Batman Forever
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| Batman Forever | |
|---|---|
| Name | Batman Forever |
| Caption | Theatrical release poster |
| Director | Joel Schumacher |
| Producer | Tim Burton, Peter MacGregor-Scott |
| Screenplay | Lee Batchler, Janet Scott Batchler, Akiva Goldsman |
| Story | Lee Batchler, Janet Scott Batchler |
| Starring | Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, Chris O'Donnell |
| Music | Elliot Goldenthal |
| Cinematography | Stephen Goldblatt |
| Editing | Dennis Virkler |
| Studio | Warner Bros., PolyGram Filmed Entertainment |
| Distributor | Warner Bros. |
| Runtime | 121 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $100 million |
| Gross | $336.5 million |
Batman Forever. This 1995 American superhero film is the third installment in the initial film series launched by Tim Burton. Directed by Joel Schumacher, it presents a more vibrant and toyetic aesthetic compared to its predecessors. The narrative follows Bruce Wayne as he confronts the dual threat of Two-Face and The Riddler while forming a bond with a young acrobat, Dick Grayson.
Plot
In Gotham City, Batman battles the vengeful criminal Two-Face, who blames him for his disfigurement. Meanwhile, former Wayne Enterprises employee Edward Nygma transforms into the villainous The Riddler after Bruce Wayne rejects his mind-altering invention. Nygma allies with Two-Face to steal brainwave energy from Gotham's citizens. Bruce also becomes involved with psychologist Dr. Chase Meridian and takes in circus acrobat Dick Grayson after Two-Face murders his family. As The Riddler deduces Batman's secret identity, Grayson adopts the mantle of Robin to aid in the final confrontation at the Claw Island observatory.
Cast
* Val Kilmer as Bruce Wayne / Batman, taking over the role from Michael Keaton. * Tommy Lee Jones as Harvey Dent / Two-Face, a former Gotham City district attorney turned scarred criminal. * Jim Carrey as Edward Nygma / The Riddler, an obsessive and intelligent inventor. * Nicole Kidman as Dr. Chase Meridian, a criminal psychologist fascinated by Batman. * Chris O'Donnell as Dick Grayson / Robin, a vengeful acrobat taken in by Bruce Wayne. * Michael Gough reprises his role as Alfred Pennyworth, the loyal Wayne family butler. * Pat Hingle returns as Commissioner Gordon, the head of the Gotham City Police Department. * Drew Barrymore appears in a cameo as Sugar, one of Two-Face's molls.
Production
Development began after Tim Burton stepped back from directing, though he remained as a producer. Joel Schumacher was hired to create a lighter, more family-friendly film following the darker tones of Batman Returns. The screenplay by Lee Batchler, Janet Scott Batchler, and Akiva Goldsman incorporated elements from classic comic storylines. Principal photography took place at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, with extensive sets designed by Barbara Ling. The production faced challenges, including Kilmer's reported difficult behavior and the intense, competitive dynamic between co-stars Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey.
Release
The film premiered on June 9, 1995, at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. It was released widely in North America on June 16 by Warner Bros. A major marketing campaign included tie-ins with McDonald's and a line of toys from Kenner Products. The home video release followed in November 1995, setting sales records for Warner Home Video. It was later re-released on formats like DVD and Blu-ray.
Reception
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its production design and performances by Jim Carrey and Nicole Kidman, but criticism for its tonal shift and perceived campiness. It was a significant commercial success, grossing over $336 million worldwide against a $100 million budget. At the 68th Academy Awards, it received nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing. The film's success directly led to the development of the sequel, Batman & Robin.
Music
The score was composed by Elliot Goldenthal, replacing Danny Elfman, and featured a bold, brass-heavy theme. The accompanying soundtrack album, *Batman Forever*, was a major commercial hit, featuring songs by popular artists like U2 ("Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me") and Seal ("Kiss from a Rose"). The Smashing Pumpkins, Method Man, and Nick Cave also contributed tracks. The soundtrack won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance and helped define the film's pop-culture presence.
Category:1995 films Category:American superhero films Category:Warner Bros. films