From Adam West to Robert Pattinson, the Caped Crusader has had a long film history. In honour of Batman Day today, September 20, let’s take a look back at the movie history of Batman.

Following his debut in Detective Comics #27 in May 1939, Batman’s adaptations quickly made it to the big screen. During the 1940s, two serial films were released, with Lewis Wilson and Robert Lowery portraying the Dark Knight in 1943’s Batman and 1949’s Batman and Robin. Though they take place in the same universe, the main cast and crew are different, along with the tones.

After these smaller serial films, in the 1966 film Batman (also known as Batman: The Movie) Adam West reprised his role from the Batman TV series, with much of the main cast returning in the first full-length adaptation of the Caped Crusader. The film followed Batman and Robin teaming up against Arkham’s finest, who try to stop the Dynamic Duo. The movie kept the campy tone of the TV series and was made for the era of more colourful and whimsical heroes.

As the ’60s interpretation of Batman bored audiences, gothic horror director Tim Burton was brought in to direct the next outing Batman, 1989. Burton’s influence shone in his reimagining of Gotham City, with gargoyles lining every rooftop. Michael Keaton was cast as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker. Burton’s direction defined the ’90s superhero era. Additionally, Danny Elfman’s score lent the film a horror-esque feel.

Batman has worn more faces on screen than almost any other hero. Each new actor, director and era has given Gotham’s protector a makeover. This Batman Day, let’s take a look at the Caped Crusader’s incredible film journey through the decades

Although people did not initially take well to Keaton’s take on the Dark Knight,........

© Dawn Young Magazine