The Battalion
ENTERTAINMENT
6
Thursday, June 29,1989
Prince right man to compose ‘Batman’ soundtrack
By Don Atkinson Jr.
GUEST REVIEWER
The hoopla surrounding the re
lease of the new “Batman” movie has
been more of a series of surprises
than anything else.
Big Surprise Number One: Mi
chael Keaton was cast in the lead role
of Batman/Bruce Wayne.
Big Surprise Number Two: Tim
Burton (“Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure”,
“Beetlejuice”) was signed to direct.
Big Surprise Number Three, for
tunately, turned out to be something
we could all live with —Jack Nichol
son would be The Joker.
But then along came Big Surprise
Number Four!!! A surprise so horri
fying that it struck terror in the
hearts of millions!!! A surprise so
hideous that movie-goers every
where began preparing for the
worst!!! A surprise so . . . well, you
get the idea.
Big Surprise Number Four, as it
turned out, was that Prince was
asked to write music for the movie.
Remember Prince? That little
sweaty guy who wears black lingerie,
sticks his tongue out a lot and grabs
himself in strategic locations?
So get ready for Big Surprise
Number Five: after hearing the al
bum and seeing the Film (in that or
der), it is my opinion that Prince was
the perfect choice to do music for
“Batman.”
Prince’s “Batman” soundtrack is
more than just a good album — it is a
serious study of the film as a whole.
He captures not only the moods and
textures of the film itself, but also a
strong sense ot the major characters
as well.
The structure of the album is re
markably complex and resembles
the film in the approach taken to
each of the characters. Songs about
‘Batman’ as seen by Batt staff
Batman speak of optimism and a
sense of purpose, while songs about
The Joker are full of egotism and in
sanity. Bruce Wayne emerges as a
character deeply troubled, yet the
Vicki Vale character is almost com
pletely ignored, coming across as a
sex object and nothing more.
The album begins with “The Fu
ture,” a song that introduces the ma
jor themes associated with Batman.
His sense of righteousness and his
belief in the future come across
strongly. This song also conveys a
sense of Prince himself; his anti
drug/pro-spirituality message is
clearly parallel to that of Batman. It
is obvious that Prince has found
common ground on which to base
his songs.
The next song is “Electric Chair,”
which addresses the issue of The
Joker’s insanity. The other two songs
that deal with The Joker, “Party-
man” and “Trust,” add other essen
tial elements to the characterization
by addressing his ego and his search
for answers. These songs are, tor the
most part, fun and have a no-holds-
barred feel to them.
Perhaps the most impressive song
on the album is “Vicki Waiting,”
which clearly distinguishes Bruce
Wayne as a separate personality
from Batman. This song has a deep,
brooding quality that paints Bruce
Wayne as a tragic figure, torn be
tween his love for Vicki and his need
to vindicate the past. Lyrics such as,
“This is where she wants 2 be/ I am
what she wants 2 see/ I’ve never
known a love so sweet/ Still I keep
Vicki waiting,” reveal the darker side
of Bruce Wayne’s character.
This dark side is developed more
fully in the song “Scandalous,”
which deals with the issue of how
two personalities can exist in one
man. Even though “Scandalous”
sounds like a steamy love song on
the surface, it is actually a war be
tween the two characters. Bruce
Wayne says, “Everybody’s ate]
told me that good things/ come
those who wait/ But I’ve got son®
on the mend/ I just can’t,” whichti
plains why he has such a p
committing to Vicki Vale.
The album’s only real low
the song “The Arms Of Orion,
which features Sheena Easton,*!
was a decent singer until shediw
ered that she could sell rnorerecori
by imitating the moans and
of the female orgasm. Musicaflyani
lyrically, “The Arms Of Orion”is
good song. The problem conies
the vocals, which are OK until m
the end, when Prince and Shea
seem to get into a competitionow
who can moan and wail louder tki
the other. Obviously, the real It
of that competition is the listener.
Overall, Prince’s “Batman ” sou
track is a good album. Not only doe
it work in conjunction with th
but it has the ability to stand
To be honest, I was impressed with the movie. I think
a lot of people were upset because they paid too much
attention to the hype. The blend between Michael Kea
ton’s quietly intense Batman and Nicholson’s outra
geously done, chew-up-the-scenery Joker, was well han
dled. Tim Burton maintained a clever, subtle hand
throughout the film until the end, which was weak. I
think Burton’s problem there was that he was trying too
hard to entertain. *★* (out of 5).
Don Atkinson Jr., Cartoonist
The movie version of “Batman” was a mixture ot the
1939 sinister comic book hero, and the TV version of
the happy-go-lucky half of the “Dynamic Duo.” How
ever, Michael Keaton’s Batman was not nearly as dra
matic as Jack Nicolson’s the Joker. The movie did not
live up to the months of hype that preceded its showing.
★★★
Michael Kelley, Clerk
Enjoyed it. (I’ve never seen a single Batman episode
on TV — so I had no high hopes or grand illusions.)
Combined, Keaton’s subtle humor and Nicholson’s mis-
chievious ways were a hit. ★★★*
Kelly Brown, Staff Writer
Has anyone noticed the resemblance between Ma
donna’s “Express Yourself’ video set and Gotham City
in “Batman? The movie doesn’t live up to its horren
dous hype, but Burton deseves a ‘B + ’ for effort. Jack
Nicholson is perfect, but I have to wonder if he was act
ing or just acting crazy. ***
Chuck Lovejoy, Entertainment Writer
A good movie worth seeing, but highly overrated.
Jack Nicholson deserves an Oscar; however, without
him, the movie falters. More dialogue between Batman
and the Joker would have made the film more dra
matic. A little nudity from Kim Basinger would cer
tainly have been enjoyable!!! ***
Phelan Ebenhack, Photographer
If you feel like you must see this movie, I suggest you
wait until it goes to the dollar movie and save yourself
four bucks. ★★!4
Melissa Naumann, Asst. City Editor
I haven’t seen the movie; I’m boycotting the thing be
cause the producers didn’t cast my personal hero and
mentor, Adam West, in the title role that he earned fair
and square. Slaving away for three years on the TV se
ries with the scripts he was given should have earned
The Big Guy some respect.
Hal Hammons, Makeup Editor
Holy movie critic madness! It’s a thumbs up for “Bat
man” and a thumbs down for the critics’ poor ratings of
the film. *** 1 /2
Juliette Rizzo, Opinion Page Editor
Once again, preview hype ruins the movie. Good, but
not Chat good. Keaton simply had too much to live up
to. Nicholson, however, makes it worthwhile.
Fiona Soltes, City Editor
I thought the characterizations were really good.
And seeing Michael Keaton in that black turtleneck was
worth the five bucks. Too bad about the half-hearted
ending, though.
Ellen Hobbs, Editor
I haven’t seen it, but I heard Kim Basinger is HOT —
fabulous — extraordinary. Oh yeah, I also heard Jack
Nicholson and Michael Keaton are in the movie, too.
Keith Spera, Entertainment Writer.
AROUND TOWN
Live Music
Information is provided by the
dubs and is subject to change.
The Bistro
In the College Station Ramada at
1502 S. Texas. 18 and older ad
mitted. For more information,
call 693-9891.
Thurs, Fri and Sat — D. A. Mc
Dowell. Variety. Starts at 8 p.m.
No cover.
696-5522 for more information.
Thurs — Subculture. Top 40.
Starts at 10 p.m. $2 cover.
Fri — Agent Orange. Top 40.
Starts at 10 p.m. $2 cover.
Sat — The Band with No
Sleep. Classic rock. Starts at 10
p.m. $2 cover.
Emiliano’s
Brazos Landing
At Northgate at 103 Boyett. Ev
eryone admitted. For more infor
mation, call 846-3497.
Thurs — Shake Russell. Origi
nal acoustic. Starts at 10 p.m. $5
cover.
Fri — Suzanna Sharpe & the
Samba Police. Brazilian dance.
Starts at 10 p.m. $5 cover.
Sat — The Solid Senders.
Blues from Austin. Starts at 10
p.m. $5 cover.
In Bryan at 502 W. 25th St. Call
775-9539 for more information.
Sat — Selena y Los Dilos.
Spanish variety. Starts at 8 p.m.
Cover.
Excalibre Club
mined. Call 846-5388 for more
information.
Sat — Robert Boston and
Hair. Jazz. Starts at 9:30 p.m,
Cover. '
Gallery Bar
In the College Station Hilton al
801 East University Drive.
Only21 and older are admitted.
Call 693-7500 for more informa
tion.
Thurs, Fri and Sat — Clyde
Dove. Jazz. No cover.
Cow Hop Annex
Next to the Cow Hop at North-
gate. 18 and older admitted. Call
In Bryan at 1803 Greenfield
Plaza (behind Dairy Queen). 18
and over admitted. For more in
formation call 846-6262.
Fri — Sundown. Easy listening.
Starts at 9:00 p.m. No cover.
Flying Tomato
At Northgate at 303 University
Dr. All ages admitted. For more
information call 846-1616.
Wed — Sneaky Pete. Sing-
along with ’60s and ’70s music.
Starts at 9 p.m. $ 1 cover.
Frank’s Bar and Grill
Kay’s Cabaret
At Post Oak Mall. 18 and overare
admitted. For more information,
call 696-9191.
Fri — For Cryin’ Out Loud
Rock-n-roll. Starts at 9:30 p.m.52
cover.
Sat — Starvin’ Marvin and the
Dexitrims. Rock-n-roll. Beginsat
9:30 p.m. $2 cover.
Parthenon
In College Station at 503 E. Uni
versity Drive. All ages are ad-
At 815 Harvey. 18 and older
mitted. For more information
764-8575.
Thurs — Killer Bees.
Starts at 9 p.m. $5 cover.
Wed — Lippman Jam. 9
No cover.
Kltilltll
308 N. Main
-*. \\ •
Bryan
•
Tues.-Sun.
v •*. -■
9:30 a.m.-8:45 p.m.
• * •.* .♦ *. *
Closed Monday
779-8702
•s
4004 Harvey Rd.
‘o'.
College Station
Tues.-Sun.
• ’ : •
11:00 a.m.-9:45 p.m.
Closed Monday
776-8979
Coupe
Joses
5:00-9:45
“JEp
ri
u
Zarape
5-8:30
Sunday thru Thursday
Thru July 6,1989
2 for 1 special
Buy one ilinntr and gci lile second value
FREE
,. -Not good with any other special or coupon
I Please present coupon when ordering.
| Dine in only. Alt grilled meals, fajiias, se«-
|faod and alcohol not included
MSG Vuuol
Proudly Presents:
/IfUmaiion /Ibi
A+tUftatio+t Geli
Exhibited in the
MSC Gallery
Texas A&M University
Reception: July 5,1989, 7:00 p.m.,
MSC Gallery
Jfju
<b V* <<>•
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Conviser-Duffy-Miller
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epa
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LOUPOTS
OFF CAMPUS CENTER
OFF CAMPUS AGGIES
tr.
Tree re
TAMU grou
Young, shov
bearing pea
CONNECTION
□
□
□
□
Q
D
Summer Utility Costs on the Rise
In the next few months utility costs will
rise significantly. For off campus students this
will mean paying a higher bill each month. If
you are on a tight budget, that extra amount
can make a big difference. The following tips
can help reduce energy consumption and
keep those monthly utility bills down.
In the kitchen
*Never boil water in an open pan. Water
will come to a boil faster and use less energy
in a kettle or covered pan.
*When using the oven, make the most of
the heat from that single source. Cook as
many foods as you can at one time.
*Use an electric skillet or toaster oven for
small meals rather than the kitchen range or
oven. The smaller appliances use less
energy.
*lf you have a gas stove, make sure the
pilot light is burning efficiently with a blue
flame. A yellowish flame indicates that an
adjustment is needed.
As electricity cost rise in the summer,
conserving energy is important to everyone.
These tips are simple ways to save money
and keep you within your budget.
STUDENTS OVER
TRADITIONAL AGE (S.O.T.A.)
DALLAS(A
|ioth sides agre
Supreme Couri
landmark decis
abortion oppor
“To me, it’s
the court) just l
|o go in weak*
laid Bill Price,
United for Life
...a student organization for Aggies
over 25... will host several social
gatherings this
summer.
The Suprerr
[ Thursday it wi
I to announce w
Upcoming S.O.T.A. events:
hi
Friday, June 30 5:00 p.m.
Happy Hour at The Flying Tomato
(Northgate)
When using air conditioner
*Set your thermostat at 78 degrees. The
difference between 72 and 78 degrees can
save as much as 47 percent on cooling costs.
*Put the fan setting on automatic. It will
help to remove humidity.
’Clean or replace the air conditioning
filter at least once a month. When the filter is
dirty, air movement is restricted, reducing the
efficiency of the air conditioner and increasing
the operating costs.
*lf your apartment is unoccupied during
the day, turn your air conditioner off.
’Consider using a fan with your air
conditioner.
’Do not place lamps or a television near
your thermostat. The thermostat senses the
heat produced by these appliances and
causes the air conditioner to run longer than
necessary.
’Keep lights on low settings or off. Lights
generate heat and add to the load on your air
conditioner.
Friday, July 4
Picnic - Millikin Falls
Meet at Olson Field Parking total
10:00 a.m.
LIVING OFF CAMPUS AT A&M
Wednesday, August 30: Helpful Hints
on Security, Managing Your Money and
Enjoying Coiiege
Monday, September 4: Living Off
Both at: MSC 226 5:00-6:15 P.M.
Sponsored by the Off Campus Center
and the Off Campus Aggies
Friday,July? 5:00p.m.
Happy Hour at Dudley’s
(Northgate)
Draw
Wednesday, July 12 8:15 p.m.
S.O.T.A. monthly meeting, call
the Off Campus Center, 845-1741,
for more
Information.
BEIJING (
Thursday dis
hat China’s c
acy movemei
le said the si
gaily.
f The govern
pean Econom:
the crackdown
The steerir
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endorse the C
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With or without air conditioning
’Draw draperies, blinds, and shades on
windows that receive direct sun.
’Turn the lights off when leaving a room
’On cooler days, open the windows and
use fans instead of using your air conditioner.
’Dress for the warmer indoor
temperatures. Lightweight clothes like cotton
are most comfortable.
OFF CAMPUS CENTER: NEW SUMMER HOURS
Monday -Thursday
Friday
All Saturdays in August
Sundays, August 20 & 27
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
8:00 - 5:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
LOUPOT S BOOKSTORES at Northgate,
Southgate, and Redmond Terrace
sponsored the Off Campus Connection.
From Mr. Loupot:
“Thank you Aggies for your patronage.
My new stores have parking facilities for
your convenience. Remember that we
buy $$$ used books.”
r-
Mas:
will
Stories and artwork are provided by the
Off Campus Center. Editor: Erika
Gonzalez-Lima.June29,1989
Four eyew
Beijing ma:
slides and vi
dent at 9 p.
201 MSC.
Writer Cf
journalist Ya
the United S
chum, a stud
of Hong Kc
shing, a stu
University o:
Xun Ge,
of the Chin
dents are m
Kong Citiz
Support the
racy Moyen
|j sponsible fo