Yarasa Adam (Turkish Batman)

During the height of Turkish pop cinema, a number of American films were re-produced by the Turkish film industry. Examples of these are Turkish adaptations of Superman, The Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, Star Trek, Rambo, etc... One of several is this Turkish vision of Batman.

When a rich magazine owner organizes a life insurance scheme involving the murder of 10 newly insured people, Betmen (not Batman, god dammit!) is summoned to solve the crime...

The dark knight

This version of Batman follows a similar pattern to the 60’s TV-series, with somewhat similar costumes and attempts made at humour. It doesn’t feature the typical Batman villains, but it does have other memorable advantages not seen in the 60’s series, nor any of the films produced later.

This version of Batman puts all other attempts to shame. Its unapologetic approach to the famous comic book character gives the viewer an in depth look on how Batman was behind the polished Hollywood facade. It gives us the real Batman, the real Dark Knight.

Holy bat tits!

This is a less politically correct adaptation as Batman and Robin is seen hanging at strip clubs enjoying themselves. Batman also has a much stronger taste for women as focus is put on his huge mojo effect on the ladies, while Robin is left either jealously observing his super hero partner or giving the strippers a frighteningly, but determined stare. Poor Robin didn’t get a thing...

Wham! Bam! Kaboom!

The film features stunning action sequences as our superheroes takes on several groups of thugs, giving them the opportunity to show of some incredibly acrobatic (batrobatic!) fighting skills; punches and kicks fly around as they also show of amazing gymnastic flips never seen in any other adaptation. Batman also carries a gun, which he only uses once, although I found it strange how he could find a place to hide it on that tight costume of his without it being visible.

The batmobile

There was certain odd sequences in the film which left me puzzle a bit. Whenever batman is supposed to interrogate one of the thugs he’s just beaten up, the thug takes a suicide pill which instantly kills him. The strange thing is that Batman sort of lets them do it by watching them take the pill from their pockets and putting it in their mouth without stopping them, all while he has them up against the wall. And afterwards, he’s kind of bitter that he didn’t get the answers he wanted. Another weird scene is where Batman and Robin is in the batmobile when the suddenly discover a woman being kidnapped. They aren’t in their costumes at this point, but as soon as they get out of the car, they are in full costume. Now, I’m not one to complain about details, so I’ll just accept it as artistic freedom.

Git outta here, Robby!

As for music, the film has artistically borrowed music from John Barry, using his theme from the 007-film “On Her Majesty's Secret Service”. There’s also a snippet of music borrowed from Ennio Morricone from his soundtrack to “Violent City”. There are also a couple of other tracks which I couldn’t identify. The rest of the music is likely to be stock music.

The batfist!

The camera work is stunning. Incredible exterior shots from the tough streets of turkey bring realism right home to the couch. Interior shots contain classy, advanced and creative settings, somewhat similar to the highly regarded MGM-productions during the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.

I want respect!

The print I saw ran about 62 minutes. It leaves the possibility of it being an incomplete print as there are a couple of scenes which seemed out of place, like it was missing something prior to it.

We like titties!

The Turkish batman is not only a film for comic book enthusiasts, but should also be required viewing for the rest of any civilisation. It’s a visual masterpiece, an emotional roller coaster and a nerve wrecking experience.