5. Batman Begins (2005)
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Cillian Murphy
The first installment of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy tells the origin story of Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), having just returned to Gotham City. The film provides a fleshed out and detailed description of how Bruce becomes Batman, starting all the way from when he watched his parents be murdered as a child, to the creation of “The Batman”.
Nolan provides a side of Batman cinema hadn’t seen before - the darker, grittier aspects that had only really been explored in the comics. In this world, Batman is taken seriously, crime is committed by underground organisations and corrupted psychiatrists. Typical comic villains like the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) and Ra’s Al Ghul (Liam Neeson) have lost most of their fantastical elements, however, the universe Nolan builds makes it work.
The film isn’t without its faults; some characters could be developed better, the worldbuilding is lackluster in comparison to other Batman films (although ironically, the best of the trilogy). Ultimately, though, the film is a great introduction to a new side of Batman mainstream audiences typically hadn’t seen before, and holds up as a strong adaptation of the beloved hero.
4. Batman Forever (1995)
Directed by: Joel Schumacher
Starring: Val Kilmer, Chris O’Donnell, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman
When Tim Burton stepped down as director of Batman films after Batman and Batman Returns, the introduction of Joel Schumacher polarised audiences. Along with Tim Burton went Michael Keaton, who played the lead role, as well as the tone, writing and overall feel of the universe. Controversially, I love this.
The film follows Bruce Wayne (Val Kilmer) trying to defeat new villains, work with a new sidekick and pursue a new love interest. As far as performances go, it’s a mixed bag - standouts for me include Jim Carrey as the Riddler and Chris O’Donnell as Robin, however, Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face and Nicole Kidman as Dr Chase Meridian fall flat, in my opinion.
Aesthetically, I think this film is excellent. The atmosphere of Gotham is wildly different to the gothic landscape Tim Burton created, but the bright neon, almost surreal elements compliment the tone of the film phenomenally. While the film isn’t perfect, it’s still enjoyable and, as far as I’m concerned, underrated.
3. The Batman (2022)
Directed by: Matt Reeves
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright
The newest cinematic adaptation of Batman (Robert Pattinson) sees him face a wildly different version of the Riddler (Paul Dano), who instead of being a wacky, unpredictable adversary like Carrey’s iteration, is calculated and manipulative. He’s more sinister, and, while there are downsides to this version (his costume…), Dano’s performance is solid and captivating.
This interpretation of Bruce Wayne is also refreshing for the big screen - a character who is typically tough, charming and sometimes smug is now less experienced as a crime fighter and dealing with the effects of his parents’ death.
The atmosphere of Gotham is my favourite part of the film - we have a grittier Gotham once again, but it’s not just a city like in The Dark Knight trilogy, it’s industrial and grounded yet still stands out aesthetically. The noir-esque atmosphere emphasises the detective side of Batman that is often overlooked, and sets it apart.
2. Batman Returns (1992)
Directed by: Tim Burton
Starring: Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, Danny DeVito, Christopher Walken
If you asked me what quintessential Batman was, cinematically, I would point you in the direction of Batman Returns, the sequel to 1989’s Batman. This is the first live action Batman since Adam West in the 1960s, and Michael Keaton’s iteration has become just as, if not more, beloved.
We follow Batman facing off against the Penguin (Danny DeVito) - a stark contrast from future adaptations such as Colin Farrel in The Batman - and a new love interest as well as antagonist Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). Alongside these are corrupt businessman Max Shreck (Christopher Walken).
In my opinion, this is Batman (1989) but 1000x better. The characters, especially Bruce Wayne himself, are way more fleshed out, and the atmosphere of Gotham City is perfectly comic accurate whilst also original. This is a perfect example of what mainstream Batman should be.
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Heath Ledger
The second installment of The Dark Knight trilogy shows the film of the same name, with the Joker (Heath Ledger) being the main threat, and an impactful one at that. Bruce now has to stop the terror of the clown, whilst also juggling his own personal feelings towards childhood friend Rachel (Maggie Gyllenhall) who is currently in a relationship with beloved district attorney Harvey Dent.
The characterisation of the Joker is obviously a main standout, and at the time was a fresh iteration for the big screen. Heath Ledger’s performance is something that can never be replicated, and has captivated audiences from the moment it came out. The characters in general feel much stronger than in Batman Begins - Bale’s Batman, Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon, Michael Caine as Alfred, they all are perfected in this installment.
There’s a reason The Dark Knight is such a memorable film for so many, and that’s because it’s amazing. From the performances, to the cinematography, to the story - it’s hard to find a negative.
By Elizabeth Gallagher.
