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.

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.

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.

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

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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.

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*

 

[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]

Conrad Veidt in The Man Who Laughs

Great pic, this is totally 40's Joker.

 

[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.

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)

 

[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.

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 ******ed. 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)

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 ******ed. 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.

I love that film.