PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Batman has always had a special place in my heart just like I’m sure for many others. I saw Adam West once at a convention, and my heart sank. I became speechless, with my eyes getting misty. Growing up as a kid, we had the ’60s Batman, the animated series, comics, and of course, the Tim Burton movies. It’s safe to say that Frank Miller and Tim Burton turned Batman into what we love today, breaking the mold and introducing us to a darker version of the character. Even today’s writers like Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Scott Snyder and even Kevin Smith have brought a fascinating take on the caped crusader, but there’s always been one style, one look, one version of the Batman characters that still stuck out for me. Let’s break down how Batman Returns gave us one of the best Christmas comic villains:
The Penguin
Batman Returns is the sequel to the ’89 classic film starring Michael Keaton. This version is set during Christmas time where the aftermath of The Joker has been swept away leaving Bruce Wayne to a quiet life. That is, until the Red Triangle Circus Gang disrupts the Christmas tree lighting being hosted by Max Schrek (Christopher Walken).
What I always loved about this film is that Tim Burton finally got to make the comic movie he wanted… dark, gritty, and colorful at times, with hauntedly beautiful imagery.
In the beginning, we see a glimpse of The Penguin AKA Oswald Copperpot’s (Danny DeVito) life full of riches and anything he wanted yet he had been abandoned by his parents played by Paul Rubens (Pee-wee’s Big Adventure 1985) and Diane Salinger (Carnivale TV series) in a pretty twisted way. It’s not until later that we see little hints of him watching from afar, grasping the iron bars of the sewer, waiting for the world from his prison which he considers home.
Our first glimpse of The Penguin meeting Max Schreck is perfect. This small, stubby thing is feeding penguins in an abandoned amusement park. Max looks on in horror as The Penguin delivers the best line: “I believe the word you’re looking for is, ‘Aaaaaaaaaaaah!'” From this point on, we’re treated to a fascinating take on the character.
Previously seen as an aristocrat of Gotham—who was a threat but nothing major—his plots were mostly stealing art pieces or bank jobs. However, DeVito’s take on The Penguin is much darker. For example, his overall plan in the movie wasn’t for world domination, or robbing the rich, or taking over Gotham, or even killing Batman. He’s not a gothic romantic. He’s not a tortured soul or even an artist. He wants to steal all the first-born children of Gotham and drown them. This has been going on for years for him from back when he was part of the circus going from town to town. He was never caught, but Batman began to piece together the information. We see this in one scene where The Penguin is in the records department writing down the names of the firstborn, and later on, as he captures the children at night as if he was a Krampus-like monster with his “elves” of circus goons. His duck mobile is like a sleigh as he drives around in it. Penguin’s goal was to take them to his icy North Pole-like lair to meet their final demise. That was his gift to Gotham; he wins.
For Batman Returns, the character, The Penguin, is creepy and unsettling in his bodysuit weighing over 100 lbs. The FX and look was created by Stan Winston (The Thing 1982). Devito hated the outfit. It was bugging him and making him miserable. Devito used that anger and frustration towards his character, which paid off well. Burton’s art sketches were pretty much on point with what he got: A penguin dressed up but hated wearing “normal” clothing. He came off as paranoid and ready to attack with his growls and snarls like a hairless possum that walked on his hind legs. We’re then treated to seeing him break down, hating trying to be humanized, as he denounced his legal name and went by his circus name, The Penguin. He was like Burton’s version of the elephant man, one who was a horrible person who accepted the fact he’s not “human” but a villain instead.
The costume look took over 3 hours to apply with no CGI and no computers. Pounds of latex and moldings were applied, yet Devito moved as if it didn’t weigh a thing. The payoff is so perfect. But sadly, it was a mix of the look and the movie itself that became the downfall for the series. Even with McDonalds putting money into the film and getting promotion with their Happy Meals, it became harder and harder to market to kids based on the creepy and violent images, scenes, and dialogue. This is why we have the colorful and comic book-like feel of Batman Forever and Batman and Robin.
For me, Batman Returns is a great film with a great performance by Danny DeVito. So, as you spend Christmas watching the holiday classics like Goodfellas, Die Hard, Gremlins, and Silent Night, Deadly Night, I’ll be doing my yearly tradition of watching Batman Returns, hypnotized by Danny DeVito re-creating a character in a terrifying new way.
