In the last decade, the Batmobile is arguably the most iconic movie vehicle of all time. The car was first seen racing down the streets of Gotham City in the 1941 film “Batman,” and it has never left our hearts since. Now that the movie star is back with a vengeance thanks to the great performance of “Suicide Squad,” and his latest movie “Terminal Velocity,” it’s time to see what this legendary car can do these days! We’re going to run down all the details on the Batmobile since we think this legendary ride deserves a bit of a makeover. So sit back, grab a snack, and get ready to learn all there is to know about the most famous automobile in Hollywood history!
The Evolution Of A Classic
Although Batman has never actually owned a Batmobile, the car he drives in the movie is a completely redesigned version of the first one created for the 1939 film “The Adventures Of Robin Hood.” When the film star Tim Curry was cast as the legendary archer in the 1980s TV series, he famously had to ask for a trailer because he didn’t have a place to store it. The series was such a critical and popular success, and raised such high standards for the character, that the trailer became known as the ‘Curry-mobile.’ In both the 1939 and 1966 versions of the story, the Batmobile is a sleek and aerodynamic vehicle that is considered an extension of the character himself (hence the name ‘Batman’s Car’ or ‘Bruce Wayne’s Flaming Dart’). It was once again redesigned for the 1992 film with a very organic look that was inspired by the 1941 design. This vehicle was supposed to belong to Wayne’s bodyguard Harvey Keitel, but he didn’t end up using it in the movie and it ended up in the collection of Ben Affleck.
Power To Go Where You Want
The ‘classic’ Batmobiles are essentially the same. They’re very sleek and aerodynamic, with a sharp nose, a sloping roofline, and twin round headlights. Additionally, the car has two tall and thin exhaust pipes sticking out of the side. In more modern designs, this car has become more of a fantasy: the inspiration for the design comes from the sci-fi movie “Blade Runner,” with the sleek look of the original ‘Runner’ contrasted with more powerful engines and a new kind of front end. The design team based their work on a 1989 concept car by Willo Knoop and Fredrik Isaksson.
The Ultimate Driving Machine
Even without a roof, the Batmobile is still a very aerodynamic vehicle. The front end is tapered with a pointed nose, and it has thin headlights that are designed to slice through the fog. In the original ‘Batman’ movie, the car accelerates rapidly, thanks to a combination of its well-balanced weight and low aerodynamic drag. However, the film makers found this effect a little too realistic and created a B-movie staple by adding ‘Bats’ as well: whenever the car travels through the air above buildings or over park roads, the fans behind the wheel start hooting and hollering like crazy. The B-movie effect was probably done for financial reasons since this type of thing wouldn’t make sense in a comic book or traditional narrative film. This is also why we don’t really see many cars on the streets of Gotham City in the films: the roads are probably too dangerous, particularly for the Batmobile!
Handy For Travel
Even though the Batmobile is a fictional vehicle that only appears in films, it has become a bit of a status symbol in its own right. The designers of this car knew that it would be handy to have a mode of transport that could go anywhere, at any time, and avoid getting stuck in traffic. So when we see Batman and Robin driving around in their customized Batmobiles, we can assume that they are responding to a call, or on their way to pick up some packages for Mister Wayne. With its sleek design and great power, the Batmobile is also ideal for travel and displaying authority. It would be a perfect police car or military vehicle, and it’s hard to believe that this stylish coupe never got its own TV series!
Most Iconic Car In Popular Culture
It is safe to say that the Batmobile is one of the most iconic cars in popular culture. Whenever we see Batman and Robin, or the Riddler for that matter, we automatically think of the car that he drives. Whether it’s the design or the sheer nostalgia, the car has become a symbol of the Caped Crusader and the fun that he and his fans have with it in the movies. In the next few paragraphs, we’re going to delve into some of the aspects that made the Batmobile so special, as well as some fun facts about the movie that you may not know.
The Tumbler’s Lethal Weapon
One of the most iconic scenes in the history of cinema is when the Joker throws a bottle at Alfred’s head, which ricochets and shatters upon impact. It’s a brutal scene that has become an instant classic and is often imitated, but it was quite a dangerous stunt to pull off! For one thing, the stuntman had to be completely covered in body paint, and they couldn’t use a double because the two characters are supposed to be real people. Additionally, they had to find a way to make the bottle break inside the car, so they could keep its shape as it bounced around the cabin. This is most likely why Alfred’s face gets bloodied in that scene: the Joker shattered the bottle on his face, but it doesn’t leave any marks on screen. They had to find a way to make it look like the bottle had hit Alfred full force, but the stuntman had a hard time avoiding hitting him in the face during the take! Not to mention that the Joker had to hit the steering wheel several times before the bottle finally broke on screen. As you can imagine, this was a pretty stressful scene to film and they had to stop multiple times to make sure everything was okay. Despite all the danger, this scene became so iconic that it was nominated for a Scientific and Technical Academy Film Award (for Best Special Effects)!
Hint Of Danger
The Batmobile is a classic example of a car being used for both crime fighting and traveling. It started off as a tool for Batman to do his work, but it became a mode of transport for the character himself and his allies. There is always a hint of danger to be found in these kinds of vehicles: you never know what could happen if you get in an auto accident while wearing a mask! Even something as simple as getting your engine started could be fatal. There is also the chance that the car could break down, or catch fire, which would spell certain death for the passengers inside. It’s not just about the danger that the car itself poses, either: if it is driven at high speeds, then the front end could be damaged, and even the people inside could be harmed. For these reasons, every car enthusiast should avoid driving the Batmobile like it’s their own personal property! Letting your emotions get the better of you while behind the wheel of this iconic vehicle could also prove dangerous: the character of Batman has always been known to have a short temper. This could cause him to lose control of the car and cause an accident. All of these dangers are what made the car so special and what made it stand out among all other fictional vehicles. A true icon of a bygone era!
Just like Bruce Wayne, the founder of Batman and the man who originally owned the ‘Batmobile,’ we think it’s time to take a little drive down memory lane with the legendary vehicle that bears his name. It’s been a longtime since we’ve seen the car on the big screen, but it still remains one of the most interesting and memorable cars in movie history. From its humble beginnings as a way of smuggling cigarettes during the Great Depression to its current day appearances in movies, television shows, and games, it continues to capture the imagination of audiences around the world! There’s a lot more to the Batmobile than meets the eye, so let’s explore its fascinating history together…