Composer: A film score (also sometimes called background music or incidental music) is original music written specifically to accompany a film. The score forms part of the film's soundtrack, which also usually includes dialogue and sound effects, and comprises a number of orchestral, instrumental or choral pieces called cues which are timed to begin and end at specific points during the film in order to enhance the dramatic narrative and the emotional impact of the scene in question. Scores are written by one or more composers, under the guidance of the film's director and/or producer, and are then usually performed by an ensemble of musicians – most often comprising an orchestra or band, instrumental soloists, and choir or vocalists – and recorded by a sound engineer.
Michael Kamen [Notable Works: Venom, The Dead Zone, Boardwalk]: I know that when it comes to Period Piece castings, I tend to use Kamen a lot. Frankly it's because he was the best. His music really delved into character psychosis and really identified the character's mean and actions. Honestly he would have delivered a hauntingly perfect and Iconic score for a Batman Film. The true inspiration for using Kamen came from a story about him, during the production of the Dead Zone, as he was writing a piano melody at night he was interrupted by his neighbor who had asked him to stop working at night, due to the music giving his family nightmares. If that isn't the kind of story that would have got Kamen a gig to compose the score for a Batman Film what else could?
Director: Directors are responsible for overseeing creative aspects of a film under the overall control of the film producer. They often develop the vision for a film and carry out the vision, deciding how the film should look, in other words they make their vision come to life. They are responsible for turning the script into a sequence of shots. They also direct what tone it should have and what an audience should gain from the cinematic experience. Film directors are responsible for deciding camera angles, lens effects and lighting with the help of the cinematographer and set design with the production designer. They will often take part in hiring the cast and key crew members. They coordinate the actors' moves, or blocking and also may be involved in the writing, financing and editing of a film.
Richard Donner [Notable Works: The Omen, Superman, Inside Moves]: Donner is a great director, He took the work on The Omen with a deep ominous dark tone, while with Superman he really enjoyed the character giving the film a comic book sense of action and fun. Really if he's given a good script he'll turn it into a magnificent film. With Batman i don't see an exception. It would be interesting to see Donner's choice of costuming and design of the world of Gotham City and his take on the character's brooding tone. I'd be hard pressed to find a better director for the job.
Screenwriter:Screenwriters are responsible for researching the story, developing the narrative, writing the screenplay, and delivering it, in the required format, to Development Executives. Screenwriters therefore have great influence over the creative direction and emotional impact of the screenplay and, arguably, of the finished film. They either pitch original ideas to Producers in the hope that they will be optioned or sold, or screenwriters are commissioned by a producer to create a screenplay from a concept, true story, existing screen work or literary work, such as a novel, poem, play, comic book or short story.
Steven E.de Souza [Notable Works: Foul Play {T.V. Series} Knight Rider {T.V. Series}, 48hrs.]: Souza has probably became one of the most well known screenwriters in Hollywood, having gone on to write the script for the first two entry in the Die Hard Films he got his start as a T.V. Series writer. Now working on T.V. Is tough especially when you're doing a hit t.v. Series like Knight Rider and cranking scripts out on Demand. But Souza has always proven himself a formidable writer and when he turned in the script for 48hrs it was shown that he could not only write decent action, but give it a sense of humor to make it all the more fun. Really he's tailor made for an 80's style Bat-Flick.
Batman/Bruce Wayne [Height: 6'2", Age: 30's]: Batman is the secret identity of Bruce Wayne. Witnessing the murder of his parents as a child leads him to train himself to physical and intellectual perfection and don a bat-themed costume in order to fight crime. Batman operates in Gotham City, assisted by various supporting characters including his sidekick Robin and his butler Alfred Pennyworth, and fights an assortment of villains influenced by the characters' roots in film and pulp magazines. Unlike most superheroes, he does not possess any superpowers; he makes use of intellect, detective skills, science and technology, wealth, physical prowess, and intimidation in his war on crime.
Kurt Russell [Height: 5'11", Age: 32 {As of 1983}, Notable Works: Elvis, Used Cars, Escape From New York]: With the release of Escape From New York establishing that Kurt is probably one of the best actors of all time, It would only make sense for a studio to give him whatever was necessary to sign him on as Batman. Kurt, being early thirties in this time was the perfect actor at the time, He can manipulate his voice, put serious work into developing the character, and is perfect for nabbing a female audience. He's show to be one of the pioneering actors of the 80's and had always been leading man material. Not only could he have given us the perfect performance as Batman, but it would have been in the best possible Bat-Films. No doubt Kurt was my only choice for an 80's Batman {that disregards everything about Tim Burton's Batman} Simply because for the time, he was the best fit.
Alfred Pennyworth [Height: 5'10", Age: 40's-60's]: Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth is Bruce Wayne's valet at Wayne Manor. He knows that Bruce is secretly Batman and aids him. Alfred Pennyworth, after a varied career, was employed as the Wayne family valet when Bruce Wayne's parents were killed. Alfred raised the young orphan and reluctantly aided him in his quest to become Batman. His many skills--ranging from cooking to medicine--make him Batman's staunchest ally, along with a formal demeanor that grounds the Dark Knight and deflects those who might otherwise suspect Batman's true identity.
Alec Guinness [Height: 5'10", Age: 69 {As of 1983}, Notable Works: Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge Over the River Kwai, Lovesick]: When you cast Alfred, you are really casting someone who is mentoring a younger generation of actors. While he might not enjoy the material he's a classic actor that signs the dotted line, plays the role, and does it again. Many know that while he was grateful for Star Wars he disliked the conditions of the shoot, Giving him a more mentoring role like Alfred could peek his interest, especially if he's more like a father and less like a butler, there is no denying that Alec is certainly more than talented enough for the role.
Commissioner James Gordon [Height: 6', Age: 40's-50's]: Gordon is the police commissioner of Batman's home of Gotham City. He shares the hero’s deep commitment of ridding the dark and corrupting city of crime. In Golden and Silver age comics and on the 1960s Batman television show, Gordon fully trusts, and is even somewhat dependent on Batman. In most modern stories, he is somewhat skeptical of Batman's vigilante method but recognizes the necessity of Batman and the two have a mutual respect and tacit friendship.
Jon Cypher [Height: 6'2", Age: 51 {As of 1983}, Notable Works: Valdez is Coming, Lady Ice, Memory of Us]: Cypher is one of the Last Great American West Era actors to be alive. He's got the role of Jim Gordon written all over him. Not only has he delivered decades of great performances, Having him play Gordon might seem a bit like type casting, but with the roles he's played I'd like to think theres some diversity in the role as well as there are grounds for him to expand the character and add depth to give the written character more life.
Vicky Vale [Height: 5’8”, Age: late 20’s early 30’s]: Vicki Vale is a reporter for the Gotham Gazette and a love interest of Bruce Wayne. Her irregular relationship with Bruce leaves her unaware of his identity as Batman, although she has speculated that they are the same person.
Goldie Hawn [Height: 5'6", Age: 38 {As of 1983}, Notable Works: Cactus Flower, Foul Play, Private Benjamen]: Hawn is a lovely, beautiful actress. She's a very political actress from what I've seen, taking roles that really have depth, character, and a message behind them. Not to mention her obvious Chemistry with Kurt, there's no doubt that she could have sold the role of Vicky Vale as the love of Bruce Wayne and an Independent female reporter.
Ra’s Al Ghul [Height: 6’4”, Age: 450]: Ra's Al Ghul is a radical international eco-terrorist who has been around for hundreds of years. He believes that the evils of humanity are blight on our planet, and seeks to extinguish them through whatever means he deems necessary. Through an international cabal named the League of Assassins, he manipulates world events to achieve his own ends. This frequently puts him into conflict with the Batman, one of very few adversaries he deems worthy enough of himself, and who he has encouraged to marry his daughter Talia al Ghul. Although most of his power comes from his immense influence, he is also a formidable combatant, having the benefit of many lifetimes worth of experience and accumulated skill. Ra's achieves his immortality through the ancient Lazarus Pits. His name literally translates to Demon's Head, or Head of the Demon which is a comment on his character.
Ricardo Montalban [Height: 6', Age: 63 {As of 1983} Notable Works: Battleground, The Deserter, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn]: Ricardo Montalban is one of the most iconic performer to break into mainstream acting, He's acted since the 40's. Without a doubt he is best known by fans as Khan Noonien Singh, from Star Trek Episode "Space Seed" and film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn. And to be honest, both portrayals gave a vastly different persona of the same Man, in The Episode Space Seed, he played a vein, pretty boy super intelligent power thirsty man. In Wrath of Khan he played a revenge driven war monger. But the two are the same character at two different times. He sold the performances perfectly. Honestly he's just the best possible choice to play Ra's. Khan is a bit like Ra's in certain areas, they're both highly intelligent characters, but their motivations are drastically different. In all honesty, as class an actor Ricardo is, he would take everything similar and strip it out and give us a Ra's different from the any other interpretation but perfectly adapted from the comic books as well. Not to mention as well built as Ricardo was in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan {and yes that was all 100% real muscle} he could handle the action without a hitch. The biggest reason why i cast him, is his voice is such a perfect match for Ra's Al Ghul's that when I read Ra's Al Ghul's lines in a comic, I hear Montalban's voice. There is no doubt he would have played an absolute perfect Ra's Al Ghul!
Talia Al Ghul [Height: 5’8”, Age: 20’s-30’s]: Talia al Ghul is the daughter of Ra's al Ghul. Her father encouraged a relationship between Talia and Batman, desiring for Batman to marry his daughter in hopes of recruiting him as his successor. Talia admires Batman in his drive, determination, and nobility, but was always torn between him and the love for her terrorist father. Unlike Catwoman, Talia is more than willing to play second-fiddle to Bruce's mission.
Rachel Ticotin [Height: 5'7", Age: 25 {As of 1983}, Notable Works: King of the Gypsies, Fort Apache The Bronx, For Love and Honor]: Ticotin is one of my favorite actresses who I've first seen in the 1990's Classic Total Recall. But when i went to review her early work i found that she has been one of the most talented actresses since she got a real role in Fort Apache The Bronx. She is an amazing actress who for continuity sakes is of similar race to my Ra's choice. Not to mention casting her would have inspired Montalban to take Ra's {Montalban had set up a group to assist Latino actors in breaking into main stream acting, Rachel is half latino.} But she is definitely a great actress and well worth casting as Talia. She does have Talia's exotic beauty, and the talent to convey a very interesting love relationship.
Ubu [Height: 6'10", Age: Unknown {Looks to be in his 40's}]: A master assassin and one of Ra's al Ghul's most trusted servants, the ever vigilant and loyal bodyguard of Al Ghul, Ubu never allows anyone to get too close or precede the glorious steps of his master. Ubu has had to curb his anger toward Batman and be patient with his masters respect and admiration for The Dark Knight. Still he harbors much jealousy towards Batman.
Ox Baker [Height: 6'8", Age: 39 {As of 1983} Notable Works: Stampede Wrestling, The Big Brawler {Uncredited}, Escape From New York]: Probably best known as a Professional Wrestler he also played Slag in Escape From New York. In all honesty he's probably just the right type of performer to play Ubu. Big, mean looking, but not dominating. He might work well, especially having a relationship with my Batman choice to actually build Ubu's character.
Riddler [Height: 6’1”, Age: 40’s]: The Riddler is a super-villain enemy of Batman who commits crimes revolving around an obsession with riddles. His mental psychosis results from a deep inner need to prove that he's smarter and therefore better than others, which causes him to leave challenging clues behind in otherwise perfect crimes. This psychological compulsion has resulted in him being repeatedly imprisoned in Arkham Asylum. Despite this obvious flaw, he is otherwise an extremely intelligent criminal mastermind.
Jonathan Pryce [Height: 6'2", Age: 38 {As of 1985} Notable Works: Breaking Glass, Loophole, Murder is Easy]: Pryce is an amazing actor. Probably one of the most genuinely flexible actors. Every time I see him I personally I.D. Him as The Riddler. He's got the physique of the character and the kind of voice perfect to dish out questions. Playing intelligent characters isn't all that hard, but I would love to see his take on Riddler to see what type of characteristics he would give to portray the obsessive qualities of the Riddler.
Killer Croc [Height: 7’5”, Age: 30’s]: An enemy of Batman with incredible super-strength and a crocodile-like appearance. This mutation was originally a birth defect, although he becomes more reptilian over time due to genetic experimentation. Despite his brutal savagery and heightened reflexes, his animalistic mentality results in lower intelligence.
Isaac Hayes [Height: 6', Age: 43 {As of 1985}, Notable Works: Tough Guys, Truck Turner, Escape From New York]: Isaac did phenomenal in Escape From New York. While he's probably best known for his wide career in Music, although he's a great actor. Casting him as an a character like Killer Croc is giving him an area to really evolve a character who's often appeared one note. He could really have made Killer Croc an Iconic character.
Joker [Height: 6’, Age: Unknown]: The Joker, real name unknown, is a homicidal maniac and the archenemy of Batman. Although his full origin is unknown, the Joker is known to have been forced to swim through a vat of chemicals which turned his skin white, his hair green, and left his faced permanently locked in a Glasgow smile. Completely unpredictable with no regard for human life, the Joker finds murder and mayhem funny, and is perhaps the most dangerous man on New Earth with a body count stretching into the thousands, all centered around his obsession with destroying the Dark Knight.
Robert Englund [Height: 5'9", Age: 40 {As of 1987} Notable Works: Eaten Alive, V {T.V. Series}, A Nightmare On Elm Street]: Englung is, and forever will be known as Freddy Krueger. Something he's admited to enjoying. And Honestly, the way he's played Freddy isn't unlike the way I'd like to see the Joker played. A killer with a sense of dark humor. Englund wasn't my first choice, actually through the process he's became my 3rd, {Behind Brad Dourif which he fits another role much better, and Jon Lithgow, but that was too extreme.} No doubt Englund would have done so much better as the Joker, adapting the characteristics of the character, better then Jack Nicholson. Robert Englund would have been the perfect Joker!
Harvey Dent/Two Face [Height: 6’, Age: 30’s-40’s]: Two-Face is a super-villain obsessed with duality and the number "two," who fights Batman on a regular basis. His psychosis leads him to believe that there is no objective morality, and everything is ruffled by chance; he carries a scarred double-sided coin to make all of his decisions, determining whether his actions will be good or evil. This makes him highly unpredictable as a criminal mastermind. In his civilian identity he was Harvey Dent, Gotham City's district attorney until mobster Sal Maroni ruined half of his face with a bottle of acid during the trial.
Richard Dean Anderson [Height: 6' 1½", Age: 39 {As of 1989}, Notable Works: MacGuyver {T.V. Series}, Ordinary Heroes, Odd Jobs]: We all know him as MacGuyver, genius hero! But here I cast him as Harvey Dent. Simply put i think he would have done wonders as Two Face. He's a great actor who's made himself known to the public but being iconically tied to the role of MacGuyver. Casting him as Two Face is giving him a chance to break the mold, and play a darker character. Maybe a vigilante, maybe just a straight villain, Having Dean Anderson take his own style to Two Face would really expose how talented an actor he is, and giving Two Face a better film version then what eventually came with Tommy Lee Jones.
Selina Kyle/Catwoman [Height: 5’9”, Age: 30’s]: Selina Kyle, a morally ambiguous character who has been an anti-hero, acting as an adversary, a crime fighter and also a love interest for Batman. Years of training have made her stealthy and agile as a world-class criminal, and her mastery of the martial arts makes her a formidable physical opponent. Although she began her career as a burglar, she has since then reformed and begun protecting Gotham City in her own style.
Talisa Soto [Height: 5'10", Age: 22 {As of 1989}, Notable Works: The Pope of Greenwich Village {Uncredited}, Spike of Bensonhurst, License to Kill]: I absolutely love her as Lupa in License to Kill she's always show herself as a talented actress. Really it was because of her role as Lupa that i feel she would have been perfect as Catwoman. She's clearly got the talent and sex appeal to play a very comic book styled version of Catwoman. Especially a more genuine portrayal then Michelle Pfieffer.
That concludes my take on an 80's Batman Film Franchise!