Batman Forever marked a significant departure from the darker tones of Tim Burton’s films, featuring a vibrant visual style that continued with Batman & Robin. Despite its box office success, grossing $336 million, the sequel struggled at $238 million. Val Kilmer, who portrayed Batman, faced challenges with a restrictive suit that hindered movement and communication. The design, which included controversial features, inspired future adaptations, including Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins.
A Disappointing Turn for Batman
The experience was far from pleasant. The script I received was subpar, leaving me puzzled about why Joel Schumacher chose to take the helm. My concerns were confirmed when Michael Keaton recalled the director’s remark: ‘Why does it have to be so dark?’ This statement came to light during a 2017 podcast hosted by the Hollywood Reporter, where Keaton shared his thoughts on declining the opportunity to reprise his role as Batman in Batman Forever.
Visual Transformation and Box Office Results
Batman Forever’s vibrant palette, which only became more pronounced in the poorly received Batman & Robin, starkly contrasts with the darker tone of the earlier films directed by Tim Burton. This disparity goes beyond mere visuals. Despite the dramatic shift in style, Batman Forever managed to rake in $336 million globally, although the sequel’s earnings plummeted to just $238 million.
Val Kilmer stepped into the iconic role next. In the insightful documentary Val, which recently aired on Arte, Kilmer candidly reflects on his journey, including his time in the Batman suit. What began as a ‘childhood dream’ quickly morphed into a challenging ordeal. He described the restrictive nature of the suit, noting, ‘In the bat-suit, you can barely move, and you need assistance to get up or sit down. Communication becomes difficult, leading to a sense of isolation. I had to fight to deliver a compelling performance despite the limitations of the suit.’
Interestingly, Kilmer donned two different suits throughout the film. The initial suit was designed by Bob Ringwood, who aimed to enhance the musculature of the original worn by Keaton, creating an exaggerated, almost Greek statue-like appearance. However, this suit also caused a stir among purists due to its controversial features: the addition of nipples and an exaggerated crotch design. Despite being more flexible than its predecessors, the suit weighed a hefty 20 kg.
After the Riddler attacks his Batcave, Batman transitions to a prototype known as the ‘Sonar Suit.’ This high-tech creation boasts metallic black-silver tones, with the Bat-symbol prominently covering the chest. Interestingly, Ringwood drew inspiration from the chrome grilles of 1950s cars for this design. He described it as a hybrid suit that balances classic elements with a futuristic aesthetic. This suit even played a role in Christopher Nolan’s tests for Batman Begins, ultimately leading to a more successful resurgence of the Dark Knight under his direction.