Why is Batman almost always paired with two villains? [closed]
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In every live action Batman movie I remember (other than Burton's first Batman), Batman is paired with two villains. Why is this formula used? Is one villain just not dynamic enough for Batman?
Burton Films
- Batman Returns ('93) - Penguin and Catwoman
- Batman Forever ('95) - Two Face and the Riddler
- Batman & Robin ('97) - Mr Freeze and Poison Ivy (Bane is included, but is subordinate to Ivy)
Nolan Films
- Batman Begins ('05) - Scarecrow and Ra's Al Ghul
- The Dark Knight ('08) - The Joker and Two Face
- Dark Knight Rises ('12) - Bane and Talia Al Ghul
Best Answer
Possibly it's a holdover from the era when he was paired with Robin.
If you think about it, in the Nolan films, it's not Batman against the two foes, it's Batman and Morgan Freeman against the two foes.
Also, Catwoman is never strictly a foe, but also shares a strong affinity for the Batman. Two Face is likewise complex.
Although Bane and Scarecrow are initially presented as the primary protagonist, in both cases they are revealed to be henchmen of the Ghuls.
Can't comment on Ivy, but that particular film does seem to include Robin.
The stature of the two directors in question may also be factor. Layering the antagonists raises the complexity of the narrative. Nolan is known for highly complex work, and Burton is certainly a director who works on multiple levels.
It would be interesting to find out if Nolan recognized this element of Burton, and decided to continue the tradition.
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Does Batman want to help his villains?
Batman usually solves his problems with a swift punch to the face, but he also tries to put his villains on the path to redemption when he can. Batman and his rogues gallery of villains are an iconic pairing that The Dark Knight has tried time and time again to help redeem for more reasons than one.How many super villains does Batman have?
Here is a definitive ranking of all 34 villains from the Batman '66 series (not including Lee Meriwether as Catwoman, who only appeared in the movie).Batman Countermeasures: Robin (this one's a joke)
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