Send us a text

Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight? Tim Burton's 1989 Batman transformed not just how we see the Dark Knight, but how Hollywood approaches superhero films entirely.

When Michael Keaton was announced as Batman, fans were outraged. A petition with 50,000 signatures protested the decision. Even Batman creator Bob Kane expressed doubt. Fast forward to today, and many consider Keaton the definitive live-action Batman, perfectly balancing Bruce Wayne's sophistication with Batman's brooding intensity.

Jack Nicholson's Joker performance remains legendary. After negotiating a percentage of box office and merchandise sales (earning him between $50-90 million), Nicholson delivered a villain for the ages - theatrical, unpredictable, and genuinely menacing. His iconic line about dancing with the devil still sends chills down spines decades later.

What makes this film special is how it broke from convention. Rather than beginning with Batman's origin story, Burton introduces him as an established vigilante, gradually revealing his past through carefully placed flashbacks. The film's gothic visual style, Danny Elfman's unforgettable score, and practical effects created a Gotham City that feels tangible and timeless.

Batman grossed $411 million worldwide, holding the record for highest-grossing superhero film until 2002's Spider-Man. More importantly, it proved comic book adaptations could be serious artistic and commercial ventures, paving the way for everything from Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy to today's superhero renaissance.

What's your favorite Batman film? Does Keaton still hold the crown as the best Batman, or has another actor claimed the cowl? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!

Support the show