1 / 16

Film Appreciation Superheroes and Batman

Film Appreciation Superheroes and Batman. Superheroes in Sci-Fi History of the character Batman (1989) – Tim Burton dir. What is a superhero?.

javan
Download Presentation

Film Appreciation Superheroes and Batman

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Film AppreciationSuperheroes and Batman Superheroes in Sci-Fi History of the character Batman (1989) – Tim Burton dir.

  2. What is a superhero? • “A hero is someone who rises above his or her fears and limitations to achieve something extraordinary ... a hero embodies what we believe is best in ourselves" - Danny Fingeroth, ‘Superman on the Couch’ • Superheroes have the benefit of a super power, intelligence, strength and an interesting cast of supporting characters and villains • Most stories involve a protagonist fighting crime or an evil that threatens society at large • Super hero characters are a successful box office draw, especially in recent years as ‘summer blockbusters’

  3. Superheroes • Are super heroes ‘science fiction’? What scientific backgrounds are given for the characters? (Superman, Spiderman, X-Men, Captain America, Iron Man, etc.?) • Elements of fantasy and stretching the theoretical limits of science are blended into the ‘sci-fi’ to create fantastic characters (Thor, Conan, etc.) • Ultimately, super hero stories are used to make observations on mankind. For example…

  4. Superheroes as Metaphor • X-Men – an allegory to social inequality • Hulk – anger and violence vs. compassion and calm • Spiderman – growing up and becoming more than you thought you could be • Superman – responsibility to be true to yourself and your abilities – what can I do to help others? • Captain America - nationalism

  5. Batman • Created in 1939 by comic artist Bob Kane • First appeared in Detective Comics issue #27 • Adapted for radio, TV and film • Along with Superman formed the cornerstone of early super hero comics

  6. Batman in the media • 1943 and 1949 theatrical serials • 15 part series played prior to or after a main theatrical feature • Lewis Wilson (pictured) and Robert Lowery played Batman • Batman is a US agent fighting Japanese forces during WWII (1943) and fights a villain named The Wizard (1949)

  7. Batman in the media • 1966 TV series and film • Starred Adam West as Batman • ‘Campy’ style – bright colors, big fight scenes, corny jokes • Batman '66 TV Clip

  8. Batman in the media • 1989 Batman and 1992 Batman Returns films directed by Tim Burton • Starred Michael Keaton as Batman • Returned to a darker and more serious take on the Batman story

  9. Batman in the media • 1995 Batman Forever and 1997 Batman and Robin films directed by Joel Schumacher • Starred Val Kilmer and George Clooney • Blended the darker Burton style with the vibrant ’66 style

  10. Batman in the media • 2005-2012, Batman Begins – The Dark Knight – The Dark Knight Rises directed by Christopher Nolan • Starred Christian Bale as Batman • Presented Batman in a real-world setting set apart from the ‘comic book’ nature of previous films

  11. Batman in the media • Several appearances in radio programs, cartoon series, syndicated newspaper comic strips, graphic novels, video games, etc. • Merchandising

  12. Batman as Science Fiction? • How is Batman ‘science fiction’? • He gains his advantage from his deductive reasoning, detective work, strength, agility and training. His utility belt and Batmobile provides him access to technologically advanced weapons and devices. He has no true ‘super’ power. He is a product of wealth, technology and motivation. • The ‘rogues gallery’ of villains are often monsters created from or owing their power to some science-fiction conceit (i.e. Two-Face having acid thrown on him, The Penguin uses an umbrella fitted with advanced weaponry) • Gotham City is usually portrayed as a ‘near future’ society – recognizable to us but with certain technological and societal advances

  13. Batman and Mankind • Quest for justice - vigiliantism • Facing your fears • Good vs. Evil • Critique of corruption in politics and law enforcement

  14. Batman (1989) – Dir. Tim Burton • Tim Burton is known for his attention to art design – all of his films have a signature ‘style’ • Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Alice in Wonderland, Ed Wood, Mars Attacks, Nightmare Before Christmas (producer) • Wanted to return Batman to the dark tone of the comics

  15. Batman (1989) Michael Keaton Jack Nicholson

  16. Batman (1989) • #2 grossing film of 1989, broke box office records • Casting of Michael Keaton was controversial as he was not known as an action star • Jack Nicholson (The Joker) demanded top billing, a high salary, a cut of the box office and filming schedule fit to his needs • Danny Elfman’smusical score has been used as a Batman ‘theme’ ever since • Liberties with the characters and their histories are taken by the film, don’t expect everything to be how you expect it to be

More Related