Michael Keaton didn’t just topple the Joker in 1989’s “Batman.” He established himself as a major movie star, a comedian who could act and transcend his quirky looks.
Then, his slow fade back into the celebrity pack began. His abilities didn’t suddenly disappear, but his dubious choices in projects quickened his descent.
His “Bat” follow-ups included “Multiplicity,” “Speechless,” “Pacific Heights” and “The Paper” - all either partial or complete misfires.
By the time he starred in the dreadful “Jack Frost” (1998), his career had seriously derailed.
And it’s a shame, because he deserves a better fate. He still works, but rarely on high profile projects worthy of his gifts.
Fame touches only a select few in Hollywood circles. It’s all about the movies you pick and the directors you align with that make or break a long career.
(Photo: Michael Keaton proved naysayers wrong with his stellar performance in Tim Burton’s “Batman” feature.)
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
chase 07.15.08 at 11:23 pm
I am stunned you included The Paper in there, awesome cast, and a great storyline, it’s among my favorite newspaper films ever, and while no day actually goes like that crazy day for a real newspaper, the movie did capture the feel of working at a newspaper (or at least the way it used to feel, before the internet) when something big was going on, like a hurricane bearing down or a huge wildfire or a sensational murder case ….
Maybe it didn’t score at the b.o., but it remains one of my favorites.
cftoto 07.15.08 at 11:27 pm
I recall “The Paper” being too frantic, too cutesy to score any real points. But I did see it before I entered “the business,” so perhaps I’ll give it a fresh look soon. It still didn’t do Keaton any favors.
At least you didn’t defend “Jack Frost …”
Nell Minow 07.16.08 at 2:51 am
I think Michael Keaton is a terrific actor with surprising range and I regret that he has worked so little lately. He is one of the scariest bad guys ever in “Pacific Heights.” He and Nicole Kidman were both great in a weepie about a dying guy called “My Life.” “Life From Baghdad” was a first-class TV film. But it doesn’t get much worse than “White Noise,” “First Daughter,” and (shudder!) “Herbie Fully Loaded.”
cftoto 07.16.08 at 3:29 am
You’re right, Nell. Keaton remains a neglected resource. When an actor’s clout diminishes, he’s left to take tiny roles in decent films (”Jackie Brown”) or big roles in lousy films (”White Noise”)
cj 07.16.08 at 7:41 am
Give me the Michael Keaton of “Night Shift,” “Mr. Mom” or even “Out of Sight” (as Jennifer Lopez’s clueless boyfriend) — he was great in all. I agree with you, Mr. Toto, that “The Paper” was lame — mostly because of Ron Howard’s storytelling. In a bloated and pedantic movie, Keaton just wasn’t a very appealing hero. If there is a hell, I imagine it would feature “Multiplicity” on an endless loop: not one but FIVE Michael Keaton characters to watch?! Lord, deliver us from inanity.
cftoto 07.16.08 at 2:13 pm
CJ - I think “Multiplicity” was the first big neon sign that Keaton would start attaching himself to lame material despite having his pick of projects. That one really started his downward trajectory. Though “Speechless” stank, too.
billypaintbrush 07.18.08 at 11:33 pm
will always have a special spot for michael keaton. must have had eleventy three viewings of beetlejuice on VHS with the kids in the 80’s. oh well, what have you done for me lately.
cftoto 07.18.08 at 11:35 pm
Me, too, Billy … he had me when he first uttered the line, “I’m Batman” to a thug he had by the throat. That moment announced he was the right guy for the job.
As for Beetlejuice, I guarantee they remake it within the next 5-10 years….
Reaver490 07.18.08 at 11:53 pm
I miss the Keaton. I watch the first Batman over and over again, and it’s not just for the dark dreary and fantasy city of Gotham, it’s not just for the Joker, and it’s not just for the Burton. Keaton was, and always will be THE Batman.
cftoto 07.18.08 at 11:55 pm
Reaver - He certainly held his own against The Jack. Not many can say that.
woeijf AHHAHA 08.05.08 at 2:37 am
Oh, the Mister Keaton. I LOFES him; I LOFES hiM!! What a brow. What fat lips. That brow is defined and rigid yet malleable, and has pointy arches that puts mcdonalds to shame. Oh , how I lofe the keaton, and i lofe him specially in mister juicey stripey corpsey juice, i just LOFE him!!! oh why won’t he return?
I think he is partially self-sabatoging and masochistic, seeing as how he deliberately rubs the feces equivelant of movies all over his body. Poor keaton. I think that if he was a joker sometime, it would be the TOPS! And i could lofe himagain, and it would give him a challenge rather than his slew of cardboard crap characters he does now and then. HAND GESTURES!! OH THE MANNERISMS AND BROWINGS OF THAT KEATON!!