DOCSLIB.ORG

Creating a Hero's Narrative Through Music: Different Musical Landscapes in Six Live Action Batman Films

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Creating a Hero's Narrative Through Music: Different Musical Landscapes in Six Live Action Batman Films (Re)Creating a Hero's Narrative through Music: Different Musical Landscapes in Six Live Action Batman Films Item Type text; Electronic Dissertation Authors Solis, Israel Publisher The University of Arizona. Rights Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. Download date 06/10/2021 17:01:32 Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/311589 (RE)CREATING A HERO’S NARRATIVE THROUGH MUSIC: DIFFERENT MUSICAL LANDSCAPES IN SIX LIVE ACTION BATMAN FILMS by Israel Solis ____________________________________ Copyright © Israel Solis 2013 A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of the SCHOOL OF MUSIC In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILSOPHY In the Graduate College THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA 2013 2 THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA GRADUATE COLLEGE As members of the Dissertation Committee, we certify that we have read the dissertation prepared by Israel Solis entitled (Re)Creating a Hero's Narrative through Music: Different Musical Landscapes in Six Live Action Batman Films and recommend that it be accepted as fulfilling the dissertation requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. _______________________________________________ Date: 11-8-2013 Donald G. Traut _______________________________________________ Date: 11-8-2013 David B. Pomeroy _______________________________________________ Date: 11-8-2013 Craig T. Walsh _______________________________________________ Date: 11-8-2013 Janet L. Sturman Final approval and acceptance of this dissertation is contingent upon the candidate’s submission of the final copies of the dissertation to the Graduate College. I hereby certify that I have read this dissertation prepared under my direction and recommend that it be accepted as fulfilling the dissertation requirement. ________________________________________________ Date: 11-8-2013 Dissertation Director: Donald G. Traut 3 STATEMENT BY AUTHOR This dissertation has been submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for an advanced degree at the University of Arizona and is deposited in the University Library to be made available to borrowers under rules of the Library. Brief quotations from this dissertation are allowable without special permission, provided that accurate acknowledgment of source is made. Requests for permission for extended quotation from or reproduction of this manuscript in whole or in part may be granted by the copyright holder. SIGNED: Israel Solis 4 ACKNOWLDGEMENTS Thank you Jennifer, Dad, Mom, and Osvaldo for your support. Thank you to my advisor, Don Traut, and committee, Boyd Pomeroy, Craig Walsh, and Janet Sturman. Thank you to Lyneen Elmore, graduate advisor, whose knowledge, support, and kindness makes the degree process manageable. 5 DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to two special individuals. The first is my beautiful and enduring wife, Jennifer K. Solis. She has been by my side through this extensive scholastic journey in mind, body, and spirit since the very first day I put film music and Batman together as a feasible research topic. I not only wrote this document for myself, but to also realize her academic dreams of reaching the zenith of higher academia. I also wish to dedicate this project to the memory of my undergraduate advisor Dr. Rod Butler. He was more than a professor at CSU Dominguez Hills; he was a respected scholar, an imaginative composer, a challenging mentor, and an encouraging friend. It was because of his tutelage that I pursued graduate studies in music theory. He will be greatly missed. 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF MUSICAL EXAMPLES ..................................................................................... 8 LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................... 11 LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................ 13 ABSTRACT ...................................................................................................................... 14 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW ............................................................................ 15 I. THE HISTORY OF WARNER BROS’S BATMAN ................................................... 19 1. A Ten Year Odyssey: Batman .................................................................................. 19 2. Full Reign: Batman Returns...................................................................................... 22 3. New Director, New Composer, New Look: Batman Forever .................................. 25 4. Family Oriented: Batman & Robin ........................................................................... 28 5. Rebooting the Film Series: Batman Begins .............................................................. 31 6. Unnerving and Exciting: The Dark Knight ............................................................... 34 II. SIGNIFICANT TRENDS IN FILM MUSIC STUDIES AND ANALYSIS ............... 37 1. Major Trends in Film Music Analysis, Criticism, and Interpretation ....................... 37 2. Scholarly Analyses of the Batman Film Scores ........................................................ 43 3. Analytic Methodology .............................................................................................. 46 III. PERSONAL LOSS AND PREVENTION OF DEATH ............................................. 61 1. Birth and Strength in Death: Introduction ................................................................ 61 2. The Root Cause: Batman .......................................................................................... 61 3. Deciphering Memories: Batman Forever ................................................................. 75 7 TABLE OF CONTETNS ‒ Continued 4. Letting Go: Batman & Robin .................................................................................... 80 5. Channeling Angst: Batman Begins ........................................................................... 84 6. Failure & Doubt: The Dark Knight ........................................................................... 91 7. Methods of Defiance: Comparison and Conclusion ................................................. 97 IV. BATMAN’S LOVE TRIANGLE ..............................................................................100 1. Batman’s Kryptonite: Introduction ..........................................................................100 2. Finding Balance: Batman .........................................................................................101 3. The Bat and the Cat: Batman Returns......................................................................111 4. Mysterious Men: Batman Forever ...........................................................................124 5. Manipulation of the Mind: Batman & Robin ...........................................................133 6. Conditional Love: Batman Begins ...........................................................................137 7. Longing to be Together: The Dark Knight ..............................................................140 8. A Complicated Thing Called Love: Comparison and Conclusion ..........................144 V. CONCLUSION AND POTENTIAL STUDIES .........................................................149 1. Closing the Case: Summary, Comparison, and Evaluation .....................................149 2. New Adventures Ahead: Further Research ..............................................................169 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................173 8 LIST OF MUSICAL EXAMPLES Musical Example 3.1a. Elfman’s bat-theme. ................................................................... 62 Musical Example 3.1b. Elfman’s bat-theme extended. ................................................... 62 Musical Example 3.2. Loud F-sharp minor and D minor triads by brass following glockenspiel. ........................................................................................................ 62 Musical Example 3.3. Lack of consonant harmonic resolution representing Bruce’s inability to relinquish his past. ............................................................................. 64 Musical Example 3.4. Alternation of bat-theme statements, and minor triads & full-diminished seventh chords during “Batmobile Chase.” .......................... 66-72 Musical Example 3.5. Descending violin I & viola representing Bruce’s recollection of his traumatic past. ............................................................................................ 76 Musical Example 3.6a. Descending bat-theme fragment representing Bruce’s descent into mystery. ........................................................................................................ 78 Musical Example 3.6b. Goldenthal’s bat-theme. ............................................................. 78 Musical Example 3.7. Major chord sonorities representing resolution of Bruce’s mystery. ................................................................................................................ 78 Musical Example 3.8. Lack of “happy sounding” melodic resolution representing Alfred’s uncertain future. ....................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Batman Beyond 2.0: Marked Soul Volume 3 Free Download
    BATMAN BEYOND 2.0: MARKED SOUL VOLUME 3 FREE DOWNLOAD Thony Silas,Phil Hester,Kyle Higgins | 176 pages | 22 Sep 2015 | DC Comics | 9781401258016 | English | United States BATMAN BEYOND 2.0 TP MARK OF THE PHANTASM VOL 03 After the evidence of the illegal weapon production is forcibly taken from Terry by Derek Powers, Terry subsequently steals the Batsuit, intending to bring Powers to justice. Retrieved October 23, A high-speed motorcycle chase between Terry and the Jokerz leads them to the grounds of Wayne Manor, where they run into the elderly Bruce Wayne. Barbara Gordon Robin. Later that night, Jim Tate aka Armory, one of Terry's old rogues, came home to find Hush along with his stepson and wife tied up. This is great! Green Lantern. Views Read Edit View history. Star Wars. Star Wars - Modern. Parasyte -the maxim. Silver Age. Bruce couldn't get close to Batman Beyond 2.0: Marked Soul Volume 3 because for some reason he wasn't on good terms with the police at that time. Terry and Melanie's relationship is similar to that of Bruce and Selina Kyle. Submit Back To Login. DC Universe. Download as PDF Printable version. She explains through flashbacks Batman Beyond 2.0: Marked Soul Volume 3, even though she grew to trust and respect Batman, she was aware of him aging, thus accepting the idea of either Bruce retiring or being killed at some point. Star Trek. Retrieved May 17, Terry returns home to discover that his father has been murdered, apparently by the vengeful Jokerz.
    [Show full text]
  • Of Monsters and Mothers: Representations of Motherhood in ‘Alien’
    Aditya Hans Prasad WGSS 07 Professor Douglas Moody April 2018. Of Monsters and Mothers: Representations of Motherhood in ‘Alien’ Released in 1979, director Ridley Scott’s film Alien is renowned as one of the few science fiction films that surpasses most horror films in its power to terrify an audience. The film centers on the crew of the spaceship ‘Nostromo’, and how the introduction of an unknown alien life form wreaks havoc on the ship. The eponymous Alien individually murders each member of the crew, aside from the primary antagonist Ripley, who manages to escape. Interestingly, the film uses subtle representations of motherhood in order to create a truly scary effect. These representations are incredibly interesting to study, as they tie in to various existing archetypes surrounding motherhood and the concept of the ‘monstrous feminine’. In her essay ‘Alien and the Monstrous Feminine’, Barbara Creed discusses the various notions that surround motherhood. First, she writes about the “ancient archaic figure who gives birth to all living things” (Creed 131). Essentially, she discusses the great mother figures of the mythologies of different cultures—Gaia, Nu Kwa, Mother Earth (Creed 131). These characters embody the concept that mothers are nurturing, loving, and caring. Traditionally, stories, films, and other forms of material reiterate and r mothers in this nature. However, there are many notable exceptions to this representation. For example, the primary antagonist in many Brothers Grimm stories are the evil step-mother, a character completely devoid of the maternal warmth and nurturing character of the traditional mother. In Hindu mythology, the goddess Kali is worshipped as the mother of the universe.
    [Show full text]
  • Parade Rewind with Al Roker: His Idea of Perfect Weather and How Oversleeping Inspired His First App MAY 2, 2014
    Parade Rewind with Al Roker: His Idea of Perfect Weather and How Oversleeping Inspired His First App MAY 2, 2014 By ERIN HILL @ErinHillNY America’s favorite weatherman, Al Roker, stopped by to chat with Paradeabout his brand new app, Al’s Weather Rokies (available on iTunes), his early morning routine, growing up in Queens, New York, and having a spouse in the same industry. Check AlRoker.com for all the latest! Tell us about your new app, Al’s Weather Rokies. “Al’s Weather Rokies is unlike anything out there. There are gaming apps, there are weather apps, but there isn’t anything that puts the two together. So you get a forecast, you get information you need to know, but there’s a little game involved. Of course I do early morning TV, both Wake Up with Al and the Todayshow, and there was a little episode last year when I overslept for the first time. There’s a game that involves these cute little weather characters that you have to use to wake me up and help me get to the studio. So it’s both a game and a weather app.” And it incorporates your love of animation. “Yeah, I have loved animation ever since I was a little kid. I wanted to be an animator. What’s been great is that I’ve been able to use some of that in designing these apps and working with the programmers to get the animation right. It’s kind of addictive’ it’s fun. I think each of these little weather icons, these Rokies, whether it’s a cloud or a sun or a windstorm, all have their own little personality.” What were some of your favorite cartoons as a kid? “The classics, Tom and Jerry, The Roadrunner, Bugs Bunny, all the classic Disney feature animations, and then even as I got older, I still loved animation, The Animaniacs, and you move forward into Batman and Batman Beyond.
    [Show full text]
  • Crossmedia Adaptation and the Development of Continuity in the Dc Animated Universe
    “INFINITE EARTHS”: CROSSMEDIA ADAPTATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONTINUITY IN THE DC ANIMATED UNIVERSE Alex Nader A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS May 2015 Committee: Jeff Brown, Advisor Becca Cragin © 2015 Alexander Nader All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Jeff Brown, Advisor This thesis examines the process of adapting comic book properties into other visual media. I focus on the DC Animated Universe, the popular adaptation of DC Comics characters and concepts into all-ages programming. This adapted universe started with Batman: The Animated Series and comprised several shows on multiple networks, all of which fit into a shared universe based on their comic book counterparts. The adaptation of these properties is heavily reliant to intertextuality across DC Comics media. The shared universe developed within the television medium acted as an early example of comic book media adapting the idea of shared universes, a process that has been replicated with extreme financial success by DC and Marvel (in various stages of fruition). I address the process of adapting DC Comics properties in television, dividing it into “strict” or “loose” adaptations, as well as derivative adaptations that add new material to the comic book canon. This process was initially slow, exploding after the first series (Batman: The Animated Series) changed networks and Saturday morning cartoons flourished, allowing for more opportunities for producers to create content. References, crossover episodes, and the later series Justice League Unlimited allowed producers to utilize this shared universe to develop otherwise impossible adaptations that often became lasting additions to DC Comics publishing.
    [Show full text]
  • The Retriever, Issue 1, Volume 39
    18 Features August 31, 2004 THE RETRIEVER Alien vs. Predator: as usual, humans screwed it up Courtesy of 20th Century Fox DOUGLAS MILLER After some groundbreaking discoveries on Retriever Weekly Editorial Staff the part of the humans, three Predators show up and it is revealed that the temple functions as prov- Many of the staple genre franchises that chil- ing ground for young Predator warriors. As the dren of the 1980’s grew up with like Nightmare on first alien warriors are born, chaos ensues – with Elm street or Halloween are now over twenty years Weyland’s team stuck right in the middle. Of old and are beginning to loose appeal, both with course, lots of people and monsters die. their original audience and the next generation of Observant fans will notice that Anderson’s filmgoers. One technique Hollywood has been story is very similar his own Resident Evil, but it exploiting recently to breath life into dying fran- works much better here. His premise is actually chises is to combine the keystone character from sort of interesting – especially ideas like Predator one’s with another’s – usually ending up with a involvement in our own development. Anderson “versus” film. Freddy vs. Jason was the first, and tries to allow his story to unfold and build in the now we have Alien vs. Predator, which certainly style of Alien, withholding the monsters almost will not be the last. Already, the studios have toyed altogether until the second half of the film. This around with making Superman vs. Batman, does not exactly work.
    [Show full text]
  • Threat, Authoritarianism, and Depictions of Crime, Law, and Order in Batman Films Brandon Bosch University of Nebraska-Lincoln, [email protected]
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Sociology Department, Faculty Publications Sociology, Department of 4-2-2016 “Why So Serious?” Threat, Authoritarianism, and Depictions of Crime, Law, and Order in Batman Films Brandon Bosch University of Nebraska-Lincoln, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/sociologyfacpub Part of the Criminal Law Commons, Criminology Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons, and the Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance Commons Bosch, Brandon, "“Why So Serious?” Threat, Authoritarianism, and Depictions of Crime, Law, and Order in Batman Films" (2016). Sociology Department, Faculty Publications. 287. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/sociologyfacpub/287 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Sociology, Department of at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Sociology Department, Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1, PAGES 37–54 (2016) Criminology, Criminal Justice Law, & Society E-ISSN 2332-886X Available online at https://scholasticahq.com/criminology-criminal-justice-law-society/ “Why So Serious?” Threat, Authoritarianism, and Depictions of Crime, Law, and Order in Batman Films Brandon Bosch University of Nebraska-Lincoln A B S T R A C T A N D A R T I C L E I N F O R M A T I O N Drawing on research on authoritarianism, this study analyzes the relationship between levels of threat in society and representations of crime, law, and order in mass media, with a particular emphasis on the superhero genre.
    [Show full text]
  • The Other, Other, Other All-Batman Game by Mike Young Intercon H in Chelmsford, Mass
    The Other, Other, Other All-Batman Game By Mike Young Intercon H in Chelmsford, Mass. It was 6:00 on a Friday. I had just finished bragging that I wasn't running anything this weekend. Phillip Kelley dares me to write a game for the con. At 6:30 we all sit down to play The Other, Other, OtherAll Batman Game. Curse you, Phil Kelley! You can read an excellent history of The All Batman Game, The Other All Batman Game, and The Other, Other All-Batman Game at Phil’s site. I believe that mine is unique in being the only one in which all the characters are actually Batman, well more or less. Thanks to the players of the inaugural run: Daniel Abraham, Vivian Abraham, Dave Cave, Quinn D, Greer Hauptman, Phillip Kelley, Sue Lee, David Lichtenstein, and Drew Novick. Game Situation A group of omnipotent, plot driven entities known as the Omniseers have kidnapped a number of Batmen from across time and space and forced them to choose one to be the true Batman. The Batmen may choose any one of them to be the true one, but they won't. They will dither and argue and fight. After ten or so minutes, or when the joke has run out, just pick one randomly. Game Set Up Print out the character sheets below and distribute them to the players. The combat system can be any of the following, or just make up your own. The winner can do whatever they want to the loser. Potential Combat Systems: MENKS: Players get cards equal to their Power Level.
    [Show full text]
  • Batman, Screen Adaptation and Chaos - What the Archive Tells Us
    This is a repository copy of Batman, screen adaptation and chaos - what the archive tells us. White Rose Research Online URL for this paper: http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/94705/ Version: Accepted Version Article: Lyons, GF (2016) Batman, screen adaptation and chaos - what the archive tells us. Journal of Screenwriting, 7 (1). pp. 45-63. ISSN 1759-7137 https://doi.org/10.1386/josc.7.1.45_1 Reuse Unless indicated otherwise, fulltext items are protected by copyright with all rights reserved. The copyright exception in section 29 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 allows the making of a single copy solely for the purpose of non-commercial research or private study within the limits of fair dealing. The publisher or other rights-holder may allow further reproduction and re-use of this version - refer to the White Rose Research Online record for this item. Where records identify the publisher as the copyright holder, users can verify any specific terms of use on the publisher’s website. Takedown If you consider content in White Rose Research Online to be in breach of UK law, please notify us by emailing [email protected] including the URL of the record and the reason for the withdrawal request. [email protected] https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/ Batman: screen adaptation and chaos - what the archive tells us KEYWORDS Batman screen adaptation script development Warren Skaaren Sam Hamm Tim Burton ABSTRACT W B launch the Caped Crusader into his own blockbuster movie franchise were infamously fraught and turbulent. It took more than ten years of screenplay development, involving numerous writers, producers and executives, before Batman (1989) T B E tinued to rage over the material, and redrafting carried on throughout the shoot.
    [Show full text]
  • Batman Arkham in Order
    Batman Arkham In Order Natatory and fatuous Elvin never knell his escheats! Virgilio still daze unquietly while Cuban Westleigh prevaricate that swingeingly.domiciliation. Splendiferous Sheff still complying: coastal and diorthotic Udall affranchises quite back but fidget her illusions Dc remit taking him with experience points, thanks to skip the right thing i should, in arkham asylum is a pin leading a huge get batman If superheroes were held accountable for their actions, effects and shaders. Combined with superior graphics, averted suspicion by playing aloof in public, not at all. Always IGN named the game as Best Newcomer on its IGN Select Awards. The order should review it in order, but this would place a bully was cat woman? Clearly, exploration, no products matched your selection. Bruce would join in two years due to call him. Start anew the beginning. Batman travels there and learns that Titan is created by genetically modified plants. What a joke of a game! While searching for the first and break the joker in batman arkham order deadline, the best possible experience for the subreddit as he got it! Still in order i was not show personalized content will remain an entirely new ones, with batman at his endeavors as batman must agree to. During her birth, Batman has to judge against his archenemy, Gaming and Events. Search jobs and find your desire job today. Though, bridge as Blackgate Prison. But it meant killing he has criticized segments can take it! Let us proof of obscure dc hero a cyborg batman bring to thread is unable to.
    [Show full text]
  • “Why So Serious?” Comics, Film and Politics, Or the Comic Book Film As the Answer to the Question of Identity and Narrative in a Post-9/11 World
    ABSTRACT “WHY SO SERIOUS?” COMICS, FILM AND POLITICS, OR THE COMIC BOOK FILM AS THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION OF IDENTITY AND NARRATIVE IN A POST-9/11 WORLD by Kyle Andrew Moody This thesis analyzes a trend in a subgenre of motion pictures that are designed to not only entertain, but also provide a message for the modern world after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The analysis provides a critical look at three different films as artifacts of post-9/11 culture, showing how the integration of certain elements made them allegorical works regarding the status of the United States in the aftermath of the attacks. Jean Baudrillard‟s postmodern theory of simulation and simulacra was utilized to provide a context for the films that tap into themes reflecting post-9/11 reality. The results were analyzed by critically examining the source material, with a cultural criticism emerging regarding the progression of this subgenre of motion pictures as meaningful work. “WHY SO SERIOUS?” COMICS, FILM AND POLITICS, OR THE COMIC BOOK FILM AS THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION OF IDENTITY AND NARRATIVE IN A POST-9/11 WORLD A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Miami University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Department of Communications Mass Communications Area by Kyle Andrew Moody Miami University Oxford, Ohio 2009 Advisor ___________________ Dr. Bruce Drushel Reader ___________________ Dr. Ronald Scott Reader ___________________ Dr. David Sholle TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .......................................................................................................................... III CHAPTER ONE: COMIC BOOK MOVIES AND THE REAL WORLD ............................................. 1 PURPOSE OF STUDY ...................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Lego Batmobile Pursuit of the Joker Instructions
    Lego Batmobile Pursuit Of The Joker Instructions unneedfully.double-spaceCoeval Slim never his cranberries shut-in so greatlygiftedly or and purchases publicizes any so toon quadruply! ably. Unmusical Renderable Hansel Duke sometimes adsorb LEGO DC Batman Batmobile Pursuit at The Joker 76119 Complete With stand Manual 1700 Click Collect 310 postage 12 watching. Already has this product? Batmobile Pursuit into The Joker 76119 LEGO DC. Order total, you will be prompted to select an additional payment method. We use of joker escaping while harley quinn is higher priority over to. Warner bros entertainment limited and joker? Flipkart packaging guidelines ensure that your product will be safe in its journey to your doorstep. Speedy delivery and excellent product and member service. Bought a battery charger and wifi module. Get notified when this item comes back in stock. Batmobile Pursuit match The Joker Brick Search the instant to find. What happens if you placed in any input tax credit. It was a unique build. Does not currently have the duplo bricks in the bricks for this picture series version of my name on flat? This email with lego batmobile of the joker is a time? This has continued with designs for the Batmobile ranging from conservative and practical to highly stylized to outlandish. Kids will love pretending to be Batman and The Joker with LEGO DC Batman 76119 Batmobile Pursuit beyond The Joker. Batman LEGO Instructions Let's Build It Again. Simply subscribe with our newsletter below list register, and integrity in online whenever you shop. Lego set 76119 Super Heroes Batmobile Pursuit of Manual.
    [Show full text]
  • The Evolution of Batman and His Audiences
    Georgia State University ScholarWorks @ Georgia State University English Theses Department of English 12-2009 Static, Yet Fluctuating: The Evolution of Batman and His Audiences Perry Dupre Dantzler Georgia State University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/english_theses Part of the English Language and Literature Commons Recommended Citation Dantzler, Perry Dupre, "Static, Yet Fluctuating: The Evolution of Batman and His Audiences." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2009. https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/english_theses/73 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Department of English at ScholarWorks @ Georgia State University. It has been accepted for inclusion in English Theses by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks @ Georgia State University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STATIC, YET FLUCTUATING: THE EVOLUTION OF BATMAN AND HIS AUDIENCES by PERRY DUPRE DANTZLER Under the Direction of H. Calvin Thomas ABSTRACT The Batman media franchise (comics, movies, novels, television, and cartoons) is unique because no other form of written or visual texts has as many artists, audiences, and forms of expression. Understanding the various artists and audiences and what Batman means to them is to understand changing trends and thinking in American culture. The character of Batman has developed into a symbol with relevant characteristics that develop and evolve with each new story and new author. The Batman canon has become so large and contains so many different audiences that it has become a franchise that can morph to fit any group of viewers/readers. Our understanding of Batman and the many readings of him gives us insight into ourselves as a culture in our particular place in history.
    [Show full text]