The Batman franchise is in a pretty good place right now when it comes to video games. Ever since the Arkham series, people have eagerly awaited the next Batman title. As that next Batman title is leaked online, many have been reminded of the most colorful point, not in Batman's video game incarnation, but his film incarnation. And that is because Joel Schumacher, considered by many to be responsible for the strangest Batman films, has died at the age of 80.

Schumacher began his career as a costume designer, with an art degree and an eye for fashion. He put this on prominent display in his two Batman films, and further emphasized the bizarre, beautiful set of Gotham City. Batman Forever has been described as a film with no boring shots, though its visuals were not enough to save it, or its sequel, from bad reviews. Sadly unknown to many is that these make up only a small part of Schumacher's filmography.

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While the debacles and behind the scenes laughs of Schumacher's Batman films are infamous, many of his other films deserve praise. Some of his best are the chilling Phone Booth and Falling Down, both of which leave the audience on edge and contemplative. This is to say nothing of his screenwriting work, which includes the hit Car Wash.

Another classic from Schumacher is The Lost Boys, a classic, dark and edgy vampire film. Up there with Bloodrayne (the game) as a violent vampire classic, there are few films like it. Beyond all this, of course, is the kindness and humanity with which Schumacher reportedly treated those who worked with him. By all accounts, he will be dearly missed, not just as a filmmaker, but as a caring human being.

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Source: Variety