The 1989 Batman film may be 26 years old, but it still holds its own in many ways. Yet looking back into this film now, in comparison to the more recent imaginings of Batman, a very different interpretation of Gotham can be seen.
Batman follows the story of Bruce Wayne as the already established superhero of the same name as he battles against Gotham's newest enemy The Joker. The film takes us through the creation of this villain and shows off special effects which, for the most part, still hold up today. But despite all the story and the special effects, it is the setting which is most intriguing.
The city of Gotham is greatly inspired by New York and evidence of this is everywhere. More specifically, Gotham City has been described as New York at night. This is contrast to the city of 'Metropolis', known as the home of Super Man in the same universe, which has been said to be New York in the day.
Tim Burton (director) has forged Gotham City into a dark and dangerous place to be, perfectly imagined for the film and context. You instantly get an understanding of what kind of place this is, with its tall, imposing towers and dense layout. By paying careful attention to detail, Burton has created an environment throughout the city, not just a city itself.
A lot of careful thought has gone into the architecture of Gotham City. These art just pre existing buildings filmed at a pre existing location. The city has been pieced together using Tim Burtons vision, detailing everything to an exact specificity of Art Nouveau and Art Deco design.
The result of this films architecture is the genuine creation of what could potentially be a real city. It is as uniquely crafted as any example of fiction, yet still resembled references to the inspirations which spawned it. As ArchDaily has said, "There is no other comic book saga more influenced by architecture than Batman". This film stands true to that statement.
Building on that quote, perhaps the most iconic aspect about this film is the way that uses architecture to explain what it is, it isn't necessarily purely influenced by architecture. I believe that the film actually uses architecture to influence the viewer. It gives us an instant and constant insight as to what this city is like, a dark and imposing place.
That is perhaps the true genius behind 1989's Batman.
Architecture does not simply exist within this story. It tells it.
The result of this films architecture is the genuine creation of what could potentially be a real city. It is as uniquely crafted as any example of fiction, yet still resembled references to the inspirations which spawned it. As ArchDaily has said, "There is no other comic book saga more influenced by architecture than Batman". This film stands true to that statement.
Building on that quote, perhaps the most iconic aspect about this film is the way that uses architecture to explain what it is, it isn't necessarily purely influenced by architecture. I believe that the film actually uses architecture to influence the viewer. It gives us an instant and constant insight as to what this city is like, a dark and imposing place.
That is perhaps the true genius behind 1989's Batman.
Architecture does not simply exist within this story. It tells it.
ArchDaily actually has two articles on Batman and architecture, one looking specifically at this film. If you wish to investigate this more, the links are below:
Batman & Architecture: The Dark Knight Rises and Gotham's Buildings Fall
Films & Architecture: "Batman"
Batman & Architecture: The Dark Knight Rises and Gotham's Buildings Fall
Films & Architecture: "Batman"
www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/metropolis_is_new_york_by_day_gotham_city_is_new_york_by_night/
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlsM2_8u_mk
www.archdaily.com/300958/films-architecture-batman/
www.archdaily.com/256839/batman-architecture-the-dark-knight-rises-and-gothams-buildings-fall/
www.findingthewrongwords.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/for-images-batman-1989-97-part-one.html
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlsM2_8u_mk
www.archdaily.com/300958/films-architecture-batman/
www.archdaily.com/256839/batman-architecture-the-dark-knight-rises-and-gothams-buildings-fall/
www.findingthewrongwords.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/for-images-batman-1989-97-part-one.html