Young - Gothic Gotham

   

     Throughout Batman, Burton sets a dark mood that reflects many characteristics of film noir. He uses certain props, lighting, and characters in order to create a chaotic and claustrophobic world. This world is ridden with the fear of death as well as overtly negative aspects of city life. It is also physically and emotionally dark due to the set and the characters within it. Nonetheless, some aspects of the film noir are overridden by opposing features that Tim Burton added. Burton's film is the epitome of a film noir in many senses; yet, he impairs the feel of film noir through the main characters' actions.

     Tim Burton creates a claustrophobic and isolated effect when, instead of using an actual city, he uses a set on which to film the entire movie. While a regular city would have more light both artificially and naturally, Burton is able to control not only where the light falls, but also how much light falls onto the set. Because all of the lights are artificial, he can dim them at any time. Throughout the movie, the lighting is mostly dim, creating a set that does not feel as open. Another aspect that creates the feeling of claustrophobia is the fog. One such scene that demonstrates this is when Batman and the Joker are in the chemical factory and there are not only clustered barrels of chemicals around, but the pipes around the factory spew fog. The fog then creates a very claustrophobic feel.

     By using a set, Burton is able to set the buildings closer together and never really shows scenes of the horizon--save for one or two scenes when Batman is on the top of a skyscraper or flying in the bat-like plane. In the two scenes that Burton shows Batman above the city, there is a relief from the claustrophobia; however, for the majority of the movie, the sets lend to the effect of a crowded and isolated city.

     A final aspect of film noir is the presence of a "femme fatale." Tim Burton both supports and undermines Vicky Vale's role as a femme fatale within Batman. Typically, a femme fatale is seductive, and her main goal is to gain power through the seduction of the hero. Vicky Vale is seductive, but she does not do it for the power. She also does not impair Batman's ability to perform heroic duties. At times, she instead acts as a damsel in distress.

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