Joel Schumacher on Batman & Robin's Importance to LGBTQ Cinema
Despite opening to a negative response, Batman and Robin has earned a unique place in the pantheon [...]
Despite opening to a negative response, Batman and Robin has earned a unique place in the pantheon of superhero films. The 1997 film, which premiered 20 years ago to the day of this writing, has earned a particularly strong following with the LGBTQ community.
Many considered the Joel Schumacher-helmed film - as well as its predecessor, Batman Forever - to heighten the gay subtext between the famous DC Comics crime-fighting duo. But according to Schumacher, who recently spoke about the film's legacy to GQ, that wasn't necessarily the intention.
"I never thought of that." Schumacher explained, when asked about the film's LGBTQ legacy. "I do know that there is definitely a large gay audience for all the Batman films. But yeah, I tried to put in something for everyone. I never thought it was an important moment in gay cinema, but hey, I'll take it."
It can be said that much of this reading of Batman & Robin was thanks to its costumes, which placed the two titular characters in rubber, nipple-accenting costumes. The director explained just how much the response to the 'bat nipples' wasn't expected.
"I think the other surprising thing was the nipples on the Batsuit. It got so much attention." Schumacher revealed. "So many talented people were working with rubber that we got the gift of having the suit being very slim and very body conscious. The suits became sexier. I never thought… I didn't even know if people would notice. I was like, "Oh my god.'"
Schumacher also suggested that the film's LGBTQ following could be partially due to his own sexuality.
"I think because I am gay, people read into things." He explained. "For instance, when I did [the 2000 war drama] Tigerland, because you have a lot of guys running around in their underwear, of course it's called homoerotic. It seems to feel a little cockeyed. I made so many macho films. It was just fun."
Justice League currently has a 4.16 out of 5 on ComicBook.com's anticipation rankings, and the official description can be found below.
In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
Justice League is directed by Zack Snyder, from a screenplay by Chris Terrio, and features an ensemble cast that includes Ben Affleck (Batman), Henry Cavill(Superman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Ezra Miller (The Flash), Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Ray Fisher (Cyborg), Ciarán Hinds (Steppenwolf), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Jeremy Irons (Alfred Pennyworth), J.K. Simmons (Commissioner Gordon), Amber Heard (Mera), Kiersey Clemons (Iris West) and Jesse Eisenberg (Lex Luthor).
Wonder Woman is in theaters now, followed by Justice League on November 17, 2017; Aquaman on July 27, 2018; Shazam on April 5, 2019; Justice League 2 on June 14, 2019; Cyborg on April 3, 2020; and Green Lantern Corps on July 24, 2020. The Flash, The Batman, Dark Universe and Man of Steel 2 are currently without a release dates.
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