37 Years of Gotham: Spencer on How Nicholson's Joker Inspired "The Laugh Track"

Tim Burton’s Batman, released in June 1989, 37 years ago this month, changed comic book movies forever with its dark, stylish, and noirish take on the Caped Crusader. Less than a year after “The Laugh Track” was released, Spencer reflects on INK’s tribute to the Joker, specifically Jack Nicholson’s iconic portrayal of Gotham gangster turned Clown Prince of Crime, Jack Napier.

Michael Keaton, then known primarily as a comedic actor, absolutely crushed it as both Bruce Wayne and Batman, drawing more from Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns than the beloved camp of the ‘60s TV series. Danny Elfman delivered an iconic score. Director Tim Burton (who nearly made a shared-universe movie with Nicolas Cage called Superman Lives) put his unique stamp on a hyper-stylized Gotham in Batman, and its first sequel, 1992’s even darker and stranger Batman Returns.

While Batman ’89 isn’t a horror film per se, it’s impossible to dismiss the sinister thrills and chills of Nicholson’s Joker electrocuting his fellow crime bosses, to say nothing of the gravitas of Jack Palance. Like so much of Burton’s filmography, Batman treats its weirdo outsiders with dignity and respect.

Batman ’89 took its comic book material seriously, but it was far from grounded and never forgot to have fun. It’s the same tightrope we walk in ICE NINE KILLS, with broad, maniacal smiles.

When we decided to pay tribute to the film in song, I figured, “Why be a brooding bat when you can have the last laugh?” After all, Jack Nicholson got top billing in Batman ’89. While Keaton’s haunted Bruce Wayne is outstanding, I was more drawn to the movie’s charismatic villain.

I wrote the song with Joe, Steve Sopchack, Eric Bass, and our longtime producer Drew Fulk, aka WZRD BLD.

The music video marked the return of Terry Kiser (Weekend at Bernie’s) and introduced one of the original Ghostfaces, Matthew Lillard (Scream), and Phil Morris (Seinfeld) to the INKverse.

Who among us hasn’t wanted to dress up as the Joker? My friend Chris Nelson, Oscar-nominated FX master, was my No. 1 guy for my No. 1 look in “The Laugh Track” music video.

Thank you, all of you Psychos, for your support of “The Laugh Track.” Now go watch Batman ’89!