Editing Batman Returns (section)

==Production==

===Development===
[[File:Tim Burton Frankenweenie 2012 3.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|left|alt=A smiling Tim Burton, dressed in black|Director [[Tim Burton]] (in 2012)]]
Following the success of ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' (1989), which became the fifth-highest-grossing film of its time, a sequel was considered inevitable. [[Warner Bros. Pictures]] was confident in its potential, with discussions about a follow-up beginning by late 1989 and plans to start filming in May of the next year.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/>{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}}<ref name="NYTimesBOAnalJune22"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>}} The studio wanted [[Robin Williams]] and Danny DeVito to play the rogues [[Riddler]] and Penguin, respectively,{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}} and had also invested $2{{nbsp}}million in acquiring the Gotham City sets at [[Pinewood Studios]] in England, intending to use them for at least two more sequels. These sets were kept under 24-hour surveillance as it was more cost-effective to maintain them than to build new ones.{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}} Despite pressure from Warner Bros. to finalize a script and begin production, director [[Tim Burton]] was hesitant about returning for a sequel.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/>{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}}<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> He called the idea "dumbfounded," particularly before analyzing the performance of the first film.{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}}<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/> Burton was generally skeptical of sequels, believing they were only worthwhile if they offered a chance to explore something new and different.{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}}<ref name="TCM"/>

''Batman'' writer [[Sam Hamm]]'s initial story idea expanded the character of district attorney [[Harvey Dent]], played in ''Batman'' by [[Billy Dee Williams]], and his descent into the supervillain [[Two-Face]]. Warner Bros. wanted the main villain to be the Penguin, however, whom Hamm believed the studio saw as Batman's most prominent enemy after the [[Joker (character)|Joker]]. Catwoman was added because Burton and Hamm were interested in the character.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> Hamm's drafts continued directly from ''Batman'', focusing on the relationship between Wayne and Vicki Vale ([[Kim Basinger]]) and their engagement.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> The Penguin was written as an avian-themed criminal who uses birds as weapons; Catwoman was more overtly sexualised, wore "bondage" gear, and nonchalantly murdered groups of men.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> The main narrative teamed Penguin and Catwoman to frame Batman for the murders of Gotham's wealthiest citizens in their pursuit of a secret treasure. Their quest leads them to Wayne Manor, and reveals the Waynes's secret history. Among other things, Hamm originated the Christmastime setting and introduced [[Robin (character)|Robin]], Batman's sidekick, although his idea for [[assault rifle]]-wielding [[Santa Claus|Santa]]s was abandoned. Hamm ensured that Batman did not kill anyone and focused on protecting Gotham's homeless.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> The two drafts produced by Hamm failed to renew Burton's interest,<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/> and Burton concentrated on directing ''[[Edward Scissorhands]]'' (1990) and writing ''[[The Nightmare Before Christmas]]'' (1993) instead.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/>

Burton was confirmed to direct the sequel in January 1991, with filming scheduled to begin later that year for a 1992 release date.<ref name="LAtimesJan1991"/> He agreed to return in exchange for creative control on the sequel; Burton considered ''Batman'' the least favorite of his films, describing it as occasionally boring.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=8}} According to [[Denise Di Novi]], his long-time producer, "Only about 50% of ''Batman'' was [Burton]"; the studio wanted ''Batman Returns'' to be "more of a Tim Burton movie{{nbsp}}... [a] weirder movie but also more hip and fun."{{sfn|White|1992|p=8}}

Burton replaced key ''Batman'' crew with some of his former collaborators, including cinematographer [[Stefan Czapsky]], production designer [[Bo Welch]], creature-effects supervisor [[Stan Winston]], makeup artist [[Ve Neill]], and art directors Tom Duffield and Rick Henrichs.{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}} [[Daniel Waters (screenwriter)|Daniel Waters]] was hired to replace Hamm because Burton wanted someone with no emotional attachment to ''Batman'' and liked Waters's script for the dark comedy ''[[Heathers]]'' (1988), which matched Burton's intended tone and creative direction.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=8}} Burton reportedly disliked ''Batman'' producer [[Jon Peters]], demoted him to executive producer of ''Batman Returns'', and effectively barred him from the set.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/> Warner Bros. was the production company and distributor, with production assistance from executive producer [[Peter Guber]]'s and Peters's [[Polygram Pictures]].<ref name="BFIBatmanReturns"/><ref name="LATimesPolygram"/>
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===Writing===
[[File:Dan Waters.jpg|thumb|alt=Daniel Waters, seated at a table and speaking into a microphone|Writer [[Daniel Waters (screenwriter)|Daniel Waters]] (in 2008) was hired by Tim Burton to revise [[Sam Hamm]]'s initial draft.]]
Waters began writing his first draft in mid-1990.{{sfn|Shapiro|1992|p=32}} Burton's only instructions were that the script have no connection to ''Batman'', outside of a singular reference to Vale as Wayne's ex-girlfriend, and that Catwoman have a greater characterization than sexy vixen.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="VultureWaters"/><ref name="NYTimesWelch"/> Waters did not like the 1989 film, and had no interest in following its narrative threads, acknowledging the comic-book histories of ''Batman Returns''{{'}} characters, or considering the opinions of their fans, saying: "We were really just about the art."<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="VultureWaters"/><ref name="NYTimesWelch"/> Unlike Hamm, Waters was not opposed to Batman killing people, believing the character should reflect contemporary, darker times, and that the idea of a hero leaving captured villains for the authorities was outdated.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> Even so, Waters only had Batman kill when necessary so it would be more meaningful; he was unhappy with some of the unscripted on-screen deaths in the finished film, such as Batman blowing up a Red Triangle member.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> Much of Waters's "bitter and cynical" dialogue for Batman (such as Gotham City not deserving protection) was removed because Keaton said that Batman should rarely speak in costume and Burton wanted Batman to be driven by trauma not nihilism.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="VultureWaters"/>{{sfn|Shapiro|1992|p=62}}}}

As a result, the script focused on villains. Burton said that he initially struggled to understand the appeal of the Penguin's comic-book counterpart; Batman, Catwoman, and the Joker had clear psychological profiles, but the Penguin was "just this guy with a cigarette and a top hat."<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> The initial draft made the character resemble a stereotypical DeVito character (an abrasive gangster), but Waters and Burton agreed to make him more "animalistic".{{sfn|Shapiro|1992|p=32}} They decided to make the Penguin a tragic figure, abandoned as an infant by his parents—a reflection of Batman's childhood trauma of losing his parents.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> Political and social satire was added, influenced by two episodes of the 1960s television series, ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'', ("Hizzoner the Penguin" and "Dizhonner the Penguin") in which the Penguin runs for mayor.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> Waters changed Hamm's Catwoman from a "fetishy sexual fantasy" ''[[femme fatale]]'' to a working-class, disenchanted secretary, writing her as an allegory of contemporary feminism.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/> Although the character is influenced by feline mythology (such as cats having nine lives), Waters and Burton never intended the supernatural elements to be taken literally and planned for Catwoman to die with Shreck during the electrical explosion in the film's denouement.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="CBRCatwomanNineLives"/>

Waters created Max Shreck—an original character named in honor of actor [[Max Schreck]]—to take the place of Harvey Dent/Two-Face.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/> Shreck was written satirically as an evil industrialist who orchestrates the Penguin's mayoral run, in order to convey the message that true villains do not always wear costumes. In one version of the script, Shreck was the Penguin's more-favored brother.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> With four central characters to depict, Waters and Burton decided to remove Robin, a garage mechanic who helps Batman after Penguin crashes the Batmobile. They were not particularly interested in retaining the character, whom Waters described as worthless.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}} The Red Triangle gang, initially conceived as a troupe of performance artists, were changed to circus clowns at Burton's request.<ref name="ColliderRedTriangle"/>

Waters said that his 160-page first draft was too outlandish and would have cost $400{{nbsp}}million to produce, leading him to become more restrained.{{sfn|Shapiro|1992|p=32}} His fifth (and final draft) focused more on characterization and interaction than on plot.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="VultureWaters"/>{{sfn|Shapiro|1992|p=30}}}} Burton and Waters eventually fell out over disagreements about the script and Waters's refusal to implement requested changes. Burton hired [[Wesley Strick]] to refine Waters's work, streamline dialogue, and lighten the tone.{{sfn|Shapiro|1992|p=62}} Warner Bros. executives mandated that Strick introduce a master plan for the Penguin, resulting in the addition of the plot to kidnap Gotham's first-born sons and threaten the city with missiles.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="VultureWaters"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=9}} Waters said that the changes to his work were relatively minor, but he was baffled by the Penguin's master plan.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="VultureWaters"/>{{sfn|Shapiro|1992|p=62}} He made a final revision to Strick's shooting screenplay and, although Strick was on set for four months of filming and agreed-upon rewriting, Waters was the only screenwriter credited.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="VultureWaters"/><ref name="Diabolique"/>

===Casting===
[[File:Christopher Walken Feb 2008 (2).jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|left|alt=A photograph of a smiling Christopher Walken|[[Christopher Walken]] (in 2008) based his performance on moguls such as [[Sol Hurok]] and [[Samuel Goldwyn]].]]
Keaton reprised his role as Bruce Wayne / Batman for $10{{space}}million, double his salary for ''Batman''.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="EWOct1993"/> Burton wanted to cast [[Marlon Brando]] as the Penguin, but Warner Bros. preferred [[Dustin Hoffman]]. [[Christopher Lloyd]] and [[Robert De Niro]] were also considered, but Danny DeVito became the frontrunner when Waters re-envisioned the character as a deformed human-bird hybrid.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="MTVBrando"/> DeVito was initially reluctant to accept the role until he was convinced by his close friend, [[Jack Nicholson]], who played the [[Joker (Jack Napier)|Joker]] in ''Batman''.<ref name="TCM"/><ref name="MTVBrando"/> To convey his vision, Burton gave DeVito a picture he had painted of a diminutive character sitting on a red-and-white striped ball with the caption, "my name is Jimmy, but my friends call me the hideous penguin boy."<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=9}}

Casting Selina Kyle / Catwoman was difficult.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=9}} [[Annette Bening]] initially secured the role, but had to drop out after becoming pregnant. Actresses lobbying for the part then included [[Ellen Barkin]], [[Cher]], [[Bridget Fonda]], [[Jennifer Jason Leigh]], [[Madonna]], [[Julie Newmar]], [[Lena Olin]], [[Susan Sarandon]], [[Raquel Welch]], and Basinger. The most prominent candidate, however, was [[Sean Young]] (who was cast as Vale in ''Batman'' before she was injured).{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="EWAug91991"/>}} Young went to the Warner Bros. lot in a homemade Catwoman costume for an impromptu audition for Burton, who reportedly hid under his desk (although Keaton and producer [[Mark Canton]] briefly met with her). She shared video of her efforts with ''[[Entertainment Tonight]]''. She also pitched in costume on [[The Joan Rivers Show]]. Warner Bros. said that Young did not fit their vision for Catwoman.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="EWOddwoman"/><ref name="LATimeseanYoung"/>}}

The role went to Pfeiffer who was described as a proven actress who got along with Burton (although some publications said that it would stretch her acting abilities).<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="EWAug91991"/> Pfeiffer had also been considered for Vale in ''Batman'', but Keaton vetoed the casting because they had been romantically involved and he believed that her presence would interfere with attempts to reconcile with his wife.<ref name="THRWuhl"/> She received a $3{{nbsp}}million salary ($2{{nbsp}}million more than Bening), plus a percentage of the gross profits.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="EWAug91991"/>{{sfn|Resner|1992}}}} Pfeiffer trained for months in kickboxing with her stunt double, [[Kathy Long]], mastering the whip and becoming proficient enough to perform her own stunts with the weapon.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="EWKickboxing"/><ref name="LATimesKathyLong"/>}}

Shreck's appearance was modeled on [[Vincent Price]] in an (unnamed) older film, and Walken based his performance on moguls such as [[Sol Hurok]] and [[Samuel Goldwyn]].<ref name="Escapist2020"/><ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> He said, "I tend to play mostly villains and twisted people. Unsavory guys. I think it's my face, the way I look."<ref name="NYTimesWalken"/> [[Burgess Meredith]] (who played the Penguin in the 1960s TV series) was scheduled to make a cameo appearance as Penguin's father, Tucker Cobblepot, but became ill during filming. He was replaced by Paul Reubens; Diane Salinger played his wife, Esther. Both had starred in Burton's feature-film debut, ''[[Pee-wee's Big Adventure]]'' (1985).<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="LATimesFilmingDate"/>

Although Robin was removed from the screenplay, the character's development was far enough along that [[Marlon Wayans]] was cast in the role (Burton had specifically wanted an African-American Robin) and costumes, sets, and action figures were made. In a 1998 interview, Wayans said that he still received residual checks as part of the two-film contract he signed.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}}<ref name="EWOct1993"/><ref name="CastWayans"/>}} Early reports suggested that Nicholson had been asked to return as the Joker, but refused to film in England because of the salary tax on foreign talent. Nicholson denied being asked, however, believing that Warner Bros. would not want to replicate his generous compensation for ''Batman''.<ref name="LATimesNicholson"/><ref name="LATimesNicholson2"/><ref name="LATimesNicholsonQnA"/>
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===Filming===
[[File:Batman Returns set.jpg|thumb|alt=Film set with a tall evergreen tree and many people|[[Gotham City]] Square set built inside Studio 16 at Warner Bros. Studios]]
[[Principal photography]] began on September 3, 1991.<ref name="NYTimesWalken"/><ref name="LATimesFilmingDate"/><ref name="LATimestartDate"/> Burton wanted to film in the United States with American actors because he believed that ''Batman'', which had been filmed in the United Kingdom, had "suffered from a British subtext."{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}}<ref name="LATimesPremiere"/>}} The economics of filming ''Batman'' in the United Kingdom had also changed, making it more cost-effective to remain in the U.S.{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}} This meant abandoning the Pinewood Studios sets in favor of Burton's new design. ''Batman Returns'' was filmed entirely on up to eight soundstages at [[Warner Bros. Studios Burbank|Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank]], California, including Stage 16 (which housed the expansive Gotham Plaza set).{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}}{{sfn|Resner|1992}}<ref name="LATimesPremiere"/>}} An additional soundstage, Stage 12 at the [[Universal Studios Lot]], was used for the Penguin's Arctic-exhibit lair.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}}<ref name="LATimesPremiere"/> }}

Some sets were kept very cold for the live [[Emperor penguin|Emperor]], [[African penguin|black-footed]], and [[King penguin|King]] penguins.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="TCM"/> The birds were flown in on a refrigerated airplane for filming, and had a chilled waiting area containing a swimming pool stocked with half a ton of ice daily and fresh fish.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="TCM"/> DeVito said that he generally liked being on set but disliked the cold conditions, and was the only person somewhat comfortable because of his costume's heavy padding.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> To create the penguin army, the live penguins were supplemented with puppets, forty Emperor-penguin suits worn by little people, and [[Computer-generated imagery]] (CGI).<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="AFICatalog"/> [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals]] (PETA) protested the use of real penguins, objecting to the birds being moved from their natural environment. Although the organization had reportedly said that the penguins were not mistreated during filming, it later complained that the birds did not get fresh drinking water{{snd}}just a small, chlorinated pool.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="Peta"/> PETA also objected to the penguins being fitted with appliances representing weapons and gadgets, which Warner Bros. said were lightweight plastic.<ref name="PetaCSM"/> Burton said that he did not like using real animals because he had an affinity for them, and ensured that the penguins were treated with care.{{sfn|Salisbury|Burton|2006|p=111}}

Walken described the filming as very collaborative, recalling that his suggestion to add a blueprint for Shreck's power plant resulted in a model being built within a few hours.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> The scene of Catwoman putting a live bird in her mouth was performed live, with no CGI enhancements. Pfeiffer said that, in retrospect, she would not have done the stunt as she had not considered the risks of injury or disease involved.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> For a scene in the sewers, monkey handlers positioned above and below managed the organ grinder monkey as it descended a set of stairs with a note for Penguin. When it saw DeVito in full costume and makeup, it leapt at his testicles. DeVito said, "The monkey looked at me, froze, and then leapt right at my balls{{nbsp}}...Thank god it was a padded costume."<ref name="DeVitoMonkey"/> A scene of Shreck's superstore exploding caused minor injuries to four stuntmen.<ref name="AFICatalog"/> Principal photography ended on February 20, 1992, after 170 days.<ref name="AFICatalog"/>

===Post-production===
[[Chris Lebenzon]] edited ''Batman Returns''{{'}} 126-minute theatrical cut.<ref name="ReviewEW"/><ref name="Lebenzon"/><ref name="BBFC"/> The final scene of Catwoman looking up at the Bat Signal was filmed during post-production, only two weeks before the film's release. Warner Bros. mandated the scene (depicting that the character survived) after [[test audience]]s responded positively to Pfeiffer's performance. Pfeiffer was unavailable to film the scene, and a stand-in was used.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="EndingTheWrap"/><ref name="EndingAVClub"/><ref name="ENdingPolygon"/><ref name="EndingScreenRant"/>}} A scene of Penguin's gang destroying a store filled with Batman merchandise was removed.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> Warner Bros. provided a final budget for ''Batman Returns'' of $55{{nbsp}}million, although it has been reported (or estimated) as $50, $65, $75, or $80{{nbsp}}million.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/><!--90 million--><!-- 65 million --><ref name="NYTimesBOAnalJune22"/><!-- 50 million --><ref name="NYTimesWelch"/><ref name="NYTimesApril131992"/><!-- 50 million --><ref name="Macleans"/><!-- 65 million --><ref name="ReviewLATimesTuran"/><!-- 55 million and 75 million --><ref name="BOMNAOriginalRelease"/><!-- 80 million -->}}{{efn-lr|The 1992 budget of $50–$80{{nbsp}}million  is equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|50000000|1992}}}}–${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|90000000|1992}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}.}}

===Music===
{{main|Batman Returns (soundtrack)}}
{{Listen|filename=Batman Returns The Finale Part 1 by Danny Elfman.ogg|title=''Danny Elfman—The Finale Part 1''|description=Danny Elfman conveyed his sympathy for the Penguin during the character's death scene.|format=[[ogg]]}}
[[Danny Elfman]] was initially reluctant to score ''Batman Returns'' because he was unhappy that his ''Batman'' score was supplemented with pop music by [[Prince (musician)|Prince]].<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> Elfman built on many of his ''Batman'' themes, and said that he enjoyed working on the Penguin's themes the most because of the character's sympathetic aspects, such as his abandonment and death.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="RollingStoneElfman"/> Recorded with a studio orchestra on the Sony Scoring Stage in Los Angeles, Elfman's score includes vocals, harps, bells, xylophones, flutes, pianos, and chimes.<ref name="IGNElfman"/><ref name="Filmtracks"/>

The song "[[Face to Face (Siouxsie and the Banshees song)|Face to Face]]", played during the costume-ball scene, was co-written and performed by the British rock band [[Siouxsie and the Banshees]].<ref name="Filmtracks"/> Burton and Elfman fell out during production due to the stress of finishing ''Batman Returns'' on time, but reconciled shortly afterward.<ref name="SMHerald"/>