Having witnessed his parents' brutal murder as a child, millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne fights crime in Gotham City disguised as Batman, a costumed hero who strikes fear into the hearts of villains. But when a deformed madman known as 'The Joker' seizes control of Gotham's criminal underworld, Batman must face his most ruthless nemesis ever while protecting both his identity and his love interest, reporter Vicki Vale.
Production
Anton Furst's Gotham: impossible architecture, real anxiety.
Acting
Nicholson's Joker—unhinged, hilarious, genuinely menacing.
Score
Elfman's gothic bombast + Prince funk = unholy magic.
Director
Tim Burton
Michael Keaton
Bruce Wayne / Batman
Jack Nicholson
Jack Napier / The Joker
Kim Basinger
Vicki Vale
Robert Wuhl
Alexander Knox
Pat Hingle
Commissioner James Gordon
Billy Dee Williams
Harvey Dent
Michael Gough
Alfred Pennyworth
Jack Palance
Grissom
Jerry Hall
Alicia
Tracey Walter
Bob the Goon
Lee Wallace
Mayor
William Hootkins
Eckhardt
Richard Strange
Goon
Carl Chase
Goon
Mac McDonald
Goon
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This film basically invented the modern superhero blockbuster—merchandise blitz, obsessive secrecy, massive opening weekend. You're welcome, Marvel.
Jack Nicholson's contract gave him a percentage of merchandise AND box office. He reportedly earned $60-90 million—more than the film's production budget.
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