Warner Bros. and DC Comics have always been at the forefront batman For decades, both in comics and in expanded media like television, gameand movies. The last character seemed to work particularly well, and his presence had a big impact on many viewers. But no matter which Bat actor grew up with them, or whatever their first non-comic medium about the character was, all of them exist in the shadow of a specific interpretation of the Bat in some way.
Originally released on June 23, 1989, the film directed by Tim Burton was effectively ground zero for the Dark Knight’s lasting influence in pop culture for decades. It’s the first Batman movie since Adam West’s 1966 film, which is a big deal in itself and a rarity in franchise filmmaking these days. This importance increased further when Keaton and Jack Nicholson played the Bat and the Joker respectively. Before accepting the role, Nicholson famously made the request to have top billing alongside his co-stars in promotional materials, as well as a share of merchandise sales and film proceeds, which led to the subsequent filming US$60-90 millionaccording to biographer Marc Eliot in 2013.
batman It ended up grossing $411.6 million at the box office and became the sixth-highest-grossing film of the year, so Nick Thorson had some pretty good foresight on this one. But he, like others at the time, may not have predicted how definitive the film would end up being. On a smaller scale, its impact is stark: without this film, we wouldn’t Batman: The Animated Series (It even borrowed the theme song from the movie, produced by Danny Elfman opening), or subsequently defined the DC Animated Universe for many generations. Superhero storytelling on television. Likewise, you can easily feel its magic throughout its three sequels, each of which follows up the first film with its rather interesting (and often bizarre) tone and shakes of the then-established Batman canon. to adapt.
In terms of the larger landscape of Hollywood, you can also trace our current obsession with box office openings back to batman. In its first weekend, it netted $40.9 million, breaking a record set earlier this year Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Ghostbusters II. As a salon writer of the time pointed out Scott Mendelson in 2009, batman “Redefining how much money a movie can make in its first three days of release. […] It’s the first big opening weekend for an industry that ultimately focuses almost entirely on the first three days as the cornerstone of a movie’s success.
it is Batman’s It’s the casting that has the greatest staying power, though. At the time, Keaton’s choice was a controversial one, as he was primarily known for comedic roles. The film’s success continues to illustrate why you can’t judge a book by its cover, but the lesson hasn’t quite sunk in yet. Heath Ledger and Robert Downey Jr.—or hell, even the current Batman Rob Pattinson-when them Later playing the Joker and Iron Man, as was the case with Keaton, both actors’ interpretations of their respective characters ended up being more defined than anyone could have imagined. Even putting that aside, Keaton’s successful Batman transformation may ultimately inspire other stars to take the chance and make movies outside of their comfort zones.
There are many actors who have picked up covers (or That guy dubs pick it up) over the decades, and the spirit of 1989 batman somehow continuing to exist through them. Even so, it was only recently that WB decided to dive back into that particular well of Sam Hamm and Joe Quinones. Batman ’89 The comic sets up a new postbatman returns Continuity allows it to handle well with clues dropped after that film, particularly Billy Dee Williams’s Two-Face and Marlon Wayans’ Robin. John Jackson Miller to provide sequel to original film resurrection novel In October, Keaton even chose to get dressed again flash and batgirl. Given how much the World Bank likes to go back in time Digging old wellsthis relative restraint is a little surprising, but it may speak to the studio’s commitment to Batman(1989) Importantly, it knows not to milk that particular cow too hard.
Likewise, the character of Batman is very important to DC and Warner Bros. batman The film also has the energy of modern Hollywood. Even though it might not be the absolute best Bat-movie (depending on the audience), we’d all be poorer if it didn’t exist, especially since it would mean losing a pretty great one prince Soundtrack. So here it is for you, Batman(1989)– You didn’t plan on doing this, but you are the grandfather of superhero movies and modern blockbuster culture.
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