Following the success of the film Batman Begins, a reimagining of the story that looks to begin a new franchise, all of the modern Batman films have been released on DVD in deluxe 2-disc editions. From Tim Burton's masterpiece to the lavish and fairly gay Batman & Robin (1997). In looking at the stars of those four films you witness the rise and fall of fame. Like how those who were once top-billed are now less than famous. Or how the guy some say ruined the franchise may be the biggest star in the world today.
To begin, here are the stars of the four pre-Batman Begins films ranked in terms of their fame at the time the films were released:
Batman (1989)
Jack Nicholson
Michael Keaton
Kim Bassinger
Jack Palance
Billy Dee Williams
Robert Wuhl
Batman Returns (1992)
Michelle Pfieffer
Michael Keaton
Danny DeVito
Christopher Walken
Batman Forever (1995)
Tommy Lee Jones
Val Kilmer
Jim Carrey
Nicole Kidman
Drew Barrymore
Chris O' Donnell
Batman & Robin (1997)
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Uma Thurman
Chris O' Donnell
George Clooney
Alicia Silverstone
Ever since Jack Nicholson chewed the scenery as "The Joker" in Batman, the villains were bigger stars than whoever was wearing the bat suit. Arnold Schwarzenegger versus George Clooney as an example. Big names clamored after roles in the series and continued to do so even after the flop that was Batman & Robin. Rumors were that Howard Stern was going to be "The Scarecrow" with possibly Madonna in another role.
Since these films were made the celebrity heat meter can be recalibrated to view the stars as they are today late in 2005. For some it has been quite a crash, Michael Keaton and Michelle Pfieffer have not made a hit film in years. Others have seen their popularity preserved like Jim Carrey, Jack Nicholson and Uma Thurman. And then there is George Clooney and Nicole Kidman, mid-level stars at the time of their films who now sit at a hallowed place of Hollywood respect.
Article comments
1 - Tan The Man
Michael Keaton was just in last year's hit (box office wise) "White Noise." There was actually a Yahoo! article about Keaton and why he hasn't done that many movies. He chose not to because he wanted to do other things, which I can respect.
2 - Victor Lana
Funny how the fame game goes, Chip. Still, I think Keaton was the best Batman because there was a glimmer of humor in him even if he was pretty dour (remember the scene where he wants to tell Vicki Vale his true identity. It's funny). Can't say that about too many other Batman scenes.
The truth is the villains have always been bigger than the Bat. Even in the 60s TV show, which I love, the villains were IT. And in those days, big stars were lining up to be villains in the camp classic. I mean can you imagine the series without these actors: Cesar Romero(Joker)? Otto Preminger(Mr. Freeze)? Art Carney (The Archer)? just to name a few.
Of all the other actors you mention (besides Nicholson), I think Kilmer is the most under appreciated. Ever see "The Salton Sea"? This guy has acting chops. He needs a really good part. As for Keaton, he needs to do a comedy. He's really a funny guy.
3 - Chip
I changed the post to say Keaton hasn't had a "hit" film in years. I actually forgot about "White Noise" though it did gross $56 million (a modest success that made it's production budget back), but it didn't really bring Keaton back to the limelight. Immediately after he left the franchise he took a tumble with films like "The Good Cop." Why didn't he return to comedy back then? Do more Mr. Mom's or Johnny Dangerously's? Something that connected with audiences like his 80s films did? I agree that he is very talented and was great as Batman. I just hoped for more from him by his leaving the franchise.
Kilmer is really great and could one day get an Oscar. "Spartan" and "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" are good performances along with "Salton Sea" and he seems to choose good scripts.
4 - bob
this sucks