Episode 10: Batman

Art of the Score

Today, Batman is undergoing yet another renaissance – fresh off the Dark Knight trilogy, he’s heading up a whole new Justice League. But in 1989, Batman was only starting to become the Dark Knight of popular culture – and Danny Elfman’s landmark score to the Tim Burton film helped him along the way. In this episode of Art of the Score, we take a look at the 1989 score, and pull apart its main themes, its musical influences and style, and ask the ultimate question: just where does he get those wonderful (musical) toys? Show notes: 2:50 – An intro to Danny Elfman 4:20 – Batman (1989), Tim Burton, and franchising in Hollywood 10:42 – Is this the most iconic Batman theme ever? 12:45 – Breaking down Elfman’s Batman theme 16:10 – The influence of Herrmann on Elfman 21:00 – The Dark Knight rides again 23:56 – The versatility of the Batman theme 26:00 – The Batutsi 26:55 – 6/8 versus 3/4 timing for Batman 30:20 – How does the Elfman theme fit into the history of Bat-music? The 1949 serial, the TV series, Goldenthal, and Zimmer 35:05 – Is Zimmer’s theme just the bare elements of Elfman’s? Dan says yes: https://vimeo.com/193995233 36:40 – Or is it all just building on Wagner? 38:00 – How does Prince’s music work with the score? Listen to the Love Theme and find out 42:00 – Beautiful Dreamer, the Joker’s Parlour Song 46:00 – Dancing with the Devil in the Pale Moonlight 53:44 – Waltzing to the Death (and Dan’s frustration) 58:11 – The Henchmen’s piano 1:01:35 – Alfred Hitchcock directs Batman 1:05:52 – The henchmen’s boom box 1:08:45 – It’s a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight 1:11:50 – Advertising for the Joker 1:18:30 – Nick’s favourite cue in the score 1:22:30 – Dan has a bone to pick with Batman 1:26:50 – The finale to Batman – the Light Knight? We love to hear from our listeners – get in touch via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and if you like The Art of the Score, please take a moment to subscribe, rate and comment.