Tim Burton’s Biggest Batman Set Issue Accidentally Improves The Movie

1989’s Batman movie is one of the most iconic superhero movies of all time but may have achieved one of its greatest successes because of a set issue. The film was directed by the legendary Tim Burton and quickly became the most successful comic book movie of its time, paving the way for future superhero franchises like the MCU and DCEU, which would follow in the decades to come. One of Batman‘s biggest successes was its depiction of the Joker, who was portrayed in the film by Jack Nicholson. However, Nicholson’s inspired take on the iconic supervillain may have been very different if not for Tim Burton’s on-set troubles.

Nicholson’s depiction of the Joker has been honored by various Batman reboots and other renditions of the character for the past thirty years. Though actors like Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix have truly made the part their own over the years, Jack Nicholson’s Joker holds a special place in the history of comic book films. Not only is Batman ’89‘s Joker remarkably accurate to the personality of his comic book counterpart, but he is also infused with many of Nicholson’s infamously eccentric idiosyncrasies. The genius behind this portrayal of the Joker is nearly impossible to put into words, which may have actually helped Burton’s film in the long run.

Tim Burton’s Jack Nicholson Confusion May Have Accidentally Helped Him

Tim Burton’s Batman movies are still celebrated today, including the then-controversial casting of Michael Keaton as Batman and Nicholson’s rendition of the Joker, but the director may have had a bit of accidental help in creating a film that would last the test of time. In a recent interview with Empire magazine (via SlashFilm), Burton revealed that he had major difficulty understanding Nicholson’s “very abstract way of speaking,” even going so far as to describe his communication with the actor as “caveman-style communication.” Citing part of the confusion as a result of his six-day workweek and insecurity about the film itself, Burton trusted Nicholson’s instincts despite not fully understanding them.

Burton’s failure to comprehend his star’s vision for the Joker ended up leaving Nicholson to earn his $90 million paycheck. Evidently understanding just how massive a project Batman was, Nicholson crafted a version of the character in his mind that was difficult to describe with words. Trusting his star to follow his instincts, Burton allowed for one of the most iconic performances in cinematic history to play out onscreen, bringing to life exactly what mere conversation with Nicholson could have never adequately demonstrated. Despite their communication challenges, Nicholson and Burton proved their professionalism and made cinematic history in the process.

Tim Burton’s Nicholson Praise Supports The Idea That Set Confusion Helped

Following Batman‘s release, Burton adamantly praised Nicholson’s Joker performance, proving that their confusion only helped the film. In his Empire interview, Burton admitted that it was Nicholson who gave him strength and “got me through the whole thing.” Clearly, the role meant very much to Nicholson, whose fury over the Joker being recast with Heath Ledger two decades later proves just how passionate he was about the character. Burton evidently saw the passion behind Nicholson’s ideas for the Joker and gave him the freedom to do what felt right. In the years after, it seems that even the director himself wasn’t immune to the charm of the actor’s performance.

Ultimately, a communication difficulty that could have proven disastrous for the film resulted in something truly special. Nicholson’s love for the character and Burton’s faith in the actor’s abilities are a manifestation of what true professionals can contribute to a film’s production. Nicholson’s contributions to Batman resulted in great success for the film, nearly leading to a DC shared universe helmed by Tim Burton. While this franchise never came into existence, it’s interesting to look back at the success that was 1989’s Batman, knowing that one of its greatest character portrayals could have been very different if not for the genius of Jack Nicholson and Tim Burton.