A look at the role of an obsessive collector in an increasingly pop culture-centric world.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Editor Michael Wayne

Watch Batman and Me on Prime Video, Vudu and iTunes

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I was attracted to the story of someone who had been through the madness of pop culture geekdom and emerged with words of warning - but had a sense of humour about it. I don't believe total immersion in and self-identification with pop culture is always something to be celebrated, and Darren's experience seemed to illustrate that point.

We knew Darren would be able to share with audiences a complete and truthful story about collecting. What we didn't expect was the depth and scope of his own personal tragedy that resulted from his obsession...and I think that was a not-entirely-welcome surprise to him, too.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

First of all, it's important to note that you don't have to be into comics or superheroes to enjoy this movie. We designed it to have a much broader appeal.

With Darren, we go into what it's like to obsessively collect merchandise, and how it feels when that becomes a part of your identity (it's not always good).

We also want audiences to think about their own habits, no matter how innocent, and consider how easily they could snowball into addiction - and why.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Darren's story reflects themes of belonging and identity. We might not all know the ins and outs of Gotham City's most famous citizen, but everyone understands feelings of inadequacy, desperation, obsession, and what it feels like to want, and in some cases need, to be a part of something bigger.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

Batman and Me began as a short profile of Darren Maxwell's Batman collection and his self-deprecating commentary that went along with it. As his story became clearer, we expanded the idea into a feature that would tap into some very universal themes.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

We've surprised audiences who've felt they weren't "the target audience" with the movie's unique approach to storytelling and its one-of-a-kind protagonist. The movie has defied expectations with its depth, humour and poignancy.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

What's been most surprising is how people with absolutely no interest in the subject matter have come away from Batman and Me fascinated and introspective. I didn't expect a grown man who collects Batman toys to be such an effective mirror.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

What I'd like is for Batman and Me to exist as counter-programming to the current glut of superhero movies. It's important that there's a dissenting voice out there that questions what we're constantly told about consumerism and fandom.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Wide distribution and exposure in the media and at film festivals would be ideal to get the message across. I think the movie has tremendous word-of-mouth potential thanks to some of its more outrageously unhinged elements.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I'd like Batman and Me to get people thinking about themselves differently.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Do you collect anything?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

My next project will be set in the past because there's still so much to process.

Interview: July 2020

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Batman and Me

A look at the role of an obsessive collector in an increasingly pop culture-centric world.

Length: 1:24:10

Director: Michael Wayne

Producer: Michael Wayne, Andrew Martyn

Writer: Rebecca Richardson, Andrew Martyn, Michael Wayne

About the writer, director and producer:

MICHAEL WAYNE is a filmmaker and sometimes-travel journalist. After festival success with two short films, Michael dove into his long-standing - but largely unexplored - fascination with the idea that a collection of plastic junk can somehow be admirable. Batman and Me, his first feature film, is the result.

Key cast: Darren Maxwell (primary subject), Peter Sims (supplementary subject), Lynne Brack (supplementary subject)

Looking for: film festival directors, sales agents, journalists, distributors, buyers

Website: www.batmanandme.com

Funders: Self-funded

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Melbourne Documentary Film Festival online event, June 30-July 15