The 1989 film Batman was directed by Tim Burton and based on the comic book of the same name. It takes place in the corrupt Gotham City, which is only protected by Batman, played by Michael Keaton. He fights the villainous Joker, portrayed by Jack Nicholson. Bruce Wayne by day and Batman by night, Batman tries to save Gotham from criminals like the Joker, while also growing close to reporter Vicki Vale, played by Kim Basinger. The film follows Batman and the Joker's battle of good versus evil in the dark city of Gotham.