Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Three words that carry a whole identity: the man behind the cowl says it as if the name were a warning. Michael Keaton gives it a low, almost reluctant rasp, which made it a calling card that later Batmans and parodies have borrowed. It is also what fans say when someone proudly announces who they are.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for BatmanShow the scene
In Tim Burton's Batman (1989), Batman confronts a terrified Gotham thug named Nick. Nick begs not to be killed. Batman says he will not, and instead sets him a favour: tell all his friends about him. 'What are you?' Nick asks. Batman answers 'I'm Batman,' lets him go and vanishes into the dark. Gotham City was built on a studio backlot, styled with Art Deco design that critics compared to Caligari and Metropolis.
Sources (2)
- Batman (1989 film), WikiquoteDialogueReference checked
- Batman (1989 film), WikipediaThemes and styleReference checked
Context reviewed
