In BATMAN RETURNS We See Why Michael Keaton Split!

Rating: 7/10 (21 June 2007)

Once again, we have a case of taking some liberties with an established comic character. Where we understand the need to adapt certain material from one medium to another, we must protest when a writer/director monkeys a little too much.
In BATMAN RETURNS,the second of the Batman Big Screen Box Office Bonanzas, we have what seems to be a formula.Following 1989's BATMAN, which featured the Origin, even the Christening* of The Joker. For the most part, the story was well handled.(Read my Review of the 1st Tim Burton BATMAN(1989) ).
Starting with #2 Film, BATMAN RETURNS, we seem to have some doubts about sustaining a full 2+ hours with just one measly Arch Villain to do battle with. So, a sort of split time screenplay with 2 separate(but equal) sub-plots; almost like having 2 different movies.
As to the Selina Kyle Catwoman episode, we can give it a reluctant o.k., or at least an "o". Mr. Burton took the Feminine Feline Angle, and ran with it. From a female enemy, who had been a Second Story Woman** and a Gotham City Socialite, to a Career Girl with an almost Lycanthropic*** relationship to her cats. Interesting, we haven't seen her return, yet.
As to the Burton treatment of The Penguin, well that's another story. In looking back into Comics' History, we find that the Penguin made his First Appearance in the lead Batman Story, "One of the most Perfect Frame-ups!", Detective Comics #58, dated December, 1941. The story was penned by Bill Finger, long time Batman scripter and the writer responsible for so many of the Batman items , of which we all have come to be accustomed.
In the story, Mr. Bruce Wayne and his Ward,Dick Grayson observe a very unusual looking, little man at an Art Gallery. They make the observation, "...Doesn't he look like a Penguin?" As the story progresses, we learn that the 'funny looking' little guy is up to no good. He is a criminal, of the caliber requiring the attention of The Dynamic Duo.
At an early part of the story we hear the true name of The Penguin spoken. It's Mr. Boniface. That's his name, Mr. Boniface. (Remember this, it might be on the Test!) But just a name change alone is a bad enough transgression. But, the movies Origin and Characterization are hardly palatable.
The Tim Burton remake the Penguin a Totasl Freak of Nature, not only abandoned by his Parents (played by Mr. and Mrs. Peewee Herman), but thrown into a sewer after a life in which his deformities were hidden from the world. Flipper Feet, Wing-like Arms, an Elongated and Beak-like Probosis, Beedy Eyes and Larry Fine-like Hair. Add that raspy, dry, gravely voice that Danny DiVito uses and you have a study in the Grotesque, a Classic example, no less.
The Penguin of the Comics and of the Batman TV Series (1966-68)was odd, peculiar but not gross as Director Burton re-made him. I don't think he was such a Hommicidal Maniac, either.
If the Penguin was any thing with his short stature, his waddling walk and his ever present Tuxedo and Top Hat, along with his wearing of a monocle, he was Eccentric.
In looking around for just what was the inspiration for Batman cartoonist, Bob Kane and chief script writer Bill Finger in creating the Penguin, we have a theory. Just watch John Huston's THE MALTESE FALCON (1941), Starring Humohrey Bogart. Just take a look at the portrayal of Villain, Kasper Guttman by Sydney Greenstreet. His looks, his costuming (right down to gloves and spats),his slow waddling gait,the rolly-polly build all lead one to conclude that he was the inspiration for the Penguin. Certainly not this grotesque, twisted sewer dwelling monster.
* In giving the gangster who would become The Joker the name of Jack Napier, Mr. Burton did us all a favor. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe he ever had any other name. THANX, Tim.
** Burglar have been called Second Story Men for years, so in keeping with Political Correctness, we offer this Gender change.
*** From Lycanthropy or belief in certain men's ability or curse of changing into Wolves. See also Werewolf.