CFE
The never-ending battle
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I've heard all too often that "Batman Forever" is nothing more than a technicolor popcorn flick. In one aspect that is true...at least more so than the Burton films by far.
But I think that there are quite a few characteristics of the film beneath it's glossed surface. Maybe bringing those themes and metaphors to light will help make "Batman Forever" look more appealing...but above all this thread is for the fans that, IMO, just don't get it...
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Psychological Dychotimy:
This is the most relevant theme in the film to me...Obviously hindering on Batman, who's personality is split between he and his alter ego Bruce Wayne. The theme is forwarded more so by the presence of Two-Face. However I think the Riddler does a better job of being a psychological foil for Batman.
In everyway it's displayed that Nygma is the anti-thesis of Bruce. Both men are very brilliant and yet obviously insane in some form or another. Both suffer fractured psyches (Bruce for his parent's death and Nygma for his genius being shunned) and to cope with their losses, they decide to dress up in over the top costumes and represent the two factions of order and chaos (yes, Joker is the true dual side of the coin, but this is "Batman Forever" so...)
Jealousy:
The mirror reflections of Wayne and Nygma bridge over to the issue of jealousy. Bruce is everything Nygma is not...wealthy, successful with women, highly respected, and above all, he leads a life of true significane (Batman). Therfore, what once was admiration for Bruce turns into pure hatred as Nygma takes it upon himself to become Bruce Wayne in his own perverted way, even going as far as to create a corporation bearing his own name (Nygmatech/Wayne Enterprises).
Also it can be contested that Dick Grayson is jealous of Bruce, especially upon discovering his identity. As Batman, Wayne is given the chance to symbolically avenge the deaths of his parents...a chance that Grayson wishes for himself. In the context of the films, it can also be mentioned that since Bruce was given a more direct opportunity by taking down the murderer of his parents (Joker) Dick would want the same opprtunity with Two-Face.
Redemption:
The biggest theme that the film hinges on...
Bruce sheds light on the concept that it's his own fault the Waynes were murdered, forcing them to go out that night for a film. Had the true essence of this plot thread been allowed to stay in the film, audiences would've seen it more clearly. But you can make it out in some instances. It's alluded to when Bruce confesses that he might have been able to save the Flying Graysons, but instead he comments to Alfred that "I killed them" which is the same way he feels about his own parents.
Though the choice for himself is no longer avalible, Bruce sees a chance to redeem himself vicariously through Dick Grayson; going along with Alfred's belief that "young men with a mind for revenge need little encouragement...they need guidance." He sees the same rage and pain that he felt, and for not being able to save the Graysons, that helps him to come to the conclusion of taking the boy in, despite at first not wishing a life of vengeance and lonliness on Grayson.
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There are more that I can think of, and I'll be happy to keep going, but I want this thread to be open to other members to share their imput...
What other Psychological themes and metaphors do YOU see in "Batman Forever?" I know that with it's bold and colorful surface it might be more difficult a task than say looking for subtlties in "Batman Returns" but an educated and mature mind can do anything.
Here's an oppotunity to prove you have such a mind.
Besides, as Kevin said...it's about time a different sort of discussion be brought about for this 1995 sequel. And I'm happy to oblige.
CFE
But I think that there are quite a few characteristics of the film beneath it's glossed surface. Maybe bringing those themes and metaphors to light will help make "Batman Forever" look more appealing...but above all this thread is for the fans that, IMO, just don't get it...
-----------------------
Psychological Dychotimy:
This is the most relevant theme in the film to me...Obviously hindering on Batman, who's personality is split between he and his alter ego Bruce Wayne. The theme is forwarded more so by the presence of Two-Face. However I think the Riddler does a better job of being a psychological foil for Batman.
In everyway it's displayed that Nygma is the anti-thesis of Bruce. Both men are very brilliant and yet obviously insane in some form or another. Both suffer fractured psyches (Bruce for his parent's death and Nygma for his genius being shunned) and to cope with their losses, they decide to dress up in over the top costumes and represent the two factions of order and chaos (yes, Joker is the true dual side of the coin, but this is "Batman Forever" so...)
Jealousy:
The mirror reflections of Wayne and Nygma bridge over to the issue of jealousy. Bruce is everything Nygma is not...wealthy, successful with women, highly respected, and above all, he leads a life of true significane (Batman). Therfore, what once was admiration for Bruce turns into pure hatred as Nygma takes it upon himself to become Bruce Wayne in his own perverted way, even going as far as to create a corporation bearing his own name (Nygmatech/Wayne Enterprises).
Also it can be contested that Dick Grayson is jealous of Bruce, especially upon discovering his identity. As Batman, Wayne is given the chance to symbolically avenge the deaths of his parents...a chance that Grayson wishes for himself. In the context of the films, it can also be mentioned that since Bruce was given a more direct opportunity by taking down the murderer of his parents (Joker) Dick would want the same opprtunity with Two-Face.
Redemption:
The biggest theme that the film hinges on...
Bruce sheds light on the concept that it's his own fault the Waynes were murdered, forcing them to go out that night for a film. Had the true essence of this plot thread been allowed to stay in the film, audiences would've seen it more clearly. But you can make it out in some instances. It's alluded to when Bruce confesses that he might have been able to save the Flying Graysons, but instead he comments to Alfred that "I killed them" which is the same way he feels about his own parents.
Though the choice for himself is no longer avalible, Bruce sees a chance to redeem himself vicariously through Dick Grayson; going along with Alfred's belief that "young men with a mind for revenge need little encouragement...they need guidance." He sees the same rage and pain that he felt, and for not being able to save the Graysons, that helps him to come to the conclusion of taking the boy in, despite at first not wishing a life of vengeance and lonliness on Grayson.
----------
There are more that I can think of, and I'll be happy to keep going, but I want this thread to be open to other members to share their imput...
What other Psychological themes and metaphors do YOU see in "Batman Forever?" I know that with it's bold and colorful surface it might be more difficult a task than say looking for subtlties in "Batman Returns" but an educated and mature mind can do anything.
Here's an oppotunity to prove you have such a mind.
Besides, as Kevin said...it's about time a different sort of discussion be brought about for this 1995 sequel. And I'm happy to oblige.
CFE
How was it in England during those days, old man?
