Danny DeVito, a renowned American actor, filmmaker, and comedian, famously portrayed the character of Oswald Cobblepot, aka The Penguin, in Tim Burton’s 1992 film “Batman Returns.” The Penguin is one of Batman’s infamous adversaries and a significant figure in the Batman lore. This article will help teachers create an engaging and informative lesson plan to teach their students about Danny DeVito’s portrayal of The Penguin.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Understand the history and significance of Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin in popular culture,
2. Recognize and discuss the influence of Danny DeVito’s portrayal on this character,
3. Explain basic characteristics of The Penguin as portrayed by Danny DeVito.
Materials Needed
- Computer with internet access
- Projector
- Whiteboard or flipchart
- Pens or markers
- Handouts with images or descriptions of Danny DeVito as The Penguin (optional)
Step 1: Introduction to The Penguin (5-10 minutes)
Begin by briefly discussing the Batman mythos and its significance in popular culture. Explain that Batman has several famous foes called supervillains, including The Joker, Catwoman, The Riddler, and The Penguin. Ask the students if they are familiar with these characters or any others from Batman stories.
Provide a brief introduction to Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin as a classic comic book character who first appeared in 1941. Discuss his backstory as a deformed mobster who uses bird-themed weapons.
Step 2: Introducing Danny DeVito’s Portrayal (10-15 minutes)
Moving on to Danny DeVito’s portrayal of The Penguin, show clips from Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns” that feature DeVito as the character. Ask students to share their thoughts on his performance, and what makes it unique or memorable.
Discuss DeVito’s interpretation of The Penguin as a darker, more grotesque figure compared to previous representations. Explain how this version of the character showed Cobblepot as a tragic figure who is both a heartless villain and an outcast due to his deformities.
Step 3: Characteristics of DeVito’s Penguin (10-15 minutes)
Have students create a list of various descriptors for Danny DeVito’s Penguin character. These can include physical features (unique costume, umbrella weapons), personality traits (vengeful, sinister), and background information (abandoned at birth, raised in the sewers).
After the students have shared their ideas, create a master list on the whiteboard or flipchart. This list will help them identify and understand key attributes that make DeVito’s version of The Penguin stand out from others.
Step 4: Comparing Versions (10-20 minutes)
To finish up the lesson, encourage students to compare and contrast Danny DeVito’s portrayal with other versions of The Penguin. This can be done either through a group discussion or individually in writing.
Possible versions for comparison include:
- Comic book adaptations
- Burgess Meredith’s portrayal in the 1960s “Batman” TV series
- Robin Lord Taylor’s performance in the “Gotham” TV series
