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Batman Forever
Directed by	Joel Schumacher
Produced by	Tim Burton Peter MacGregor-Scott
Written by	Screenplay: Lee Batchler Janet Scott Batchler Akiva Goldsman Characters: Bill Finger (uncredited) Bob Kane
Starring	Val Kilmer Tommy Lee Jones Jim Carrey Chris O'Donnell Nicole Kidman
Music by	Elliot Goldenthal
Cinematography	Stephen Goldblatt
Distributed by	Warner Bros.
Release date(s)	June 16, 1995
Running time	122 min.
Language	English
Budget	$100,000,000
Preceded by	Batman Returns
Followed by	Batman & Robin
Official website
IMDb profile

Batman Forever is a 1995 superhero film based on the fictional DC Comics character Batman. It is the third film in the Batman film franchise and the first one directed by Joel Schumacher, who replaces Tim Burton who directed the first two films in the franchise, Batman and Batman Returns. It is also the first and only film in the franchise to star Val Kilmer as Batman, who replaces Michael Keaton from the first two films from the franchise. The film also marked the series debut of Robin. The film's cast included Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Chris O'Donnell, Nicole Kidman, Drew Barrymore and Debi Mazar.

The film serves as a major departure from its predecessor Batman Returns, due to the fact that Warner Brothers felt to go into a new direction after the dark tone of its preceding film Batman Returns, which, while being successful at the box office, was felt as being too dark for children by some. The preceding film's dark tone was rejected in favor of a lighter, more campy tone that would be aimed at younger audiences for this film. This includes dramatic changes to characteristics such as the cast, design, and Danny Elfman's score, which was scrapped completely. Batman Forever was commercially successful at the box office. However, it received mixed reviews from critics. The succeeding film, also directed by Joel Schumacher, Batman & Robin, was a critical and commercial failure and today holds a mostly negative reputation as the film which would ultimately stop further film projects being made until Batman Begins.

The film opens as Two-Face, alter ego of former District Attorney Harvey Dent (Tommy Lee Jones), is holding hostages in a bank vault. Batman (Val Kilmer) arrives, rescuing the hostages and foiling the robbery, though Two-Face escapes. Despite having his research rejected by his idol Wayne, Edward Nygma (Jim Carrey), a lowly worker at Wayne Enterprises, continues his unauthorized development of a brain-manipulation device. Ostensibly designed as an entertainment medium, the device is tested by Nygma on Fred Stickley, a senior worker who discovers him working on it late at night. The device has an unintended effect on Nygma's brain in the process, and when Stickley tries to fire him, Nygma murders him and doctors the security tapes to make it look like a suicide, before resigning from Wayne Enterprises.

Bruce Wayne invites clinical psychiatrist Dr. Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman) to a charity circus event after meeting her during the robbery which opened the film. Two-Face and his cohorts storm the event, bringing a bomb which Two-Face threatens to detonate unless Batman makes himself known, as he blames Batman for the attack which left him with his facial disfigurement and brain damage. Wayne attempts to reveal his identity to Two-Face, but is unheard over the commotion of the audience. Meanwhile, acrobat family The Flying Graysons work to remove the bomb via an opening at the summit of the circus tent. The youngest member, Dick (Chris O'Donnell), goes ahead of his family and succeeds in pushing the bomb through the hole and out into the surrounding water. Upon his return, he discovers that Two-Face has killed his family and escaped. Wayne assumes responsibility for Dick and allows him to stay at his home, Wayne Manor. Dick declares his intention to kill Two-Face in revenge for his family's murder, and when he discovers Wayne's secret identity as Batman, he insists on becoming the crimefighter's partner in order to achieve this aim. Wayne is reluctant, but Dick names his alter-ego "Robin" at the suggestion of butler Alfred (Michael Gough).

Batman on his way to save Dr. Chase Meridian from the clutches of Two-Face and The Riddler as seen in the climax of this film

Edward Nygma, who has been stalking Wayne and leaving riddles for him, is inspired and delighted by watching Two-Face's raid at the circus on live television and creates his own alter-ego in the form of the Riddler, a master of puzzles and quizzes. He perfects his brain-manipulation device into a system which beams signals to and from the human brain in order to simulate an immersive television viewing experience. This has the side effect of allowing the Riddler to read viewers' minds, as well as augmenting his intelligence. Making a deal to use his brain-manipulation device to discover Batman's true identity, he becomes partner-in-crime with Two-Face in order to fund its mass-production. Successful, he readopts his Nygma persona and hosts a launch event for a set-top version of his device, where he convinces an unwitting Wayne to use it, resulting in Nygma's discovery of his secret. Two-Face attempts to kill his enemy, but the appearance of Dick (disguised as Robin) helps to foil the plan. Armed with the knowledge of Batman's true identity, the villains converge upon Wayne Manor. Unwilling to have Two-Face kill his idol, Nygma (as the Riddler) blows up the Batcave and leaves a final riddle for his nemesis, while Two-Face kidnaps both Robin and Dr. Chase.

Solving the riddle, Batman locates the Riddler's lair and is forced to make a choice between the lives of Robin and Dr. Chase. He successfully rescues both and destroys the hub unit collecting the brainwaves of the public who are using the Riddler's set-top box. The Riddler is overwhelmed by the resultant brainwave output from the hub unit and Two-Face is killed, falling to his death. The brain-damaged Riddler is subsequently committed to Arkham Asylum, where he attempts to reveal Batman's secret identity to Dr. Chase. He instead tells her that he believes he is Batman.

The film ends with Batman and Robin forming a new crime-fighting partnership.

Val Kilmer as Bruce Wayne / Batman: After coming across the journal of his father, he starts questioning his act of vengeance. As such, he struggles with duality and his dual identity as a crime fighter. He comes to matches with Doctor Chase Meridian, though decides to return upon "The Flying Graysons Massacre." In December 1993, Joel Schumacher had seen Tombstone, and was most impressed with Kilmer's performance as Doc Holliday. Schumacher felt for him to be perfect for the role, though at the time, the role was still Michael Keaton's.^[1]

In July 1994, Keaton decided not to return for a sequel after Batman Returns,^[2] due to "creative differences."^[1] Schumacher supported Keaton's reason, saying "some people don't want to play superheroes the rest of their life. Even Sean Connery left James Bond." William Baldwin (previously worked with Schumacher on Flatliners) was reported to be a top contender, though just days after Keaton dropped out, Kilmer was cast.^[2] Kilmer took the role without even knowing who the new director was and without reading the script (possibly thinking Tim Burton was still set to direct).^[1]

• Tommy Lee Jones as Harvey Dent / Two-Face: Formerly the good District Attorney of Gotham City, he is scarred with half of his face during the conviction of a mob boss. As such, this leads to events that showcase him as Batman's newest enemy Two-Face. In the original Batman, District Attorney Harvey Dent was played by Billy Dee Williams. Williams accepted the role with the knowledge and expectation that Dent would eventually become Two-Face: he reportedly had a clause put into his contract reserving the role for him in any sequels, which Warner Brothers had to buy out.^[3] Jones was always Schumacher's first choice for the role after working with him on The Client. Jones claims he was sent the script and was very cautious to accept, though it wasn't until he decided to accept upon as a favor for his son Austin.^[4]
• Jim Carrey as Edward Nygma / The Riddler: A former employee at Wayne Enterprises, he's fired by his boss thinking that his newest invention is too dangerous. He eventually kills his boss, though this leads to an obsession with Bruce Wayne, the head of Wayne Enterprises. In a secret identity he becomes the villainous Riddler, leaving riddles and puzzles at scenes of crime. It was in October 1993 when Robin Williams stated he was in talks for the role, and commented on his enthusiasm.^[5] Williams had previously expressed interest for the role of The Joker in Batman, though lost out to Jack Nicholson.^[6] and expressed interest in the role of the Joker in the upcoming The Dark Knight before Heath Ledger was cast. Ultimately in June 1994, Carrey was cast after Williams turned down the role.^[7] Schumacher had known Carrey since the mid 1980s, roughly ten years before he became commercially famous. After his role in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Warner Brothers and Schumacher felt for him to be perfect for the part.^[4] Michael Jackson had previously opted hard to land the role but was ignored.^[8]
• Nicole Kidman as Dr. Chase Meridian: A psychologist and love interest of Bruce Wayne, who's more obsessed with Batman. Rene Russo was originally cast to play Dr. Chase Meridian when Keaton was still attached to the project as Batman. However, when Keaton dropped out of the project and was replaced by Kilmer, Russo was deemed too old to play his love interest and was replaced by Kidman.^[2] Robin Wright turned down the role while Jeanne Tripplehorn and Linda Hamilton were both considered.^[7] Schumacher had been a fan of Kidman's work since Dead Calm, at which she auditioned for Julia Roberts's role in Flatliners. Schumacher then felt her to be perfect for the role of Dr. Chase Meridian, though Warner Brothers was cautious, calling her "not sexy enough."^[9]
• Chris O'Donnell as Richard "Dick" Grayson / Robin: Once a circus acrobat, he is adopted by Bruce after Two Face murders his parents and brother at a circus event. Bruce is reminded when his parents were murdered upon seeing the same in Dick. Dick eventually discovers the Bat-cave and learns Bruce's secret identity. In his wake, he becomes his crime-fighting sidekick, Robin. Daniel Waters and Tim Burton convinced Warner Brothers to keep Robin out of Batman Returns and save him for the third installment.^[10] Marlon Wayans was originally cast in the role before being dropped out, and was indeed signed and paid for the sequel. Ultimately the decision was made to cast someone else, with Wayans being paid without any acting what-so-ever.^[11] The casting of Robin required a nation-wide search, as well as a casting call notice in London. Schumacher claims he met with actors Ewan McGregor, Jude Law, Alan Cumming, and Toby Stevens. Chris O'Donnell, a fan of the Batman TV series as a child ^[4] was cast in June 1994, beating out Leonardo DiCaprio.^[7]
• Michael Gough as Alfred Pennyworth: The faithful butler of Bruce and Dick.
• Pat Hingle as Commissioner James Gordon: The police commissioner of Gotham City.
• Drew Barrymore as Sugar: Two-Face's mistress who represents his "good side."
• Debi Mazar as Spice: Two-Face's mistress who represents his "bad side."

Warner Brothers always felt for the third installment of the Batman film series to have a completely new look than Batman Returns. Even though Batman Returns was a box office success, the studio felt it didn't make enough money as they thought it would. As such, due to complaints on how the film was "too dark," the studio decided to center the third installment towards kids. Batman co-creator Bob Kane even supported the decision. Producer Peter MacGregor-Scott cited the film as "Saturday Night Fever on acid".^[4]

Tim Burton claimed he had one meeting that lasted for half an hour with Warner Brothers regarding a sequel. He told them basic ideas he had in mind, though they both peacefully agreed for Burton to serve as producer. Burton himself felt he had enough with two films, and the fact that he wasn't excited for the new direction the studio was aiming towards.^[10] Warner Brothers sought after Joel Schumacher as their first choice to be Burton's replacement as director, as Schumacher took the role after getting approval from Burton, a fellow friend of his.^[1]

Val Kilmer and Chris O'Donnell as Batman and Robin, depicting the Robin suit and the redesigned Batsuit in promotional photos

Schumacher originally had in mind to do an adaptation of Frank Miller's Batman: Year One. The studio rejected the idea as they wanted a sequel, not a prequel, though Schumacher was able to include very brief events in Batman's past. Burton and Schumacher together hired Lee and Janet Scott-Batchler to write the script which introduced a psychotic Riddler with a pet rat accompanying him. The story elements and much of the dialogue still remained in the finished film, though Schumacher felt it could be "lighted down." He hired Akiva Goldsman, whom he previously had worked for on The Client to write the second draft.^[4] Elements from the Batchler's first draft remain unknown to this day.

When it came to the production design, Schumacher hired Barbara Ling, claiming that the film needed a "force" and felt Ling could "advance on it." Schumacher wanted a design that was not to be any way connected to Batman and Batman Returns, and instead was to be inspired by the images from the Batman comic books seen in the 1940s/early 1950s and taken from that of New York City architecture in the 1930s, with a combination of modern Tokyo.^[13]

Schumacher told Ling he literally wanted a "city with personality," with more statues, as well as various amounts of neon. The Batmobile was also given a makeover in comparison to that seen in Batman and Batman Returns. The design team spent six weeks on five different concepts before coming up with Schumacher's choice. Two cars were constructed, one for stunt purposes and one for close ups with both showcasing a V8 engine. The Batcave introduced new technology seen in the previous two films that included what Schumacher calls, "a more suitable atmosphere." This included a turntable for the Batmobile and a moat surrounding the cave.^[13]

For the costume design, producer Peter MacGregor-Scott claimed that 146 workers were at one point working together. Batman's costume received a new design as well. Scott also quoted that Schumacher wanted to bring somewhere along the lines of a more "MTV organic, and edgier feel" to the suit. Various suits were designed for specific purposes, such as one where as Val Kilmer sits in the Batmobile and various others for stunts and close ups. Ventilation was placed in the suit and according to costume designer Ve Neill, Kilmer had "a more stature feel than Michael Keaton" which served as a minor problem.^[14]

Neill quoted that Schumacher wanted Chris O'Donnell to be a heartthrob to teenage girls, thus the reason why his ears were pierced. Jim Carrey went through over 50 different spandex outfits and over 100 different props for his cane. He stated while practicing, he would continuously damage walls, ceilings, and cabinets.^[14] Elliot Goldenthal was hired to compose the film score even before the first draft of the script was written. He stated he was told by Schumacher as not to listen to Danny Elfman's previous score, and instead compose a different orchestral piece.^[15]

Schumacher commented on working with Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, and Jim Carrey stating, "I was told that Val was difficult and wasn't [right] for me. Jim Carrey was a gentleman, and Tommy Lee was threatened by him. I'm tired of defending overpaid, over privileged actors. I pray I don't work with them again."^[16] Bob Kane remained on the set almost every single day during filming.^[4]

Batman Forever opened on June 16, 1995 in the United States in 2,893 theaters, accumulating $52,784,433 over its opening weekend. The film went on to gross $336,531,112 worldwide.^[17] It is the third highest grossing Batman film to date, behind Tim Burton's Batman and Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, though it did have a higher opening weekend than Batman Begins. The opening weekend gross was a record at the time and the studio beat their goal of making more money than Batman Returns. Batman Forever was the second highest grossing film of 1995, only losing to Toy Story.^[18]

Roger Ebert depicted the film as highly entertaining, though felt that the definitive Batman film had yet to be made.^[19] Brian Lowry of Variety cited the film as a poor attempt to "save" the Batman film series.^[20] Peter Travers from Rolling Stone called the film a "sour taste," and mocked the formation of how it transferred back to the campy Batman TV series.^[21] Comic book veterans took heavy negative feedback against the film as well. Scott Beatty called Tommy Lee Jones' performance "a Joker knock-off rather than a multi-layered rogue,"^[22] while Lee Bermejo cited it as "unbearable."^[23] One scene depicts Two-Face flipping his coin until he gets a result he wants. In the comics, a key element of his split personality is that he unquestioningly accepts the result of a single coin toss concerning any decision he makes. Overall, the film holds a 44% rating at Rotten Tomatoes which gives it a certified "rotten."^[24]

The "Cream of the Crop" rating at Rotten Tomatoes stands at 69%. Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle supported the film calling it "A grand-scale effort that's more awe-inspiring than completely successful as entertainment." Desson Thomson of the Washington Post gave a positive review, though complained about Jim Carrey stealing screen time, as the same went with Gillian Gaar from "Film.com."^[25]

The filmmakers claimed they were indeed aware of reports that Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones had "stolen the show."^[4] Jones quoted, "I don't want to be too fussy about language, but the idea of stealing scenes or stealing movies is nothing that I am comfortable with at all. I don't think that way. I look at the job at hand and try to do as well as I can with that job." Carrey stated, "I just hope I am doing it right; is it coming together? You can't think about that stuff because that would be, like, capsize time."^[1]

When asked about the nipples on the Batman and Robin suits, (as well as Dick Grayson sporting an earing and the enlarged codpieces), Joel Schumacher stated that he never knew that it would lead to such a big controversy. He also went as far as to say "people need to get out more" than noticing small glitches such as the nipples. Even though Schumacher claimed to have been a childhood Batman fan^[9] (as well as doing active research during the development phase of this film),^[1] some still questioned this. In the 2005 director's commentary Schumacher states that "Dick Grayson will one day become Nighthawk," (when it's actually Nightwing).^[9] He also thinks that Batman had his back broken by The Thing^[1] (rather than Bane as seen in Batman: Knightfall).

Batman Forever was nominated for three Academy Awards, the most out of any Batman film to date. Though not winning any, the awards included Best Cinematography, Best Effects/Sound Effects Editing (losing to Braveheart on both nominations), and Best Sound (losing to Apollo 13).^[26] The song "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me" by U2 saw itself being nominated for "Best Original Song Written for a Motion Picture" at the Golden Globe awards as well as the MTV Movie Awards and as "Worst Original Song" at the Razzie Awards. Other nominations for the MTV Movie Awards included: "Best Villain" (Both Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones), "Most Desirable Female" (Nicole Kidman), "Most Desirable Male" (Val Kilmer) and Seal was nominated as well for their song "Kiss From a Rose." Elliot Goldenthal was given a Grammy Award nomination for his work.^[27]

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:

Batman Forever

• Batman Forever at the Internet Movie Database
• Batman Forever at Rotten Tomatoes
• Batman Forever at Box Office Mojo
• 2nd Draft of the Script Written by Akiva Goldsman
• Tommy Lee Jones' response to Aaron Eckhart portraying Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight (2008)
• Entertainment Weekly Article

• Batman Forever (soundtrack)
• Batman Forever (video game)
• Batman Forever: The Arcade Game