Is Batman the most cinematic superhero/comicbook character?

[Kevin Roegele]

Batman was heavily inspired by creepy, shadowy 1930's horror movies, such as The Bat Whispers and The Man Who Laughs, as well as film noir. As such, it makes sense that Batman works onscreen better than any other superhero. The hugely appealing visual of a man dressed as a bat, and the relatively easy-to-suspend disbelief compared to superheroes with powers, make him perfect for cinema. Christopher Reeve or Tobey Maguire only put on costumes and pretend to do what their characters do; Keaton or Bale put on the costume, drive a real Batmobile, learn real martial arts, get real toys.

http://www.punkasspunk.com/videolog/20050724/The_Man_Who_Laughs_(1928)_3.jpg
Conrad Veidt in The Man Who Laughs

Then there is the James Bond factor; Batman movies have amazingly cool cars (and vehicles); gadgets; a new Hollywood babe as the romatic intrest every movie; unforgettable villains; huge scale action and stunts; and an ever changing leading man. I'm not suggesting the Batman movies are modelled solely on the Bond ones, they are not. However, the James Bond movies have been an huge influence on every action movie (just ask Christopher Nolan which films inspired him on Batman Begins).

[Bat Attack]

Yes.

[Furious Styles]

One thing I really enjoyed about Tim Burton's Batman was the subtle, yet suggestive nature in which Burton presented Batman. He didn't necessarily paint Batman as the hero, or the villain. He didn't show us Batman's origin, he only hinted at Bruce Wayne's inner pain and turmoil. Little provocative things that help flesh out Batman, but keep an aura of mystery about him.

Batman is a very sexy character, who can be used in many different fashions and still keep his appeal. I would have to say yes, just because of his longevity in different mediums as well as what we have seen out of the films. Batman can be presented using german expressionism and film noir elements (Returns) and work quite well and he can presented in a more "typical" style ala Begins.

[Dr. Fate]

Batman was heavily inspired by creepy, shadowy 1930's horror movies, such as The Bat Whispers and The Man Who Laughs, as well as film noir. As such, it makes sense that Batman works onscreen better than any other superhero. The hugely appealing visual of a man dressed as a bat, and the relatively easy-to-suspend disbelief compared to superheroes with powers, make him perfect for cinema. Christopher Reeve or Tobey Maguire only put on costumes and pretend to do what their characters do; Keaton or Bale put on the costume, drive a real Batmobile, learn real martial arts, get real toys.

http://www.punkasspunk.com/videolog/20050724/The_Man_Who_Laughs_%281928%29_3.jpg
Conrad Veidt in The Man Who Laughs

Then there is the James Bond factor; Batman movies have amazingly cool cars (and vehicles); gadgets; a new Hollywood babe as the romatic intrest every movie; unforgettable villains; huge scale action and stunts; and an ever changing leading man. I'm not suggesting the Batman movies are modelled solely on the Bond ones, they are not. However, the James Bond movies have been an huge influence on every action movie (just ask Christopher Nolan which films inspired him on Batman Begins).
Everything is "inspired" by something else, really.

[CConn]

I have to say, this is a really nice point, not just about Batman being the most cinematic, but about character influences in general. :up:
Everything is "inspired" by something else, really.Yes, but while - let's say - Superman is "inspired" by religious stories and beliefs, Batman is based highly on a style of film. They're all based on something different, which makes them all quite interesting in a way.

[El Payaso]

One thing I really enjoyed about Tim Burton's Batman was the subtle, yet suggestive nature in which Burton presented Batman. He didn't necessarily paint Batman as the hero, or the villain. He didn't show us Batman's origin, he only hinted at Bruce Wayne's inner pain and turmoil. Little provocative things that help flesh out Batman, but keep an aura of mystery about him.

Exactly.

[November Rain]

hmmmm.....

nah, i dont think so...

[titan101]

Batman is a very sexy character.....






..........























WTF????!!!!!!!

[Kevin Roegele]

Everything is "inspired" by something else, really.

Of course. Nothing is created in a vacuum.

Batman comes partly from Zorro who comes partly from Robin Hood who comes partly from Hearne the Hunter who comes partly from the Green Man.....and so on.

[Kevin Roegele]

I have to say, this is a really nice point, not just about Batman being the most cinematic, but about character influences in general. :up:


:up: Thanks buddy.

[Two-Face]

Batman is a very sexy character, who can be used in many different fashions and still keep his appeal.

Sorry but I find to funny! hahaha!!

*Schumacher is back*:D

[Furious Styles]

Main Entry: sexy
Pronunciation: 'sek-sE
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): sex·i·er; -est
1 : sexually suggestive or stimulating : EROTIC
2 : generally attractive or interesting : APPEALING

Sorry about that, I guess I'll leave the Batman banter to the professionals

[batmaluco]

http://www.punkasspunk.com/videolog/20050724/The_Man_Who_Laughs_(1928)_3.jpg
Conrad Veidt in The Man Who Laughs

Great pic, this is totally 40's Joker. :up:

[CConn]

.....

..........

WTF????!!!!!!!Oh come on. I think we'd all **** Batman.

Or at least give him an HJ.

[Zephyr Alexian]

Oh come on. I think we'd all **** Batman.

Or at least give him an HJ.

Oh noes. . . I'd buy him a prostitute to spoon w/, but Bats is on his own for the other stuff.:(

[Riven]

the answer is "yes".

[Kevin Roegele]

Great pic, this is totally 40's Joker. :up:

If you read Batman #1, the pictures of the Joker are completely based on him.

[SharonNash]

I'm risking to be VERY unpopular round here, but... I think that he is not... first of all 'cause first guy (and one of the greatest comic based movie hero) was Superman - i guess he should be number one (and only then - our favorite Bat guy):supes:

[TheGrayGhost]

One thing I really enjoyed about Tim Burton's Batman was the subtle, yet suggestive nature in which Burton presented Batman. He didn't necessarily paint Batman as the hero, or the villain. He didn't show us Batman's origin, he only hinted at Bruce Wayne's inner pain and turmoil. Little provocative things that help flesh out Batman, but keep an aura of mystery about him.

Batman is a very sexy character, who can be used in many different fashions and still keep his appeal. I would have to say yes, just because of his longevity in different mediums as well as what we have seen out of the films. Batman can be presented using german expressionism and film noir elements (Returns) and work quite well and he can presented in a more "typical" style ala Begins.

:rolleyes:

You are definitely giving a back-handed statement to Batman Begins, and while I would like to fully counter your post, I think we've all beaten this Burton VS Nolan debate to death. Needless to say, I disagree with all of your post.

[krpton2]

yes.

[Katsuro]

Of course he is. Thats part of what makes Batman Begins so great, is that it feels like so much more than just some comic book movie. It's got this great epic feel, and it appeals to a much wider audience. My older sister actually enjoyed this film, and she rarely likes anything that's not retarded. I saw it with my folks in theaters once, and my mother was actually able to stay awake for the whole film. If you knew my mother, you would know what a feat that was.

And even a lot of the graphic novels feel like movies. Long Halloween would make an awesome movie, or perhaps an HBO miniseries.

[Kevin Roegele]

I'm risking to be VERY unpopular round here, but... I think that he is not... first of all 'cause first guy (and one of the greatest comic based movie hero) was Superman - i guess he should be number one (and only then - our favorite Bat guy):supes:

Not sure I understand your argument. The question is nothing to do with comics per se; it's simply, which character, originally appearing in comics, works best in movies? I believe it's Batman.

[Kevin Roegele]

My older sister actually enjoyed this film, and she rarely likes anything that's not retarded. I saw it with my folks in theaters once, and my mother was actually able to stay awake for the whole film. If you knew my mother, you would know what a feat that was.

LOL, fun times at the cinema.

[Furious Styles]

I think it's been said before, but it's somewhat ironic that some elements of Batman were inspired by The Shadow and The Phantom pulps of the time, yet as far as cinema is concerned, the Batman films are of a much higher quality than the Shadow and Phantom films.

Too bad because a series of Shadow films with Alec Baldwin would be fine by me.

[Kevin Roegele]

I think it's been said before, but it's somewhat ironic that some elements of Batman were inspired by The Shadow and The Phantom pulps of the time, yet as far as cinema is concerned, the Batman films are of a much higher quality than the Shadow and Phantom films.

Too bad because a series of Shadow films with Alec Baldwin would be fine by me.

:up: I love that film.

[HerosOnFilm]

Very much the most cinematic. There's something about dark film noir that is so appealing, and a character filled with angst and vengeance.

[Furious Styles]

:up: I love that film.

My absolute favourite superhero film. Even moreso than Batman Begins, S:TM and B'89. Like you said once before, Alec Baldwin would have made a great Bruce Wayne/Batman. I think he does a great job presenting the hero with the tortured soul, always on the precipice of returning to his darkened past.

The whole theme of redemption works really well with the reworking of the character's origin as well. Making him evil in the beginning, only to be redeemed and later face that same evil in the form of Shiwan Khan. It gives a new dimension to the whole "Who Knows What Evil Lurks Inside The Hearts Of Men" line.

My only gripe with the film was not being able to see The Tulku train Lamont Cranston. I think it would have been awesome to see Baldwin struggling with mastering the Phurba, maybe give the ending more weight. Maybe even a scene of The Shadow leaving, only to see The Tulku take on Shiwan Khan. But that's just fanatic fanboyism on my part.

Too bad the LA Earthquake messed up the ending of the film. I could go on and about this movie lol...AHAHAHHAHAAHH *Maniacal Shadow Laugh*

http://www.shadowsanctum.net/screen/screen_1994/Music_Video-Shadow.jpg

[Kevin Roegele]

My absolute favourite superhero film. Even moreso than Batman Begins, S:TM and B'89. Like you said once before, Alec Baldwin would have made a great Bruce Wayne/Batman. I think he does a great job presenting the hero with the tortured soul, always on the precipice of returning to his darkened past.

The whole theme of redemption works really well with the reworking of the character's origin as well. Making him evil in the beginning, only to be redeemed and later face that same evil in the form of Shiwan Khan. It gives a new dimension to the whole "Who Knows What Evil Lurks Inside The Hearts Of Men" line.

My only gripe with the film was not being able to see The Tulku train Lamont Cranston. I think it would have been awesome to see Baldwin struggling with mastering the Phurba, maybe give the ending more weight. Maybe even a scene of The Shadow leaving, only to see The Tulku take on Shiwan Khan. But that's just fanatic fanboyism on my part.

Too bad the LA Earthquake messed up the ending of the film. I could go on and about this movie lol...AHAHAHHAHAAHH *Maniacal Shadow Laugh*

http://www.shadowsanctum.net/screen/screen_1994/Music_Video-Shadow.jpg

I could watch this movie all day. The atmosphere is so strong you can almost touch it. The performances, especially Baldwin and Penelope Ann Miller, are absolutely perfect. It's one of the most watchable movies I've ever seen.

[HerosOnFilm]

The Shadow was very underrated in my opinion. Like a lot of people, I back in the day thought Baldwin would have made a great BM/Bruce Wayne.

His performance in The Shadow proves it.

[SharonNash]

The Shadow was very underrated in my opinion. Like a lot of people, I back in the day thought Baldwin would have made a great BM/Bruce Wayne.

His performance in The Shadow proves it.
And why do u think so... it was very average - both the performance and script...:confused:

[HerosOnFilm]

Well, it was a bit cheesy, but some parts were cool. Alec Baldwin did a good job in my opinion...people might think of him as a goofball actor that hosts Saturday Night Live all the time, but he really can (could act). I have no doubt if he played BM/BW...he would have brought something great to the character. He has the deep, menacing voice, the dark hair, the total look. He wasn't always bloated and overweight, and with a good script, I think he would have done well.

[Whack Arnolds]

He would've been Batman had him and Burton got along on the set of Beetlejuice. That's the word on the street. I think he would've been better than Keaton. He had the look, the voice, and the same intensity and creepyness of Keaton.

[Whack Arnolds]

Too bad the LA Earthquake messed up the ending of the film.


What happened, and what was messed up?

[Furious Styles]

What happened, and what was messed up?

It's been said that the production team had planned a much longer ending to the film than what you witness in the final cut. The final duel between Khan and The Shadow was much longer in the hall of mirrors with much more of an emphasis put on The Shadow's darkened past as Ying Ku.

Khan uses the hall of mirrors to confront The Shadow with his darkened past and the mirrors reflect certain parts in his life where he was "evil." The Shadow overcomes this and ends up defeating Khan like you see in the final cut.

A few days or weeks before production was about to wrap up, an earthquake caused all the mirrors to break and destroyed the set. They had no budget left and were forced to edit the final scene together with what they had already filmed.

So that's why the ending feels almost anti-climatic, with a minimal amount of confrontation between Khan and The Shadow...

http://www.shadowsanctum.net/screen/screen_1994/delscene-Lamonts-past.jpg

[Whack Arnolds]

That would have been an awesome ending. I like the movie. It is particularly cheesy, but a good entertaining cheesy.

[SharonNash]

Well, it was a bit cheesy, but some parts were cool. Alec Baldwin did a good job in my opinion...people might think of him as a goofball actor that hosts Saturday Night Live all the time, but he really can (could act). I have no doubt if he played BM/BW...he would have brought something great to the character. He has the deep, menacing voice, the dark hair, the total look. He wasn't always bloated and overweight, and with a good script, I think he would have done well.
agreed. i'd say that guy had few nice appereances, but... he is not top class actor. and movie still wasn't that good:(

[KrazyJ1098]

Ah, The Shadow. That was an excellent film in my opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, the cheese was there, but there was also a bit of cheese in Batman Begins. I thought a couple of lines were a little far fetched in Batman Begins. Not a gripe at all, I enjoyed it.

But yes, Baldwin would've been an incredible Batman. I'm sure of it.