Discussion: Lee and Janet Batchler Original Draft (Keaton and Williams)

[BatmanFurst]

Been reading this script for the past couple of days, and I just finished it. It really is amazing how this pretty much is the blueprint for what ultimately became Batman Forever. First off, the final set piece
at the Riddler's lair is MUCH better in this script than the final product. Although Robin still gets captured at the end he didn't seem completely useless up until that point. I even liked some of the in costume dialogue between Batman & Robin, my favorite being the UFO line. I'm assuming they changed this ending because it would have been a lot more expensive to execute the sequence in this script. Even the way Two-Face dies in this is better. I like that his coin just goes outside of his reach rather than Batman randomly having a pocketful of coins.

I also liked the sequence at the Second Bank of Gotham. I always wondered why there's a random wrecking ball that breaks through the wall in the film. This script explains that there is construction next door. It also emits the annoying security guard for the majority of the action. My only gripe about the script version is Batman slamming into different neon signs seemed kinda slapstick.

They were definitely trying to retcon the Keaton Batman with his hard stance against killing. Also, if Keaton had signed on I can imagine some of these lines of dialogue getting cut out to fit his Batman. As mentioned before his dialogue is lean but I think they could've shaved even more off of it.

I was surprised at how many Riddler lines are from the script. There were pieces of dialogue that I always assumed were ad libbed by Jim Carrey (ex. The movie rights line). the writers did a good job of capturing William's voice. As the script goes on I could easily see Robin William's becoming more manic.

Lastly, I like how the Riddler is undergoing a physical transformation as well with his head expanding. Would've liked to have seen that carry over into the final product.

[The Dark Knight]

Even the way Two-Face dies in this is better. I like that his coin just goes outside of his reach rather than Batman randomly having a pocketful of coins.

I like the film version, because by throwing up the other coins Batman is meeting Dick half way. He's taking on board Dick's desire for Harvey to die, and he's giving him that but through a loophole. Their hands are technically clean and they can both move on from the past with a sense of trust and understanding.

That's what partnerships are about: compromise.

[Gotham Knight]

I think I'm going to do this. It will be a slow, arduous process, but I think I'll do it. I'm definitely going to be looking for input from you guys. At the same time I'm going to be mindful that this has to be what might have realistically been okayed back in 95. I'll get drive through is gone (or altered), but some of the lightness will still be there. I think the Knox cameo might be pushing it, but I think I'll let in come in.

[BatmanFurst]

Forgot to mention that I love that you see through the Sonar Suits POV near the end. Tbh the Sonar lenses have always confused me in the movie. I always thought he used them to target the chandelier in the Riddler's lair. I like that he uses them to see that the floor is a trap.

[eledoremassis02]

Forgot to mention that I love that you see through the Sonar Suits POV near the end. Tbh the Sonar lenses have always confused me in the movie. I always thought he used them to target the chandelier in the Riddler's lair. I like that he uses them to see that the floor is a trap.

I'll have to read this one and compare it to a later draft I have, but, in my, script Riddler got so powerful that he was able to project images into people's minds (sounds like it was a computer doing it in this one). The Sonar lenses let him see reality and thus is able to see the source of Riddlers power.

This I think is still in the final version yet just not fully realized or explained (Look at how half the floor ceases to exist after Batman destroys the box.

[Gotham Knight]

[thecolorsblend]

Forgot to mention that I love that you see through the Sonar Suits POV near the end. Tbh the Sonar lenses have always confused me in the movie. I always thought he used them to target the chandelier in the Riddler's lair. I like that he uses them to see that the floor is a trap.

I'll have to read this one and compare it to a later draft I have, but, in my, script Riddler got so powerful that he was able to project images into people's minds (sounds like it was a computer doing it in this one). The Sonar lenses let him see reality and thus is able to see the source of Riddlers power.

This I think is still in the final version yet just not fully realized or explained (Look at how half the floor ceases to exist after Batman destroys the box.

Crap, that's made sense of something that's been bugging me ever since this movie came out.