Welcome to the weekly column Trailing Off in which I take a look at a trailer from the past week and analyze its potential. This will be done using an obnoxious amount of analyzing and personal thoughts on the cast and crew as well as expectations. Coming every Sunday (it's called Trailing Off for a reason), I will attempt to highlight films ranging from new blockbusters to lesser known indies and give them their due. Partially to spread awareness, I do believe that there is an art to the sell and will do my best to highlight why these trailers matter or don't with approval (trove) or disapproval (trash). So please stop by, recommend some trailers, and I will see you next time.
Trailer in Discussion
Directed By: James E. Tooley
Starring: Adam West
- Preamble -
There is a reason that Batman is one of comic books' most fascinating characters. Beyond the fact that he is a playboy philanthropist with a stable of infinitely distinguished villains, he is able to be taken in many directions. Is he a detective? Sure. But the detective has come a long way since the noir days. Much like the times, Batman has changed to fit the times and that also means quite a few decades of trying new and strange things. The Batman of the 50's is different from the Batman of the 90's and the 00's. There's been live action and cartoon versions of the character that make it hard for many to have a definitive favorite. While there is The Dark Knight, there will be those complaining about it being off.
In fact, The Dark Knight is an intriguing counterpoint to one of the more iconic Batman incarnations in existence. Before Tim Burton released Batman and started the journey to the modern superhero blockbuster, there was a time when the detective could be seen every day fighting crime. It was the 60's and with leads Adam West and Burt Ward, they created madcap adventures that featured iconic stars giving terrific performances. By today's standards, it is campy. However, it was cutting edge and continues to attract an audience, even if most prefer Christopher Nolan's interpretation. With the onomatopoeia flying around and an iconic theme song, the 60's Batman remained the iconic version for close to 25 years. It's even making a comeback with the long awaited box set to drop in November.
However, there's one thing that has always seemed strange. Why haven't the leads done much with their careers since? Sure, Ward sells Gentle Giants and West appears on Family Guy and various shows in supporting roles, but considering most career trajectories of TV actors these days, there's a lot to ask about why West never did anything recognizably on par with Batman. While it is true that the same can be said for most of the Star Trek actors, it is a strange phenomenon that is occasionally thought of when Comic Cons roll around and there's anniversary panels where the Batman cast can be spotted.
It almost feels like piggybacking to see Starring Adam West coming out around the same time of the series box set. It could simply be coincidence or even a marketing tactic. Nonetheless, it arrives pleasantly as a commemorative token. Being a fan of the series, I would be curious to know what exactly constitutes the story of West's career. Having attended panels where he spoke, I can assure you that he is a humble and lively guy. I feel that since this otherwise feels like an arbitrary release that things will come out in top form as a loving tribute to a generation of time past's Batman.
It almost feels like piggybacking to see Starring Adam West coming out around the same time of the series box set. It could simply be coincidence or even a marketing tactic. Nonetheless, it arrives pleasantly as a commemorative token. Being a fan of the series, I would be curious to know what exactly constitutes the story of West's career. Having attended panels where he spoke, I can assure you that he is a humble and lively guy. I feel that since this otherwise feels like an arbitrary release that things will come out in top form as a loving tribute to a generation of time past's Batman.
- Dissection -
Unlike feature narratives, there isn't much to dissect for this documentary. It follows a familiar rise and fall story that ends not with a bang, but with a sense of thankfulness. While the trailer pretty much gives all of the important beats, it does have an interesting way of doing it. Besides presenting archival footage of Batman, it features interviews with West as well as random fans. There's a sense of vulnerability and honesty that comes with a career that wasn't a transition, but the end game. How do you continue on for 40+ years once not only you have become obsolete, but there's a totally altered version of your character that is more beloved?
I am not sure all of the details that went into the documentary. However, it does feel like an expose full of every detail and tell all. It doesn't help that West is also not a celebrity in need of immediate recognition. For better or worse, Batman was a series that was full of charm and later on budgetary issues. This feels like a typical Hollywood story where he is chewed up and spit out and survives doing insane gigs. It can serve as a cautionary tale. However, if you didn't love Adam West before this, it doesn't seem likely that you'll be compelled to watch this.
Much like Life Itself, there is a catch. You have to go in already being interested in the subject. With this in mind, there is a possibility that this film has layers and that it will be a broader story. However, from the components of the trailer, it simply looks like archival footage, still photos, and other traditional elements. This is the type of film that doesn't need excessive marketing because the fans will see it regardless. It is both an attribute and an unfortunate reality of documentaries like this.
I am not sure all of the details that went into the documentary. However, it does feel like an expose full of every detail and tell all. It doesn't help that West is also not a celebrity in need of immediate recognition. For better or worse, Batman was a series that was full of charm and later on budgetary issues. This feels like a typical Hollywood story where he is chewed up and spit out and survives doing insane gigs. It can serve as a cautionary tale. However, if you didn't love Adam West before this, it doesn't seem likely that you'll be compelled to watch this.
Much like Life Itself, there is a catch. You have to go in already being interested in the subject. With this in mind, there is a possibility that this film has layers and that it will be a broader story. However, from the components of the trailer, it simply looks like archival footage, still photos, and other traditional elements. This is the type of film that doesn't need excessive marketing because the fans will see it regardless. It is both an attribute and an unfortunate reality of documentaries like this.
- One Sentence Sell -
A documentary chronicling the life of famed Batman actor Adam West as he rises to popularity only to survive by playing the role that defined his life.
- Trove or Trash -
Trash
Speaking as I already like Batman, I do plan to see it if the options become available. However, it isn't one that I am desperately eager to see. I like West and think that he is genuinely enjoyable, but I watched the trailer thinking of what the point was beyond a potential marketing gimmick with the box set. Also, while I know very little about his later career, I don't feel like the trailer sells me on any specific great moment that makes his journey all that necessary for a documentary format.
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