Uma Thurman defends ‘Batman & Robin’ as a film for children

Batman & Robin: A Closer Look

There has always been a debate surrounding the superhero genre and whether it can be considered real film art for adults. Uma Thurman, however, has a different perspective. She believes that her 1997 film Batman & Robin was more akin to a children’s show like Sesame Street rather than a mature film for adults.

Thurman’s View on Batman & Robin

During a recent episode of her daytime talk show, Kelly Clarkson revealed that her kids are enamored with Batman & Robin, particularly Uma Thurman’s portrayal of Poison Ivy. Thurman responded by stating that the film was actually made with children in mind, highlighting its more light-hearted and less explicit nature compared to other Batman films.

The Debate Over Target Audience

While many may find it surprising that a film like Batman & Robin was aimed at children, there is merit to Thurman’s claim. The movie, directed by Joel Schumacher, is notably lighter in tone compared to darker interpretations of the Batman character by directors like Matt Reeves and Christopher Nolan. It also contains less explicit content, especially in terms of violence, than Tim Burton’s earlier Batman films.

“Well, my kids love it,” Clarkson expressed enthusiastically.

The Rating and Audience Response

Despite being given a PG-13 rating, signaling it as potentially unsuitable for children, there is a case to be made that Batman & Robin was indeed created as entertainment for a younger audience.

The shift towards a more family-friendly approach can be traced back to the backlash that Tim Burton faced for the violent themes in his 1992 film Batman Returns. This led Warner Bros. to bring in Joel Schumacher with the hope of creating a more child-friendly Batman film.

The Controversial Costumes

One of the most memorable aspects of Batman & Robin is the inclusion of sexually suggestive elements, particularly the infamous rubber nipples on the Batsuit. Even decades later, viewers still question the decision to incorporate such provocative details into a film that is supposedly aimed at children. Actor George Clooney expressed his discomfort with the costume’s design, joking about Batman’s perpetual coldness due to the nipples.

Director Tim Burton also voiced his confusion over the inclusion of such elements in a movie intended for children, criticizing the hypocrisy of labeling his work as too dark while allowing such overtly sexual imagery in Batman & Robin.

The Challenges of Costume Design

Kelly Clarkson and Uma Thurman discussed the complexities of costume design during a Halloween-themed conversation, focusing on Thurman’s portrayal of Poison Ivy in Batman & Robin. Thurman recalled the challenges of wearing the rubber jumpsuit, likening it to the difficulty of donning a pair of tight airplane tension hose.

Despite the challenges, Thurman found the experience of portraying Poison Ivy to be fun and creatively fulfilling.

FAQs

Q: Was Batman & Robin intended for children?

A: While the film received a PG-13 rating, there are indications that it was designed with a younger audience in mind, aiming for a more family-friendly approach compared to previous Batman films.

Q: What was the controversy surrounding the costumes in Batman & Robin?

A: The inclusion of sexually suggestive elements, such as the rubber nipples on the Batsuit, sparked debate and confusion among viewers and creators alike, questioning the appropriateness of such design choices in a movie targeted at children.


Credit: ew.com