because on some level he feels the darkness in his own. Him finding the evidence, he says sadly to Alfred "No, I feel worse." If penguin were truly good, it meant there might be hope for himself. By finding that darkness, that hope in bruce is weakened. This is of accord with your "Batman is one of the villains hypothesis. I mention it because I feel like you were close to making this observation but don't quite.
Batman and killing: I actually think bloodthirsty Batman is a bit overstated for this movie. I see the "kills" as more an extension of what the first film did. The theme behind most of them is that the clown gang are murderous bullies, and Batman is dealing there own evil back at them. The devil man breathes fire to menace the people of Gotham? Batman will set him ablaze. We don't actually know that he died. Even the quintessietial example, Batman dynamiting the strong man, is over blown. You mimick the same editing presentation of the scene I've seen others use, stripping it of context. The dynamite was taken from another gang member, and the strongman is shown to be a heartless and nigh invulnerable brute. Batman turns one of the brute's tactics against him, to prove that he isn't invulnerable and thus cannot just harm people with impunity. And even here, putting the guy down the shoot and cutting to a different shot before the explosion is presented to give the viewer enough wiggle room to suggest the strongman may have gotten far enough away to not die.
Certainly, these are not things most Batmans would do, and would only correspond to a retributive model of justice, one many people disavow. I bring all this up just because I feel your treatment of Batman killing is just a tad too flat, when you show such wonderful nuance on other topics.
But I loved the video. I actually am old enough to have seen this film when it first came out. I was 8, and recall liking it, just not as much as the first one. I rediscovered it when I was a bit older, around 1998, and it blew me away. I have written college papers on this film, particularly Selina's arc, and still watch it every Christmas. Great video!
Good analysis on your part. I, too, have made peace with the fact that Keaton's Batman killed. It bothered me during my younger and more innocent days, but now I actually appreciate the fact that this version of Batman killed, ESPECIALLY in the 1989 film. Let's face it: ABSOLUTELY NO ONE wanted the Joker to survive, let alone escape, at that climax, given everything he'd done. Of course, BATMAN RETURNS is a little different for me. Unlike the Joker and his men, who are hardened killers, the Red Triangle Circus Gang strike me as goofy mischief-makers who get only slightly nasty (well, slightly nasty by Gotham standards) and are barely capable of hurting anyone. They don't turn murderous until toward the end, and that's only because they're afraid of the Penguin. And that clown who takes Selina hostage in the plaza? According to the shooting script and the novelization based on it, the clown didn't grab Selina because he was a tough guy; he did it because Batman had him cornered and he was terrified! He would never have become so menacing if he hadn't been so desperate to save his own skin. It's funny, because when I was much younger I would have nightmares about the Red Triangle Gang coming to get me...but now I understand how truly frightened and pathetic they're shown to be in the movie. You'd think Batman would have gone a little easier on them.
Also, if you look at BATMAN RETURNS in the context of its sequel, BATMAN FOREVER, you'll see that Bruce DID change. Val Kilmer's Batman (yes, different actor, but it's supposed to be the same guy) does everything he can to avoid causing anyone's death if at all possible, and he urges others to adopt the same merciful attitude. I suppose seeing how much Catwoman was like him, as well as how truly messed up she was, was a frightening wake-up call for him. And even if you don't look at BATMAN FOREVER, Bruce still changes here. There's a "Romeo and Juliet" theme in BATMAN RETURNS: Batman was sure that he hated all criminals, but then he falls in love with a criminal! He believed that certain people were just born evil - and about certain of the villains, he might have been right - but then Catwoman taught him that sometimes evil people had good intentions before they were pushed too far. The morality in the second film is certainly more complicated than the rescuing of the "maiden in white" Vicki Vale from an unrepentantly evil mobster.
I would argue that he *does* have an arc; at the beginning of the film he is a hollow husk of a man- who only lives for his animalistic alter ego(this is a consequence of him getting revenge on the Joker in the previous film leaving him very little to live for). In the first act we see him as you say turning the weapons of his enemies against them and in effect becoming that which he set out to fight against. With the Fire Breather, he literally fights fire with fire and the exchange with the Strongman is a literal take on another popular adage; "below the belt".
However this is the last such time the viewer will see Batman resort to such brutalities as from this point on he begins to use less violent tactics to defeat his opponents(aside from a slap across the face to the Penguin, he stands back and allows Penguin to cause his own demise), probably because as SeasideDetective2 suggests; Bruce's interactions with Selina begin to reawaken his ability to empathise as he recognises her drive for revenge against Max and wants to save her from making the same mistake that he did with his parents' killer. Ultimately he fails to prevent her from enacting her revenge, but through his feelings for her; he rediscovers his humanity or as the script would put it;"the man behind the bat". For me, it is definitely a tale of redemption.
@@slimjimpui I do like this take.
I don't think I'll ever buy the whole "we don't really know that Batman actually killed the people that he killed in -insert Batman movie here-. He definetley killed those people.
And while not all killing constitutes murder; I think it goes without saying that Burton's Batman enjoyed killing the criminals he did, regardless of whether or not it was necessary.
Still, while I wouldn't necessarily classify this Batman as a hero; I think it's a bit hypocritical to label him as just "one of the villains". After all; don't we all aplaud bad guys like Harley Quinn when they go up against "worse guys" like Black Mask for selfish reasons?
I'm not saying I approve of all Batman's actions, or even his overall MO (in the Burton movies), but like you said; I think that context and intent are almost always relevent to some extent or other, and often more than people like to admit.
Anyway, great comment and great video. I'm glad that a weird old movie like this can spark such interesting and relevant conversation. With all the crap we've been getting, and will doubtless continue to get from the increasingly stagnant, bloated, corporate "entertainment industry; we'll probably be talking about movies like this for many years to come.
Fun fact: several actors in this movie have gone one to appear on “Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (aside from Danny DeVito obviously)
Keen eyes can spot Ryan McPoyle,
Nosey Wally, and Mac’s Dad
This was an excellent video! Really covered this one well, with points I have never thought of like Batman being the villain.
I always thought this was the better of Burton's two Batman films. darker, more mature and not rushed to completion like the first one just to fit a release date.
I've come to agree. Still love Batman 89 but Returns has a lot more going on regarding character and theme.
I thought this movie was a must a load of trailer moments.. I didn’t feel the arc or story at all . No satisfying shape or pacing to this movie.
Christopher Marlowe I expected a movie as well framed as the first one. As a good story. This was just bits from the trailer. This is what my 13 years old self thought on viewing it anyway.
@@patinho5589 I think every scene will feel like it trailer scene, cos its so amazingly portrayed to have that crazy feel to draw in children, with innocence, and just enough creepiness to shake them up, same with adults, showing how this film should but never will be a masterclass in film making.
There’s only one aspect that 89 Batman has that Returns doesn’t
A Prince Soundtrack those songs rip
But honestly I always enjoy Burton Batman
"Batman" was first but "Returns" is a better movie in a lot of ways.
I agree. Why do you think returns is better? I don’t disagree with you, just wanna know your reasons why
@@kevinbatfan1989 Its darker, and it seems like Burton was more comfortable the second time around. Its sad we never got to see a 3rd. At least we get to see Micheal Keatman again.
Trump's Neck Vagina me too. I just loved the silliness with the duck car, red triangle gang, penguin army, and that colorful train used to kidnap the first born sons of Gotham.
Cinematography, photography, set design... everything on a technical level is so much better in Returns. The first one looks very cheap.
It's also much more Burtony. It has more personnality. The only well developed character in the first one was Bruce/Batman (NIcholson was basically playin' Nicholson).
@@kevinbatfan1989 Nicolson was great as the joker, but returns gives you a great penguin and a great cat woman, also Christopher Walken. More isnt always better, but this time it was.
I was 12 years old when this movie came out. My dad took me to the first film and I don't remember when I saw this first, but it's my favourite Batman film to date! It echoes the 92 animated series. It's bizarre, yet fun. The movie is outstanding. Catwoman, and Christopher Walken are amazing, and it totally holds up.
I've personally loved this movie ever since i first saw it
Dude, you have a wonderful channel. I have found a kindred spirit with your love of film. Keep making amazing and thoughtful videos
Good to meet you, Stephen. Thanks for the kind words.
@@EyebrowCinema I am serious. I have watched so many of your videos in the past few days and your takes on silent movies, Hitchcock, gangster movies are all spot on. I hope to be able to make videos on par with you someday. Love your taste in films.
Re-watched this movie recently and came to appreciate it a lot more, and your video put all my thoughts into words. As you said, a movie this weird and out there is refreshing today, and I absolutely reveled in the delicious performances the it had. It's been a minute since I've seen Batman '89, so I can't say for sure, but this might be my favorite live action Batman movie pre-Dark Knight trilogy.
I still love Batman '89, but I'd give Returns the edge. It's more creative, bizarre, and deeper.
Glad this video spoke to you.
Great video! This is my favorite Batman movie and you did a great job at fleshing out why it’s so good. I’m astounded that you don’t have more subscribers!
Thank you for saying so! I'm glad you liked it.
My favourite Batman movie. I watched Batman Forever first as a 6 year old when it came out and then Batman 89 and Returns soon after. I loved all of them but missed a lot of the humour in the Burton movies until I was older. Now I’m older, I think Returns is a masterpiece
I found it fantastic since basically what people complained about it is what is popular with Batman Comics and the 'Dark and Gritty' Batman films tried to be. A shame that hardly most people realised Batman Returns was that Comic Book-Nolan like film. A must watch.
Yeah, I think a lot of people get hung up on the details that differ from the comics and lose sight of the many ways Batman Returns captures key features of the character and world.
@@EyebrowCinema Exactly that!
Batman Returns is my favourite Batman movie. I just love the atmosphere, the gothic look or setting, the villains and the awesome soundtrack by Danny Elfman. People say oh it's not Batman movie this time, it's more of Tim Burton movie, good. McDonalds getting pissed because they can't sell their happy meal toys, good. He's taking risks and making it dark. It gets a lot of hate which I'm confused. All three characters worked so well. Danny Elfman had to create themes for Catwoman & Penguin. They're memorable. It's easily one of his best scores, highly recommend especially the Birth of the Penguin and his death which is still one of the saddest endings to a villain. It gets me every time. Well maybe the penguins moving his body is a bit silly but it works. It's not easy making the audience feel sad to a villain's death which is something fans didn't expect or want to see. Burton took risks, I'm so glad he did. I cant believe Danny DeVito got a Razzie nomination. You guys are the same idiots who nominated Kubrick & Brian De Palma for worst directors. Including Ennio Morricone's score of the Thing.
The costumes are great even the Bat suit improved. The origins for our villains are told well, both of them are memorable and yet again, the soundtrack makes them even better. Catwoman's origin might be a creepy to some, her first attack with El Scorpio from Predator 2 might be shocking to some especially kids. She's full of surprises.
It was fun seeing Christopher Walken, I can't believe his son is Leatherface or Zangief from Street Fighter. Lucky dad. Then again, Penguin's dad is none other than Pee-wee Herman.
Batman's introduction is sweet and badass. So many memorable shots & scenes. Burton really took it as far as he could.
Although there are some silly moments like the villains getting the blueprint of the batmobile, its still a dark film, so you kinda get a comic book film mixed with Burton's dark side.Overall, a fantastic underrated sequel that went to a new direction and managed to make the comic book characters a bit more interesting like the Penguin. Unfortunately, this is where the darkness stops, too bad, even as a kid, I loved it and still do. Sometimes I wish he continued with the sequels, Burton's version of these characters are unique and they stand out. You might love Nicholson's Joker more, just don't forget the Penguin & Catwoman.
And just like the first movie, Batman does kill in this one.... didn't bother me. Let's not forget he makes out with a zombie...
Everyone prefers the Dark Knight more, great, I don't hate it, it's just that I didn't care for it except the Joker scenes, I was memorized by his performance. To the point that I didn't even want to see Batman anymore.
I prefer Batman Returns, it's cold, dark, weird and fantastic. Believe me, I could go on & on. I haven't even talked about his new gadgets. Funny, as a kid I thought the baby was Batman, when the title showed up with all the bats, it looked like the baby was going to the bat cave. Its weird that both Batman films have great quotes with the word Honey in it. One coming from Joker and the other from Catwoman. And who could forget those cute little penguins with their rockets. Aww they're going to kill the children. Plus the Circus gang looks like Joker's henchmen. I almost forgot the silly pictures of Christopher Walken with Arnold, Elvis etc. Classic. And yes, he does say unlimited poontang. Always take risks, forget about what McDonalds think, pussies. Michael Keaton should have done something since he was the Founder. As Orson Welles once said to Ed Wood, "visions are worth fighting for".
Really loved your video. I agree there is a lot more going on below the surface of Batman Returns.
Man you must be the most underrated film analysis channel, your analysis are just perfect
LEARNING TO LOVE?! I loved that shit from the first time watched it
Same here
Batman returns was quite operatic
Batman Returns is my second favorite Christmas movie.. Right after Die Hard
I find Die Hard 2 more christmassy than the first. The snow and airport setting add a lot to that.
@@cockerpoodles1238 Die Hard 2 is another underrated movie. Yeah its plot is ludicrous, and you can poke all kinds of holes in its narrative, but that movie is also incredibly entertaining and full of action.
I'm going out on a limb, and saying: "The masquerade ball dance scene is the greatest scene in any comic book film."
Wouldn't go that far, but you be you... I will grant you that the Siouxsie and the Banshees song playing during that scene fits it like a razor-clawed glove.
And ironically, I would say that one scene most accurately captures the tragic romance the Batman/Bruce Wayne and Catwoman/Selina Kyle characters have in the comics. Even in spite of the rest of movie taking a lot of liberties with the characters that deviates from the comics.
Selina - "Does this mean we have to start fighting?"
That one single line pretty much summarizes the dynamic between the Batman and Catwoman characters to a tee!
Many good observations. That was a Heath Ledger level portrayal of Catwoman by Pfeiffer. Thanks for pointing that out.
Batman Returns is my 6th favorite movie of all time, my 2nd favorite Superhero film (after the first Raimi Spider-Man), and hands-down my favorite film score ever with Selina Transforms Part 2 (the main Catwoman theme) in particular being my favorite musical composition ever written. No, it is not a very good adaptation of the characters as written in the comics, but it is a truly GREAT motion picture and the world is a better place to have such art in it.
My one contention with this analysis is that I would argue Batman coming to grips with the fact that HE shouldn't kill either IS his arc in this film. After getting his revenge on Joker in the previous film, he's become numb to it. Until he sees how far Penguin and Catwoman are willing to go for revenge and seeing himself in it. Trying to be better. One of the few thing Batman Forever got absolutely right is referencing this arc in Bruce's speech to Robin about the emptiness of vengeance.
Top 10 films?
@@integrity101 1. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
2. Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
3. Spider-Man (2002)
4. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
5. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
6. Batman Returns (1992)
7. Jurassic Park (1993)
8. Gremlins (1984)
9. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
10. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Did you take the screenshots from the 4K UHD release? The color tone looks very much like how it looked at the theaters. Fantastic video essay by the way.
Footage came from the regular Blu-Ray that came with the newest 4K release.
I loved it as soon as I saw the opening credits and heard the music in the cinema as a kid. My favorite Batman film.
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year Eyebrow Cinema,
yet another beautiful video to end the year on.
can't wait for more from you, your editing and attitude are among my favorites
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, my friend. Your continued support as not gone unnoticed. I'm grateful and I hope I continue to entertain you in 2020.
17:10 Dude penguins plan was to drown infants in sewage water, he doesn't deserve sympathy at that point
You’re making me want to watch it right now on HBO Max
Do it!
I loved these Burton films, I was 12 or 13 back then. Crazy and creepy awesome
Dude.
Outstanding analysis. Well done.
I still get chills when Bruce sees the Bat signal in the sky and gets out of his chair into the light
Have always enjoyed Batman Returns since it’s release when I was a child.
Ps anyone who calls Die Hard a Christmas movie, needs to agree Batman Returns is too.
Returns will always be on my top Batman movies. The great thing about this is how Tim Burton make such a good story about individuals corrupted by evil (Max, Penguin, Catwoman) and how Batman is only 1% to become like them. That’s why the ending is such a wonderful tale of good vs evil
Your path with Batman Returns mirrors mine so closely it’s uncanny. I’ve never loved the film until my last viewing of it last month. And wow did I love it. I just kept thinking, how did I not see the brilliance of this film before? I never really got the dark humour of it before. I just thought it was dark. But now I see how hilarious it is. It is, maybe above all else, a dark comedy. One that goes all out. Kind of in the spirit of a Sam Raimi film. It’s great to see you’ve discovered this too. Along the same path I took to get there. I think that’s pretty cool.
So glad to see this marvelous film get the recognition it deserves!
This is certainly the kinkiest of the Batman movies in both Bruce and Bat's relationship with Selina/Catwoman.
Thank you very much for this amazing overlook at one of the most misunderstood superhero movies. I loved that you addressed all the issues about the film so it shows that you aren’t just nostalgic and ignorant, so thank you. I can’t wait to rewatch the film now. Keep making these brilliant videos!
This film was ahead of the curve.
Deconstructing superhero movies before they were even in vogue.
No Joke(r)
VERY valid points. I think the idea regarding Batman's technology is that he's supposed to have things that wouldn't exist in a retail environment. Like how he scratches the CD. That wasn't possible yet. But as far as Bruce's hijacking the sound system, I honestly never noticed it. Lol. Good catch.
Yo this is some great analysis. Subbed!
One thing I would contend is that I doubt Batman's inherent villiany and hypocrisy was not an intention of the creators, but that doesn't make your analysis regarding it incorrect. I totally see where you are coming from.
A very well thought out and presented video. Thank you.
I love the Keaton Batman films, warts and all.
Glad you liked it! Cheers to a fellow Keaton fan.
Great analysis. Well done!
Brilliantly done!
Batman returns not only is my favorite Tim Burton movie, not only my favorite Batman movie, but one of my favorite movies of all times.
I would watch this endlessly as a kid on video and was my favourite for years up until the nolan saga, i have the bluray and still appreciate how great it is and still holds up
I just love the behind-the-scenes stuff from Batman Returns especially the whole McDonald's toy deal with a movie like Batman Returns that is comedy gold especially those kids being forced by their mum to say Batman Returns is an attack on kids 😂
What younger Batman fans may not realize is that Keaton's version of the character is actually based on the original version of the comic book counterpart that was introduced by Bob Kane & Bill Finger back in 1939.
Love this video, good work kiddo!
It is the most beautiful comic book film and my favorite batman movie. And I'm a huge art nouveau fan.
Damn this vid is perfect! Quality content 👌🏻
It's wonderful on many individual performance levels. Everyone shines.
i love the crazy ass cinematography at the climax of Batman Returns when Selina is confronting Shrek highlighting the anger and conflict in her character.
i really wish Penguin wasn’t in this film and Catwoman is the main villian. Michelle is so great in this, seriously, where was her Oscar?
Great analysis. I've always loved this movie (saw it first when I was a kid), it remains my favorite comic book movie to date. As far as Bruce Wayne taking a back seat... not every interesting character has to have an arc. Specially if other big characters do. I always found the introductory shot of B Wayne in this movie interesting: he is sitting alone, pondering. Like he has no personal life. All his life as Bruce is filler, awaiting the moment when he gets to be Batman, and then he is his true self, and feels alive..
I feel this film and Mask of the Phantasm really understand Batman as a character! Both really reflect on the psychology of the character through the villains but also use their visual storytelling really well to tell it's story (unlike the Nolan movies, which are good, but rely on spectacle and are dialogue heavy). Both movies are my own favourites and in my opinion are are the best Batman movies.
Your channel is insanely underrated. This is a brilliant analysis you deserve way way way way more subs dude. I would sub to your Patreon
You deserve way more subs, this is amazing quality for such a small channel.
Hell yes! So glad some people are finally coming around on this.
Lol I did when I rewatched it during quarantine
I think when Batman says he's not above the law in the climax, he really means it. He expects to be damned for his trouble, & he clearly doesn't mind very much. It's an important part of what makes the movie so dark - Batman's only reason for living is ultimately a slow suicide.
This movie has had a more prominent presence in my mind when thinking about Burton's films. The city looks better and less ugly visually for the eyes while keeping its signature dark look. This was a very insightful review that made me see the film with new perspectives, like on your thoughts on the charactets and how they reflect each other in their terrible upbringings.
I've never thought of Batman as one if the villains, but I cant fault your reasoning . And the killing never phased me. I don't think I knew much about Batman until these films came out
Yeah I liked this video but yeah Batman's not really one of the villains, Batman saved many lives in Batman Returns, and really Batman committed justifiable homicide in using deadly force against criminal assailants [attackers, assaulters] intent on either killing or causing serious bodily injury to Batman, and also to innocent victims. Batman only killed in self defense and in defense of innocent victims, which is all a throwback to 1939 Batman when Bill Finger was given creative control by original 1939 Batman editor Vincent "Vin" Sullivan that gave Bill Finger creative freedom from Detective Comics #27 (1939) "The Case of the Chemical Syndicate" written by Bill Finger and art by Bob Kane to Detective Comics #37 (1940) before Whitney "Whit" Ellsworth took over as Batman editor starting with Detective Comics #38 (1940) "Robin the Boy Wonder." Ellsworth created rules in an Editorial Advisory Board that Bill Finger had to follow against Batman and even the villains killing starting in the 1940s, [the editorial mandates included such rules as: "Bloodshed. ─ Characters ─ even villains ─ should never be shown bleeding. No character should be shown being stabbed or shot. The picturization of dead bodies is forbidden. Killing. ─ Heroes should never kill a villain, regardless of the depth of the villainy. Good people should be good, and bad people bad, without middle ground shading. Heroes should act within the law, and for the law."] that's pretty much what became the Comics Code in the 1950s - so that's how the comic book Batman no-kill rule was started. Editorial censorship. www.thecomicbooks.com/dybwad.html
The fact that this movie and bats 89 inspired the hell out of the animated series, tells u how great this film was. On par with the raimi Spider-Man films, Danny elfman is a god like composer. The man created Batman’s soundtrack like bro, how???? Then Spider-Man???? Wtf…. Too talented
"Batman doesn't have a character's arc". Well, yeah, that's Batman for you. He's forever stuck in the alley, crying for his parents, that's what wearing a bat suit and fighting crime is about. It's the tragedy that transformed young Bruce Wayne into a monster and made him insane. And the movie knows it and deals with it perfectly.
Great video!! This is a great movie for the holidays and yes...it's great as a 'dark" movie! Perfectly made!
When I woke up every morning when my mom was going to work I told her to put batman returns everyday in the morring every time I woke up and I love it and I still do I love Tim Burton I watch before I was in pre school or elementary killing joke is my favorite comic
Great video mate! I'll need to rewatch this film, it's been way too long since I've seen it.
You have gotten a subscription out of me because of this video. Keep on the great work.
amazing video, this movie deserve a quality content like this burton was WAYYY ahead on understanding batman. thanks for the upload.
Your points are well articulated and well argued, I disagree but this video was a delight to watch.
Great video!!!
15:39... FINALLY !!!! I’ve been saying that for years and I’m so happy some else gets it
One of my favorite Batman Flicks. I love the mix of goofy dark humor and bleak sincerity. I call it "camp-noir".
Great review! This has over the years crept its way into my heart as being my favourite Batman movie. I grew up with the Bale series and that'll always be special to me, but Returns on so many levels just connects on a deeper level with me. And I just admire the artistry of the movie so damn much.
If there's one thing I disagree with here, it's the phrasing with your point on "Batman is a villain". I would argue that he's not so much a villain as he isn't a hero. While the first Burton movie had elements of film noir, I feel Batman Returns dives full in and becomes a film noir through and through. And one of the most important qualities of a film noir is that there are no heroes. He's not a bad guy or a monster, but he's definitely not a saviour or any kind of symbol of hope. I kind of love this movie for exposing, moreso than maybe any other Batman iteration, that he's just obsessive. One of my favourite bits is that in a 3 scene sequence featuring just him and Alfred, he goes from being sympathetic to the Penguin ("I hope he finds his parents"), to suspicious and investigating, to full on distrust and villainizing. I would say his moral superiority is in some ways justified, he's still technically the least of a set of bad people, but I wouldn't venture to call him a villain. In fact, this may be the most perfect place to use the term "anti-hero".
But man, honestly, great fucking review. Agreed with so much, glad to see someone get this movie and what makes it so special.
Damn watching this 4 years later is wild
This movie does not make me believe in Batman and Catwoman. It makes me believe in Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle.
That's a nice way to put it.
@@EyebrowCinema have you seen Burton's more recent "Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children"? He sort of revisits his themes in this movie as an optimist in that one. Treated with love and kindness, a group of weird kids end up saving the world. Not a great film and shows Burton being "mainstreamed", but it's a good companion piece.
Learning to love? I watched it for the first time two nights ago and didn't need to learn - I LOVED it and found it to be a superior film to Batman 89.
A great visual touch is how Selena smashes the letters in the neon sign to change HELLO THERE to HELL HERE.
Nice work, man.
Cheers. Thank you.
This is kinda why I am gravitating towards DC's superhero films a bit more nowadays. Their attitude seems to be more "let's throw everything to the wall and see what sticks" than a matticulously planned out shared universe. And that does make me excited to see DC movies to be honest. With Marvel I know I will always at least have a good time and sometimes even great, but with DC I really don't know what I am getting. Sometimes it's stinkers like Batman v Superman or Joker, sometimes it's delightful fun like the Birds of Prey, sometimes it is truly great family adventure films like Shazam, and sometimes they are like Aquaman... Which I cannot say whether it's really bad in all the right ways or great in all the wrong ways.