German Expressionism: Vol. 5

The German Expression movement began before WWI and gained momentum in the 20’s and 30’s. It influenced architecture, painting and cinema. This movement gave surrealistic shape and structure to forms that reflect psychological states. This is evident in the extreme contrast of light and dark, the use of reflective surfaces and abstract optical tricks and even anthropomorphism.

Vol. 4 – BatmanReturns (1992) – This is director Tim Burton’s second installment in the film series based on the popular DC Comic Superhero. Michael Keaton returns at the titular hero. But this time, he faces the joint forces of a sinister businessman Max Schreck (Christopher Walken), The Penguin (Danny DeVito) and Catwoman (Michelle Pheiffer). This film is a visual spectacle and was recognized with two Oscar nominations, one for visual effects and one for makeup.

"Batman Returns" exemplifies German Expressionism probably more so than any other film made in the past several decades. Tim Burton (for all of his shortcomings) is one of the most expressionistic filmmakers in modern history and probably of all time. His films are highly influenced by the German cinema of the 20’s and 30’s, so much so that he even named one of the characters in this film (Max Schreck) after the actor that portrayed F.W. Murnau’s “Nosferatu”

The sets created for Gotham have a personality all to their own. The menacing architecture of the city looms ominously over its subjects creating a dark and oppressive environment very similar to the world of Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis”. Selina Kyle’s apartment and the Penguin’s Lair also have their own defining characteristics meant to reflect the personalities of the characters. Kyle’s apartment is small and closed in, covered in pink with a giant ugly I-beam protruding from the ceiling, constantly reminding her of how feeble her attempts are at brightening up her dreary existence. The Penguin’s Lair is an elaborate frozen cave where he resides with his minions of giant penguins that do his biddings. He sits on a large throne complete with a kneeling pillow at his feet. It’s as if his delusions of grandeur have guided his decor in an attempt to allow him to forget his own grotesqueness and the fact that his kingdom is actually frozen, fishy, underground cave.

The anthropomorphism traits of the characters themselves cannot be overlooked either. The costumes and makeup of both The Penguin and Catwoman give them an abundance of animalistic traits that color their alternate personalities. This is especially evident in The Penguin. His elongated, beak-like nose and tuxedo body suit made Danny DeVito look even more like a short, fat, awkward, flightless bird than he does in real life. This exaggeration is a huge departure from previous depictions of this character. Burgess Meredith’s Penguin from the old television series had nothing more than a purple top hat and cigarette holder. And most of the depictions of him in the comics aren’t nearly as drastic as they are in this film.

The duality of man is a common theme in German Expressionism as well as comic books. This is prevalent in the hero as well as both villains of “Batman Returns”. Both Batman and Penguin are alter egos created by the separation from their parents. In our hero’s case, this is caused by murder and led to his incessant vigilantism. The Penguin was abandoned by his parents. His separation anxiety has manifested itself in a vengeful way creating the persona of a super villain trying to make the world pay for the crimes of his father. Catwoman’s personality is the polar opposite of that of Selina Kyle. Kyle is a quiet and shy homely woman that takes a lot of abuse from her employer, Schreck. When she dawns the Catwoman suit, she exudes sexual power and won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.

I imagine most of you have seen this film at least once. I don’t think it’s the greatest but it does give us a great example of Expressionistic cinema in the modern era. It deserves a second look. Watch it for no other reason than to take in the details of a film made with a lot of love for the art that came before it.