Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
#1
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Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
I remember years ago Clooney saying he'd give anyone a refund who said they saw it and didn't like it. Have there been any other directors who have apologized for something they've directed?
http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/14/entert...commended_pool
Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
It's been 20 years, but the director of "Batman & Robin" is really sorry.
Outspoken fans of the DC Comics franchise objected to pretty much everything in the 1997 movie -- from the casting of George Clooney as Batman to the nipples on his bat suit.
In a recent interview with Vice, "Batman & Robin" director Joel Schumacher offered up a mea culpa.
"I want to apologize to every fan that was disappointed because I think I owe them that," he said.
Schumacher took full responsibility for the film landing with a fizzle.
"A lot of it was my choice," he said. "No one is responsible for my mistakes but me."
Part of the issue, the director said, was that "Batman Forever" actor Val Kilmer quit the project to take a role in "The Island of Dr. Moreau."
Clooney came into play due to his popularity and Bob Daly, chief executive at Warner Bros. at the time, wanted Clooney
"[Clooney] was an obvious choice because he was a rising star on 'ER,'" Schumacher said. "I had a talk with him and he was like, 'Alright, if you do it I'll do it.'"
Schumacher said audiences had understandably high expectations after "Batman Forever." But after "Batman & Robin" released, the reaction was swift and harsh.
"I was scum. It was like I had murdered a baby," Schumacher recalled.
As for those nipples on the bat suit? It turns out that particular costume feature was inspired by history.
"By the time 'Batman Forever' came around, rubber molding had become so much more advanced," Schumacher explained. "So, I said 'Let's make it anatomical' and gave photos of those Greek statues and those incredible anatomical drawings you see in medical books. He did the nipples and when I looked at them, I thought, that's cool."
http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/14/entert...commended_pool
Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
It's been 20 years, but the director of "Batman & Robin" is really sorry.
Outspoken fans of the DC Comics franchise objected to pretty much everything in the 1997 movie -- from the casting of George Clooney as Batman to the nipples on his bat suit.
In a recent interview with Vice, "Batman & Robin" director Joel Schumacher offered up a mea culpa.
"I want to apologize to every fan that was disappointed because I think I owe them that," he said.
Schumacher took full responsibility for the film landing with a fizzle.
"A lot of it was my choice," he said. "No one is responsible for my mistakes but me."
Part of the issue, the director said, was that "Batman Forever" actor Val Kilmer quit the project to take a role in "The Island of Dr. Moreau."
Clooney came into play due to his popularity and Bob Daly, chief executive at Warner Bros. at the time, wanted Clooney
"[Clooney] was an obvious choice because he was a rising star on 'ER,'" Schumacher said. "I had a talk with him and he was like, 'Alright, if you do it I'll do it.'"
Schumacher said audiences had understandably high expectations after "Batman Forever." But after "Batman & Robin" released, the reaction was swift and harsh.
"I was scum. It was like I had murdered a baby," Schumacher recalled.
As for those nipples on the bat suit? It turns out that particular costume feature was inspired by history.
"By the time 'Batman Forever' came around, rubber molding had become so much more advanced," Schumacher explained. "So, I said 'Let's make it anatomical' and gave photos of those Greek statues and those incredible anatomical drawings you see in medical books. He did the nipples and when I looked at them, I thought, that's cool."
#2
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
For a second time (he basically said the same thing back when Warner released the Batman DVD box set). Not sure why this has come up again.
#3
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
Nerds. Can't let shit go.
#5
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
When is Nolan going to apologize for The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises?
#6
DVD Talk Hero
#7
DVD Talk Godfather
Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
He shouldn't be apologizing. He should be wanting comic nerds apologizing to him. Had Batman & Robin not happened we probably wouldn't have gotten Batman Begins.
#8
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
Batsuit nipples, bat credit card, ice skating and Ahnuld's puns are still not as stupid as the ferry boat scene in TDK or having a vertebrae punched back in in TDKR. Schumacker doesn't owe anyone an apology.
#9
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
Yeah he already apologized for it on the commentary track. The movie is still shit but I'm over it. Actually I just caught the end of it recently on one of the premium channels. Haven't seen the full film in years though.
#11
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
Don't see why the actor change is part of the excuse. While I thought Clooney looked too old for the role, his acting was fine for the script they were going off of.
#12
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
Budget: $100 million
Box office: $336.5 million
#13
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
Batman Forever is excellent. It's the disciplined, restrained version of Batman and Robin.
You could argue that Batman and Batman Returns had a similar progression. Fortunately Batman Returns worked.
You could argue that Batman and Batman Returns had a similar progression. Fortunately Batman Returns worked.
#14
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Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
Sorry, I should have specified ... how was it critically received? Financially successful is the goal, but it doesn't correlate with critical success. I honestly don't remember much other than flak over Tommy Lee Jones.
#15
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
I guess I was always in the minority but I never like Batman Forever. I just didn't like the tone of the Schumacher movies as they were too glitzy.
I like Burton's Batman movies better, but his style his too weird for a franchise movie. Either you love or hate his style, and I'm still surprised he was picked for one of the biggest hyped blockbusters of that era.
Nolan's Batman Trilogy is the best, as Christian Bale nailed it as Batman/Bruce Wayne. And the story and character development triumphs all the lame comic movies these days.
I like Burton's Batman movies better, but his style his too weird for a franchise movie. Either you love or hate his style, and I'm still surprised he was picked for one of the biggest hyped blockbusters of that era.
Nolan's Batman Trilogy is the best, as Christian Bale nailed it as Batman/Bruce Wayne. And the story and character development triumphs all the lame comic movies these days.
#16
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
I liked Batman Forever when it came out. However Batman & Robin ruined it. I almost walked out of B&R. Later I put in Forever and suddenly I saw stuff that so reminded me of B&R, I just didn't like it anymore.
#17
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
What's next, Tommy Wiseau apologizes for the Room?
#18
#20
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
I think both movies are in the 'so bad it's good' territory. I've gotten lots of entertainment from youtube videos parodying or deconstructing these movies. I would be bummed to live in a world where stuff like The Room doesn't exist.
#21
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Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
Schumacher said audiences had understandably high expectations after "Batman Forever."
#22
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Joel Schumacher apologizes for 'Batman & Robin'
Batman Forever is a ton of fun. I dont give AF what anyone says
But yeah, this is old news.
But yeah, this is old news.
#23
DVD Talk Legend
#24