Episode 87: The Flash & Batman Returns

Cinema in Context

Michael Keaton Batman films. Sarah Watt, Jeremy Downing and William Chen discuss The Flash (2023) and Batman Returns (1992). We begin by discussing the Tim Burton films in the late 80s and early 90s, including Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Batman Returns (1992), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Ed Wood (1994). We talk about the ideas and influences in Batman Returns, including German Expressionism and the imagery around The Penguin, Catwoman, Max Shreck and Batman in the film. We then move our conversation to The Flash and how its troubled history kept it from being released for a number of years... perhaps too late? We talk about the range of references and performances in the film, including its homage to a number of films that were never made. We discuss the "multiverse" and how The Flash explores familiar territory, as well as other films that take place in their versions of multiple dimension storytelling. We move our conversation to the controversies of Ezra Miller and how such controversies affected the film, both narratively and commercially. We discuss the ethics of recreating actors who have died in films using digital tools. If you enjoy our podcast then consider joining our Patreon. Listen to an extended version of this episode, access additional minisode content and have an opportunity to join us for one-on-one discussions about your favourite films. You can find us on Patreon at: patreon.com/CinemaInContext