Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

• Directed by Jay Oliva
• September 25, 2012 (Part 1) / January 29, 2013 (Part 2) / October 8, 2013 (Deluxe Edition)
• Based on the 1986 graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson

Voice Cast

• Bruce Wayne/Batman-Peter Weller
• Carrie Kelley/Robin-Ariel Winter
• Commissioner James Gordon-David Selby
• Harvey Dent/Two-Face-Wade Williams
• The Joker-Michael Emerson
• Clark Kent/Superman-Mark Valley
• Congressman Noches, Hernando-Carlos Alazraqui
• Don, Bakery Owner, Mutant in Yellow Jacket-Dee Bradley Baker
• Commissioner Ellen Yindel-Maria Canals-Barrera
• Lana Lang-Paget Brewster
• Joanie-Cathy Cavadini
• Morrie, Abner-Townsend Coleman
• Anchorwoman Carla-Grey DeLisle
• Oliver Queen-Robin Atkin Downes
• The Mayor of Gotham City-Richard Doyle
• Ben Derrick, Mackie-Greg Eagles
• Alfred Pennyworth-Michael Jackson
• Merkel-Danny Jacobs
• Anchor Tom, Dr. Herbert Willing-Maurice LaMarche
• The Sons of Batman, Rookie Police Officer, Additional Voices-Yuri Lowenthal
• Rescued Man-Lex Lang
• Dr. Bartholomew Wolper-Michael McKean
• Anchor Ted-Sam McMurray
• General Briggs-Jim Meskimen
• Rob, Robber-Rob Paulsen
• President Ronald Reagan-Jim Meskimen
• Axe-Wielding Firefighter, Liquor Store Owner-Jason C. Miller
• David Endochrine-Conan O’Brien
• Woman #2, Woman-Andrea Romano
• Michelle, Anchor Trish, Kevin Ridley, Young Bruce Wayne, Elsie, Kid-Tara Strong
• Voice Over Radio, Governor Mahoney, Murray-James Patrick Stuart
• Silk-Gary Anthony Sturgis
• Mr. Hudson, Store Owner, Spud, Additional Voices-James Arnold Taylor
• Firefighter by the Hydrant, Thomas Wayne-Bruce Timm
• Femur’s Lawyer-Jim Ward
• Deputy Mayor/Mayor Stevenson, Weatherman, Frank, Lt. O’Halloran-Frank Welker
• Mutant Leader, Anchor Bill-Gary Anthony Williams
• Femur-Jim Wise
• Lola Chang-Gwendoline Yeo
• Frank-Andy Richter

Batman, retired for nearly ten years, finds himself drawn back into action by a decaying Gotham.

I am old enough to remember when The Dark Knight Returns came out though I had a little interest in it. Just wasn’t my bag at the time since I was firmly in the Marvel Comics camp. Its impact on comics then was undeniable. I have no idea how faithful this is to the source material and found something thoughtful and nearly philosophical in a way movies are not today. I watched the Deluxe Edition where the two separately released films were edited into one. It is clear there were two films. The separate stories are apparent yet when merged create a greater connected narrative like one would find in a miniseries.

Batman has become a bit of an urban legend with the Bruce Wayne identity engaging in things like racing for an adrenaline rush hinting that crimefighting is a bit of an addiction for him that he has found other outlets for. Life has moved on for Bruce. It is not great, but you are never trying to find a connection between the icon of the past and the man of the present. He could be much better but is not pathetic. Calling Batman comfortably retired might be a bit of a stretch. More like angrily retired.

The story has a mild theme of we are who we are and often there is no changing that. Batman will always be Batman no matter what. Harvey Dent will always be Two-Face where it also gets into never let yourself become consumed by the darkness.

Frank Miller has one of the most distinctive art styles in comics. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns clearly draws from that over creating something unique. Not a one-to-one translation since Miller’s style might prove difficult to animate but very close to the point we get the very famous shot of Batman leaping across the sky with a lightning bolt behind him. A sign that they were trying to embody the comics.

One of the unsaid elements of this is that Gotham became dependent upon Batman for their protection t the point they were unable to fend for themselves when he retired. The story sets up how the city has essentially fallen apart without him. It pays superficial service to that but gets more in depth elsewhere. That leads to themes of relying on yourself for protection first and foremost. The citizens to a large extent set things right by the end much to the humiliation of politicians. It is weirdly hopeful saying WE can fix it.

The story does get into things like the public blaming actions of law enforcement for criminal behavior with several interstitials saying if Batman did not exist or police took a gentler hand the criminals might not be or just be less violent. The language used by assorted talking heads is very identifiable and makes this whole film very right leaning in any underpinning philosophy it has. They engage in word salads that people can use to justify this or that. Sometimes it sounds substantive but is a long way to get to an excuse or to say nothing. We have politicians guided by polls and emotional public reaction over what might work.

I like how the media here is willing to look the other way on somebody that is as psychotic and as dangerous as The Joker. The man has been a menace all of his life and becomes acceptable here just because he is putting on a good face and Batman is the thing to hate. This movie is filled with all sorts of conservative commentary. Rather surprising but if you are familiar with Frank Miller, you would not be surprised. I am surprised they kept it. 

One thing you’ll notice is Batman engages in heavy firearm use. It was after this story that he became extremely anti-gun. For much of his history he occasionally had side arms. It’s not that he eschewed the Bat gimmicks but sniper rifles were not outside of his tool kit here.

Returns is the story that also famously introduced the first full time female robin in the Batman mythology with the appearance of Carrie Kelley. Kelley is a little under served as a character. She appears to have burnt out hippie parents but her motivations for taking to the streets to fight crime never get explained. It just happens. We never even get an idea about her choice of the Robin costume or a hint on where she got it. It is just in her wardrobe.

Her relationship with and actions alongside Batman are better done and artfully so. Words when handled right can convey so much more than they initially say. A simple line is repeated often from Batman to Carrie where Batman threatens to fire Kelley if she disobeys. At first it is a threat but evolves into a bit of endearment.

Another development to the DC mythos is the original and this film puts Batman at odds with Superman. Gone was the element of them being friends. They are very distinct characters and Miller saw that their actions on evil would ultimately put them in conflict. I wouldn’t call them enemies. They are reluctant allies or even reluctant friends but so philosophically apart that they cannot be fully on the same side.

Though there is little detecting, Batman relies as much on intelligence, fists, and psychological warfare. The Mutant Gang threat is defeated by breaking their spirit. Superman gets taken out with intelligence. Bats even uses a dose of fear gas from the Scarecrow. He is a violent force of fear for his enemies.

When it moves into the second half involving the confrontation between Batman and Superman there is a tonal shift. This mixes with a final confrontation with The Joker. Seems to be a regular feature of Batman movies. In contrast to Bruce, The Joker looks quite young and spry.

Not sure if/how Reagan was portrayed in the graphic novel, but he is something of a fatherly villain though bordering on disconnected leader. Folksy words are used on the public and Supes belying a strong need for control so the government does not lose face. Superman acts as essentially a flunky for the Reagan Administration.

As a film it largely exceeds what has been done in live action. It is what The Batman should have been. There is a distinct message that is conveyed while never sacrificing story to get it across. There are thrills and drama as Bruce deals with aging and a city that needs him. Batman displays regrets over the past with a simple kiss to the aged Catwoman or his speech to The Joker and the lives that were cost by letting him live.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns shows what can be done in the superhero genre. It has something to say and is character driven while being a great watch. Not sure how faithful it is to the source material, but it is an excellent film on its own. Highly recommend it.