MovieChat Forums > The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971) Discussion > Mr. Freeze of BATMAN

Mr. Freeze of BATMAN

posted 13 years ago by haymish28
1 reply | jump to latest

I was watching these films and began to notice some connections to the Batman character Mr. VICTOR Freeze and, moreover, his wife Nora Freeze/Fries who's character strongly resembles VICTORia Phibes - both being wives to mad scientist/villain husbands (afflicted with some horrible ailment), and tragically consigned to suspended animation.

Although the character of Mr. Freeze predates Dr. Phibes, going back to 1959, the character of Nora Fries was first introduced in 1992, in an episode of Batman: The Animated Series (a show that is, like The Abominable Dr. Phibes, well known for it's art deco visual elements).

Furthermore, Vincent Price had a recurring role as a villain (Egghead, not Mr. Freeze) in the 1960's Batman television series. Also, Batman: The Animated Series borrowed heavily from the Tim Burton Batman films, and Tim Burton's love for, and collaboration with, Vincent Price is very well known.

So then, what should we make of all this? Is it nothing more than coincidence? Or is it possible that the characters of Anton and Victoria Phibes directly inspired the makers of Batman: The Animated Series in their creation of Nora Fries?

Personally I fancy the latter scenario, but either way it is good fun pondering these sorts of things....

[–] TheManInOil 12 years ago

I think it's coincidence. That sort of scenario is pretty generic.

Kingpin was motivated by desire to revive his comatose wife as well. The twist of the man being a 'mad scientist' isn't much of a stretch. It all smacks of Frankenstein at its most fundamental.

I think a lot of sort of legendary premises are recurring especially in comic books because they are just universally compelling and 'feel right' even if you're not directly imitating anything on purpose. Look at how many characters can be reduced to a "Jeckyll/Hyde" type.

"I'll book you. I'll book you on something. I'll find something in the book to book you on."