Directed by:
Tim BurtonScreenplay:
Daniel WatersCinematography:
Stefan CzapskyComposer:
Danny ElfmanCast:
Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Michael Gough, Rick Zumwalt, Michael Murphy, Andrew Bryniarski, Pat Hingle (more)VOD (5)
Plots(1)
Gotham City faces two monstrous criminal menaces: the bizarre, sinister Penguin (Danny DeVito) and the slinky, mysterious Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). Can Batman (Michael Keaton) battle two formidable foes at once? Especially when one wants to be mayor and the other is romantically attracted to Gotham's hero? (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (11)
For me, Tim Burton's second Batman is clearly better than the first. And for several reasons. First of all, I love the dark atmosphere, and Burton serves it up much more frequently and also more palatably (I'm not saying digestibly) here compared to the first. The sets and the production design are absolutely perfect, and every shot breathes sophistication and the incredible care with which Burton built each scene. I admit, and also agree with the opinion of others, that it may be harder to digest for some with weaker stomachs, as it is a bit scary at times. The lion's share of the slickness and quality of the whole film is due to Danny Elfman, whose soundtrack is absolutely phenomenal and matches all the features of the second Batman to a tee. If it weren't for Christopher Nolan, this would be the best Batman ever and could hardly ever be topped. But The Dark Knight is The Dark Knight.)
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I like Tim Burton, but he should never touch comic books again. Besides, he didn't choose very good actors. Michael Keaton annoyed me from the beginning, Danny DeVito's Penguin is not a villain, but a desperately bizarre character, and Michelle Pfeiffer is a rather discouraging example of how to ruin the cult character of the series with Catwoman. And even though Danny Elfman's music is great and saves the atmosphere and to some extent the whole movie, this combination doesn't fit me at all. Depression and grotesqueness in a redrawn gothic setting do not equal a quality spectacle for me. I would rather watch the overacting duo of Jim Carrey-Tommy Lee Jones in Batman Forever.
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Together with the first two parts of Nolan’s trilogy, this is the best cinematic Batman. Burton’s visual style works better than in the previous one – probably it’s really fitting for the Christmas period, Burton has always been good at finding moral filth and darkness behind a snowy facade. DeVito is great as The Penguin, delivering a solid balance between caricature and a real threat hiding in the sewers and wearing bizarre costumes, and the story also has room for another (semi-)antagonist, the splendid Catwoman (with the magical face of the most beautiful actress of her generation). Batman is only one part of a balanced triangle of characters, he only reacts to the actions of the other two (and it’s the only one with pure intentions). The character of Christopher Walken is also important and brilliant, he’s the one who brings everyone together. The final confrontation was bit a silly and the drama is not very effective, but everything is compensated by the clever relationship structure and an inimitably morbid comic-book style accompanied by Elfman’s music score, a joy to watch. 85%
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The incredibly dark atmosphere together with Danny Elfman's music deliver a true comic book experience. I dare to say that the second Batman movie is not only more skillfully directed, but also visually more impressive, more atmospheric, and far darker. There isn't as much action, with more emphasis placed on the characters. Batman's gadgets are once again presented in full glory and for the entire two hours, there’s no chance of getting bored. The magnificent production design makes us forget about Joel Schumacher's later colorful escapades.
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The second part of Batman by Tim Burton is even better in terms of its atmosphere than its predecessor. The only thing missing is music by Prince, which managed to lift my mood a couple of times. But on the other hand, it offers Catwoman wearing a latex suit and a man-penguin and that’s not too bad, either.
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