-
Batmobile Insert Cockpit
-
Celebrating his 75th anniversary this year, Batman is one of the
most enduring and recognizable figures in American pop culture.
Stemming from the pages of a ‘30s comic book, Batman has
successfully conquered almost every medium, though he is most often
identified with his cinematic appearances. In 1989, Tim Burton’s
Batman rejuvenated the character and thrust him back into the
center of pop culture with his first Batman film. His 1992 sequel,
Batman Returns, was a worthy successor and brought much to Burton’s
sinister vision of the Dark Knight’s world. While the design
aesthetics between the two films changed dramatically, one piece of
equipment remained intact. Originally designed by Anton Furst, the
1989 Batmobile was used in both Burton films, with Michael Keaton
ever at the wheel as Batman.
Partial, removable canopy for easier camera access
Batman Returns screen capture
-
This is a studio made process, or “buck” car, from Batman
Returns. This custom-made Batmobile interior was used for filming
close-up and insert shots inside the Batmobile’s cockpit.
Interior cockpit view from the rear
Interior cockpit view from the front
Above: Process car dash controls with matching components to
those seen in on-screen close-ups.
Below: Batman Returns screen capture
-
Process cars such as this are used when shooting in the
full-sized vehicle would prove too cumbersome, and when elements of
the vehicle would make it impossible to position the cameras
properly to get the director’s desired shots. The cockpit was built
to match the interior of the complete Batmobile car, featuring all
of the expected bells and whistles.
Left: Process car dashboard
Right: Batman Returns screen capture
Right: Interior cockpit from rear view
-
This process car was created to make filming batmobile interiors
as camera friendly as possible. As such, only the interior of the
cockpit and the back wall of the car were built for production.
Right: Product photo of driver side control console
Left: Rear control panel situated between the cockpit seats
Right: Detail view of switches, gauges, lights and controls that
comprise control console
-
The outer casing that now covers the front and sides of the
piece was added later to make it more presentable.
Right: Exterior view of process car and outer casing
Below: Over head view of process car interior and outer
casing
Below: Process car dashboard console
-
The dashboard is filled with an overwhelming amount of gauges
and switches that would be necessary for a vehicle like the
Batmobile. The cockpit is wired to connect to 110V main power and
many of the lights on the dashboard still work. A few small dials
and switches are missing, though they do not detract from the
appearance of the piece. The onboard television screen which
Penguin uses to hijack the car is still intact, though the CD
player and radio once attached below were removed after filming.
The piece can be screen-matched to close-ups within the film
exactly, by looking at the grain in the vinyl-wrap on the dash.
Matching upholstery pattern
Matching lights, switches and console markings
Below: Rear, overhead control panel
Above: Batman Returns screen captureBelow: Batmobile process car
close-up
-
Between the passenger and driver’s seat sits a column of
aviation Throttle, Mixture, and Propeller controls original to the
piece. Also intact is the signature steering wheel, complete with
black bat symbol.
Matching console lights
Original aviation column and levers
Right: The steering wheel adorned with the bat symbol
Above: Batman Returns screen capture
Below: Batmobile process car close-up
-
The process car’s black seats were replaced at some point after
filming. The dash components and gauges, and the steering wheel,
remain original. This piece is in good condition and is believed to
be the only item of its kind in existence today. While consumer
products promotional Batmobiles have appeared on the market in the
past, very few film-used Batmobile pieces exist outside of the
studio.
Needle position still matches position seen in the film
Above: Current photo of the console
Below: Film close-up of the console
Racing seats added to the cockpit
-
Click the frame below to view our YouTube video for the
Batmobile Studio Process Car
(You may have to exit full screen mode to view the video)
-
Document © Prop Store, 2014. All logos and trademarks are
property of their respective owners.
Contact Information
London OfficeGreat House
FarmCheniesRickmansworthHertfordshireWD3 6EPEngland
Contact: Stephen Lane
(e) [email protected](t) +44 (0) 1494 766 485
CEO
Los Angeles Office9000 Fullbright AveChatsworthCalifornia
91311USA
Contact: Brandon Alinger
(e) [email protected](t) +1 818 727 7829
COO
Video 3:
