Transcription
Batmobile InsertCockpit
Celebrating his 75th anniversary this year, Batman isone of the most enduring and recognizable figures inAmerican pop culture. Stemming from the pages of a‘30s comic book, Batman has successfully conqueredalmost every medium, though he is most often identifiedwith his cinematic appearances. In 1989, Tim Burton’sBatman rejuvenated the character and thrust him backinto the center of pop culture with his first Batman film. His1992 sequel, Batman Returns, was a worthy successorand brought much to Burton’s sinister vision of the DarkKnight’s world. While the design aesthetics between thetwo films changed dramatically, one piece of equipmentremained intact. Originally designed by Anton Furst,the 1989 Batmobile was used in both Burton films, withMichael Keaton ever at the wheel as Batman.Batman Returns screen capturePartial, removable canopy foreasier camera access
This is a studio made process, or “buck” car, from Batman Returns.This custom-made Batmobile interior was used for filming close-upand insert shots inside the Batmobile’s cockpit.Below: Batman Returnsscreen captureAbove: Process car dashcontrols with matchingcomponents to those seenin on-screen close-ups.Interior cockpit viewfrom the rearInterior cockpit viewfrom the front
Process cars such as this areused when shooting in the fullsized vehicle would prove toocumbersome, and when elements ofthe vehicle would make it impossibleto position the cameras properly toget the director’s desired shots.The cockpit was built to match theinterior of the complete Batmobilecar, featuring all of the expectedbells and whistles.Right: Interior cockpit fromrear viewLeft: Process car dashboardRight: Batman Returns screen capture
This process car was created to makefilming batmobile interiors as camerafriendly as possible. As such, only theinterior of the cockpit and the back wallof the car were built for production.Right: Detail view of switches,gauges, lights andcontrols that comprisecontrol consoleLeft: Rear control panel situatedbetween the cockpit seatsRight: Product photo of driverside control console
The outer casing that now covers thefront and sides of the piece was addedlater to make it more presentable.Right: Exterior view of processcar and outer casingBelow: Over head view of process carinterior and outer casingBelow: Process car dashboard console
The dashboard is filled with an overwhelming amountof gauges and switches that would be necessary fora vehicle like the Batmobile. The cockpit is wired toconnect to 110V main power and many of the lightson the dashboard still work. A few small dials andswitches are missing, though they do not detract fromthe appearance of the piece. The onboard televisionscreen which Penguin uses to hijack the car is stillintact, though the CD player and radio once attachedbelow were removed after filming. The piece can bescreen-matched to close-ups within the film exactly,by looking at the grain in the vinyl-wrap on the dash.Matching upholstery patternAbove: Batman Returns screen captureBelow: Batmobile process car close-upMatching lights, switches and console markingsBelow: Rear, overhead control panel
Between the passenger and driver’s seat sits a column ofaviation Throttle, Mixture, and Propeller controls originalto the piece. Also intact is the signature steering wheel,complete with black bat symbol.Below: Batmobile process car close-upRight: The steering wheel adornedwith the bat symbolMatching console lightsOriginal aviationcolumn and leversAbove: Batman Returns screen capture
The process car’s black seats were replaced at somepoint after filming. The dash components and gauges, andthe steering wheel, remain original. This piece is in goodcondition and is believed to be the only item of its kindin existence today. While consumer products promotionalBatmobiles have appeared on the market in the past, veryfew film-used Batmobile pieces exist outside of the studio.Above: Current photo of the consoleNeedle position still matchesposition seen in the filmBelow: Film close-up of the consoleRacing 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)
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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, tho
