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Why does Batman say "I'm Batman", like shouldn't it be immediate obvious to anyone that the guy dressed in bat themed gear is Batman? Is he worried his gimmick might be too obscure of reference (bat's are a pretty well known animal)? This isn't me hating on the guy either, I love the

character and his movies (well, some of them) as we all should.

Well, in the Tim Burton version, which sort of started it all off, no one knew who he was. The criminal underworld was just talking about a giant bat , and it was all urban legend.

In that movie,t he character was just getting introduced to the criminals.... and the audience. Before that movie, we was a bit more obscure, unless you were old enough or happened to have seent he old 1960's version, in which case Mr. Burton's was a a tad bit different.

 Easy E wrote:
Well, in the Tim Burton version, which sort of started it all off, no one knew who he was. The criminal underworld was just talking about a giant bat , and it was all urban legend.

In that movie,t he character was just getting introduced to the criminals.... and the audience. Before that movie, we was a bit more obscure, unless you were old enough or happened to have seent he old 1960's version, in which case Mr. Burton's was a a tad bit different.

It just seems like an unnecessary statement, we don't need Batman to tell us he's Batman we figured it out just by looking at the guy we're not stupid.

 Easy E wrote:
Well, in the Tim Burton version, which sort of started it all off, no one knew who he was. The criminal underworld was just talking about a giant bat , and it was all urban legend.

In that movie,t he character was just getting introduced to the criminals.... and the audience. Before that movie, we was a bit more obscure, unless you were old enough or happened to have seent he old 1960's version, in which case Mr. Burton's was a a tad bit different.

The Adam West Batman was not obscure, especially not before the Burton film.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Cheesecat wrote:

 Easy E wrote:
Well, in the Tim Burton version, which sort of started it all off, no one knew who he was. The criminal underworld was just talking about a giant bat , and it was all urban legend.

In that movie,t he character was just getting introduced to the criminals.... and the audience. Before that movie, we was a bit more obscure, unless you were old enough or happened to have seent he old 1960's version, in which case Mr. Burton's was a a tad bit different.

It just seems like an unnecessary statement, we don't need Batman to tell us he's Batman we figured it out just by looking at the guy we're not stupid.

I think it's as much a statement of purpose as an introduction. "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya Batman. You Someone killed my father. Prepare to die spend three weeks in Arkham Asylum before your inevitable escape!"

I mean, it's usually in response to a terrified 'who are you?', isn't it?

And there's never any follow-up of 'Yeah, well, no duh." because the guy asking it has been thrown through the nearest seedy criminal warehouse window.

I don't have any idea for the origin but I do love the meme.

 Cheesecat wrote:

It just seems like an unnecessary statement, we don't need Batman to tell us he's Batman we figured it out just by looking at the guy we're not stupid.

I know, right? Thank god hollywood finally stopped treating us all like we're morons.

Hail Hydra.

 Easy E wrote:
Well, in the Tim Burton version, which sort of started it all off, no one knew who he was. The criminal underworld was just talking about a giant bat , and it was all urban legend.

In that movie,t he character was just getting introduced to the criminals.... and the audience. Before that movie, we was a bit more obscure, unless you were old enough or happened to have seent he old 1960's version, in which case Mr. Burton's was a a tad bit different.

Also that line wasnt in the script. Aparently he ad libbed the line on the day.

Id also say in a more realist kind of way, it would add to how scary the guy is. Because if some nutter grabbed you and shouted "Im the GIGGLE GRABBER!!!" and then beat you senseless youd definitely remember that part and tell people. Later on as the myth grows that is what would creep people out. Beating people up is one thing, but saying "CATCHPHRASE" and then going to town....thats just crazy

The line from the '89 movie is not meant to clarify the identity of the speaker to the audience.

The reason is explicitly stated in the scene:

"I want you to tell all your friends about me."

"What are you?"

"I'm Batman."

In this scene, Batman doesn't prevent a crime nor even apprehend the perpetrators. He just beats up some pathetic crooks to spread the word about himself.

The line became iconic as part of Batman's intimidating persona. Personally, I think it also has satirical value as an insight into Bruce Wayne's psychological absurdity. It's like he's saying it to himself as much as to anybody else, which I think is the direction of the meme.