Eljumaily- Batman and Penguin

In Tim Burton’s film Batman Returns, Batman and his villainous counterpart Penguin share many of the same qualities. This makes for a very interesting conflicting relationship. Although they wish to stop each other and would spit at the idea of being compared to the other, they have very similar backgrounds and ways of carrying out their actions. Both lost their parents at very young ages, both try and seek acceptance in society, and both mask themselves in some way to be protected. Because of these common traits, Batman and Penguin’s constant battle acts like a seesaw. Coupled with the fact that they both use technology to execute their actions, the whole of Batman Returns leaves the watcher uncertain as to who will end up victor.

            Penguin’s childhood abandonment is the reason for his whole being throughout the entire movie. His angst, anger, and cruelty are due directly to the fateful Christmas night when his parents threw him off the bridge into the lake. Much like the idea of the “trickster” who resides in a cage and tries to either pull people into his misery or escape from his own, Penguin literally never feels an ounce of freedom in his live, or love. Batman, however, dealt with a much similar childhood with the loss of his parents and did not end up villainous. This is because he felt love at a young age and only had to deal with the sadness of losing his parents and the anger of their murder. Batman, therefore, was never completely alone like the Penguin. This makes them nearly understanding of each other, but never truly the same.

            From this common trait of the depressed childhood comes the want for acceptance. Penguin finds his real name and falls in love with the idea of being mayor and having his name put up everywhere, while Batman lives on the edge of insanity and perfection by part timing as the normal wealthy bachelor Bruce Wayne. Because Penguin is caught up in his childhood sorrows, he acts like a cruel child, trying to turn the city of Gotham against Batman by setting him up. This is because he will go to any measures to gain acceptance, even if it means killing in the process. Batman’s whole persona is dedicated to wanting acceptance, shown through his involvement with the important men of Gotham. Overall, Tim Burton’s film Batman Returns keeps the watcher on the edge of their seat; never knowing which side will gain ground next.