Batman
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.
Critics Sentiment
Joker murders Grissom and takes over his operations
Reporter Knox and photographer Vale investigate Batman sightings
The film builds steadily from routine investigation scenes to the transformative Axis Chemicals sequence, where the tone shifts dramatically into Burton's gothic vision.
Burton's Batman starts with solid atmospheric setup but truly comes alive during Jack Napier's transformation into the Joker, which reviewers consistently praised as the film's creative and emotional peak. The film maintains strong momentum through its middle act with iconic sequences like the museum vandalism and the revelation of Batman and Joker's connected origins. While some critics noted pacing issues and underdeveloped supporting characters, the overall reception celebrates Burton's dark vision and Nicholson's career-defining villain performance.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 61
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
George Lane Cooper
Goon
Terence Plummer
Goon
Philip Tan
Goon
John Sterland
Accountant
Edwin Craig
Rotelli
Crew
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