A film rich in subtext, which makes up for faulty plotline

Rating: 10/10 (13 September 2000)

True, I was wondering where the Penguin got the blueprints, as well as how those bats got stuffed in the Christmas tree. Yes, friends, this film is a flawed piece of art. But it is still rich in the gothic mythos that makes the comic book so grand. Each character is handed a frail psychological make up. The Penguin, though a departure from the comics, clearly defines an idea set up in the DC universe. The villains are tragic. They all have splits, and are driven mad by a set of circumstances. Each character demonstrates a distinct duality--while Catwoman and Batman mirror each other brilliantly. "Gothic" is explored through the gargoylesque Shreck cat statues, to subtle vampire references. Bo Welch's sets are reminiscent of German impressionistic silent films from the Penguin's fake hypnotic umbrella (an image virtually lifted from 'Dr. Caligari' to the character Max Shreck, named from the 'Nosferatu' actor in Murnau's films. Every time I watch this I find something new. It's more than a Batman film, it's a work of gothic beauty. Give it a chance.