Dupuis: Batman Returns

Catwoman is an iconic character of the Tim Burton’s Batman films. She portrays what every woman wants to be without men, strong and independent. But she is also in love with a man. Her human half is attracted to the wealthy and powerful Bruce Wayne, but also destructive to his alter ego, Batman. She is very conflicted by the feelings she has for both Bruce Wayne and Batman. Catwoman wants to kill Batman because she hates everything he represents, the big strong man that rescues the damsel in distress. However she is also grateful to him because he saved her from being raped before she became Catwoman. Her hate for men causes her internal conflict when it comes to Batman, especially after she learns that he is Bruce Wayne. They know they are perfect for each other because they both understand the need to be two different people, but they know they can never be together because of the two people that they are. Catwoman is not exactly a villain, but she is also not a protector, even though the audience sees her rescue a woman from being raped, she criticizes the woman for relying on Batman to come and save her.  For Batman, she is a villain; she kills Max Shreck, which is against Batman’s moral code to not kill people. Catwoman and Batman have a fatal attraction that is instant upon meeting each other, the second time. When they first meet after Batman saves her from being raped, he quickly overlooks her just like every other man in her life which only fuels her hate of men. Bruce Wayne falls in love with the confident Selina Kyle after she becomes Catwoman, but Batman sees Catwoman as a threat to be eliminated. But when he discovers that Catwoman is Selina Kyle, he is immediately confused. And so is she, which she shows by saying, “Does that mean we have to start fighting now?” They are both devastated knowing that they can’t get what they want, which is each other, but also Batman wants to protect Gotham City and Catwoman wants to be free.