The Batman Filmography: Live-Action Features, 1943-1997
McFarland Publishers
$29.95, b&w, 230 pgs.
Writer: Mark S. Reinhart
After a lengthy introduction that provides an overview of The Dark Knight Detective’s four-color and silver screen adventures, the author of The Batman Filmography proceeds to analyze each of the hero’s live action features: Batman (1943), Batman and Robin (1949), Batman (1966), Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995), and Batman and Robin (1997).
Batman Begins (2005) is mentioned in conclusion, but neither it nor The Dark Knight (2008) is covered. This is because the first edition hardcover was published in 2005, and this newly minted trade paperback hasn’t been updated to include those films. This is a shame because Reinhart does a nice job critiquing each movie (he’s a fan, but he offers objective criticism), and he includes production history without bogging down the text with too much minutia or technical jargon. He’s also adept at comparing the filmic Batman to the comic Batman.
The Batman Filmography is fun, informative (if dated) reading, but it could use quotes from cast and crew members. Photos—even some black and white shots—would also be nice.
www.mcfarland.com
ISBN: 978-0-7864-6117-2
