Arceneaux-Film noir, that's what they called it.

In Batman, Tim Burton takes a few cues from the films of yesteryear called "Film Noirs."
"Film Noir" generally has the same lighting and thematic elements that make up the basic archetype of the genre. This includes dark lighting, the use of steam, black and white film filters, narration by the main character, and jazzy theme music. Burton in some way or another uses all of these elements to make up Keaton's role as Batman. The most important element arguably is the use of a damsel in distress. Vicky Vale plays a perfect role in setting up the dark, mysterious hero type that ultimately we see in the end of the movie. Accompanied with Danny Elfman's score, the movie had the perfect semi-jazzy, semi-thematic to keep the viewer interested in the plot. Noir often ends in a cinematic triumphant or defeat and in the case of Batman, both for the Joker and Batman. One of the greatest features in the cinematic world of Gotham City was the use of smoke and grime. Every building towered above the heads of the citizens of GC and every building was dirty and grimy. Even the courthouse, the symbol of justice in Gotham, was dirty and grimy. I especially liked the way the city was described in the book as being like a hell for the citizens as the building rose above them. It almost creates this seedy underground of the city that Film Noir likes to show. I think that Burton also had his hand at mocking the traditional "bad guys" of the Film Noir genre. The criminals shown in the movie were goofy and clumsy and even the Joker himself wasn't the traditional "seedy criminal mastermind that hid behind closed doors." I do think that some part of Burton's childhood played a crucial role in Batman was the way it was. I also think that Burton made Batman the way it was because it reminded him of himself. They were both somewhat broody and solemn. It can also be said that Burton put a little of himself in the Joker as well. Burton played pranks on the neighborhood kids when he was younger so maybe he thought of himself as the Joker in his own Gotham City. But then who would be Batman? The great thing about Burton's directing is that he can put a little bit of himself in every movie he directs. I also think he sees a bunch of himself in Michael Keaton, at least during the Beetlejuice and Batman filmings. Keaton can also adapt to many roles that is put in front of him. That is what makes him perfect for Burton movies, he has the ability to be versatile.