Is Forever really less sexualized than Returns?

[eledoremassis02]

Thinking about this film now actually made me realize (ironically) how much they really catered to the sexualization of Batman with nod, wink and semi-fourth wall breaks. Chase almost feels like, not a Schumacher fantasy but more of a wink and nod to how women had come to sexualize Batman since the 89 film...something that Catwoman got knocked for but in retrospect, I almost feel like Forever had alot more sexual tension that got a slide from audiences including Chase's attempt to seduce Batman and her being silhouetted by only wearing a sheet waiting for Batman.

The original script for Forever even went further with an actual love scene (something that Returns didn't even do).

I know alot of the issues with Returns stems from the Penguin and alot of innuendos but again, Batman and Chase basically had an entire conversation in innuendos. You also had Sugar and Spice who wore lingerie and bascally were a girl-friend henchman for each side of Two-Face, compared to Catwomans skin tight costume.

Did it pass because it the villians werent as vulgar as The Penguin?

[thecolorsblend]

Sexuality in BF seems to be romantic and seductive. The "black rubber" line is really the only deviation. Everything else relates to a more mainstream representation of sexuality. Chase is presented in a very sex way in some scenes. I don't think it's inaccurate to say that Bruce and Chase take turns seducing each other in some pretty conventional ways in BF.

By contrast, sexuality in BR is represented by Batman and Catwoman. Specifically, the BDSM overtones. Catwoman even carries a whip! I think Batman and Catwoman trade more punches than kisses in the movie.

When you think about it, both of those are representations of sexuality. But BDSM has never been all that mainstream in American society. BR was more controversial just by showing up because it's more outside the norm.

As to which film had more sexual content overall... honestly, that's tough to say but I lean toward BR.

[The Dark Knight]

I like seeing Michelle Pfeiffer in skintight vinyl as much as anyone, but in terms of providing a smorgasbord of the lead female's beauty and showing her in different settings, Chase is hard to top. I'm a B89 guy, but now think Schumacher took Vicki (a blonde obsessed by Batman) and made her better.

The courtship is more expansive and touches more upon Bruce's duality by literally making Chase a psychiatrist. We also get the BR Wayne Manor meeting in front of the fireplace. It's almost like an greatest hits compilation.

We have the traditional appearances such as the circus and Nygma's ball:



Chase touches Batman's chest like Catwoman but without the stabbing. Then of course does this, which is one of the most overt displays from any live action Batman film:



This below is fantastic. Dressed in black, wearing boxing gloves, breathing hard and not impressed. Honestly, this is just as good as Michelle in Penguin's office. Young TDK especially thought so anyway.



The bed sheet is an obvious moment too. No lead female since BF has bettered Nicole. I believe up until this point she's the definitive traditional female love interest. I could understand Baleman falling in love with someone like this. But Rachel Dawes? Nope.