This document examines different portrayals of the Batman character across various films and eras to understand how society's expectations of heroes have changed over time. It analyzes the 1960s Batman played by Adam West, Tim Burton's 1980s-1990s Batman, the poorly received 1995-1997 films, and Christian Bale's 2000s "darkest" Batman; exploring how each version reflects the characteristics and hero types valued in their respective eras.

1. What Do We Expect Out of a Hero?

2.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=RLZQ3OLEJWE
 Take a look at the Batman from the 1960s.
 What characteristics does he have?
 What kind of hero is he?
 How does he reflect the time period?

3.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=2PE9qrV1pUM
 Tim Burton’s Batman movies came out in the
late 1980s and early 1990s.
 How does this Batman differ from Adam West’s?
 What characteristics does this Batman have?
 What kind of hero is he?
 Is he a “better” or “worse” Batman?

4.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8D0ckow0ck
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKNSstnq4sg
 Batman Forever and Batman and Robin are
widely considered the worst representations
of the super hero.
 How does this Batman compare to West and
Burton?
 Does this Batman seem like an effective hero? Why
or why not?

5.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=1T__uN5xmC0
 Christian Bale’s Batman is considered the
“darkest” Batman ever.
 What are some characteristics of this Batman?
 How does Bale’s interpretation differ from his
predecessors?
 Does this Batman seem like “more real” hero?
Why or why not?