Alicia Silverstone and Chris O'Donnell Reflect on the Backlash and Lessons Learned from 'Batman & Robin'
In a recent interview, Alicia Silverstone and Chris O'Donnell, who portrayed Batgirl and Robin in the infamous 1997 film 'Batman & Robin', shared their thoughts on the movie's reception and their experiences during the press tour. Despite the film's poor critical reception and box office performance, the actors offer a philosophical perspective, nearly three decades later.
Directed by the late Joel Schumacher, 'Batman & Robin' featured George Clooney as Batman, battling Arnold Schwarzenegger's Mr. Freeze, with Uma Thurman's Poison Ivy adding to the mix. The movie was criticized for its actors' performances and overly campy tone, leading to a less-than-stellar box office performance. Now, 28 years later, Silverstone and O'Donnell reflect on the challenges they faced during production and promotion.
O'Donnell described the difficulty of filming scenes without knowing how special effects would impact the final product, only to face a harsh press tour where journalists were critical. "All of a sudden, you were starting to get the feedback, and you realize it was just going sideways," he said. The pair recounted the overwhelming negativity they encountered, with Schumacher himself expressing his heartbreak and disappointment. Despite the initial backlash, O'Donnell found solace in the experience, stating, "It was a tough one for us all to digest, but now I feel we were lucky to be a part of it. It is what it is. Some work out, and some don't."
Silverstone, who won a Razzie for Worst Supporting Actress, witnessed a shift in sentiment over time. She noted, "Batgirl had a revival! When it came out, I don't think people liked it very much, but later on, people told me it's their favorite movie. At least, all my gay friends. It's very camp."
The film's lighter tone and child-friendly nature were also highlighted by Uma Thurman, who described it as 'made for children.' However, George Clooney expressed his dislike for the rubber nipples on the batsuit, a unique design choice that may have contributed to the film's campy reputation. The movie's failure led to a hiatus for Batman films, until Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight Trilogy' and Zack Snyder's 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' brought the character back to prominence.
The legacy of 'Batman & Robin' continues to spark discussions and debates, with Robert Pattinson's portrayal in 'The Batman Epic Crime Saga' set to release in 2027. The film's impact on the franchise and its place in cinematic history remain subjects of interest, inviting further exploration and commentary.
