Batmanis the DC anti-hero that cleans up the streets of Gotham. Since his debut in 1939, Batman has garnered a massive fan base spanning several generations. As a result, several directors have attempted to recreate different types of Batman on film. From Tim Burton to Christopher Nolan, several directors have shown off their own interpretations of Batman. As a result, several actors have played Batman over the years.
Whether you’re a fan of Robert Pattinson’s darker, more emotional Batman or you love the uniqueness that Val Kilmer brought out inBatman Forever, there are plenty of Batmen to choose from. What defines someone’s favorite Batman might just be when they first saw the film, so for some, it is Christian Bale, and for others, it is Ben Affleck. YetMichael Keatonstill looms large over the character, which is funny considering how many fans were upset when he was first cast. Now he is one of the most famous superhero portrayals of all time and was so big that he was a big marketing push forThe Flash. Here are five reasons why Michael Keaton is still the best Batman.
5Different From Source Material In A Good Way
While each actor has brought their own unique twist to this classic DC character, Keaton’s representation is very different from comes to how Bruce Wayne wasportrayed in the comics. Keaton portrays Bruce as socially awkward, with little understanding of what’s acceptable and what’s not. He also is well-known for not flaunting his wealth in any way, shape, or form and being rather dorky, using his wealth to collect very unique items. He also has a habit of hosting parties without anyone actually knowing what Bruce Wayne looks like.
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He is low-key and doesn’t care for the media. On top of this, Keaton’s Batman is also more subtle and, while still holding that sense of danger, is never over the top. He manages to have a certain level of arrogance without falling short of how intelligent Bruce actually is, as opposed to George Clooney’s Batman, who is simply charming, and that’s it. Keaton’s Bruce Wayne is different, yet that makes him unique and shows that sometimes straying from the source material can be a good thing.
4Nailed Both Sides of the Dark Knight
One of the biggest arguments to support Keaton as the best Batman ever is that he is the only actor who managed to capture both sides ofBatman’s character. The dark and wounded side that longs to avenge his parents' death through Batman and the billionaire Bruce Wayne who hosts galas for charity. Keaton’s Batman is dark and brooding, while his Bruce Wayne is intelligent and standoffish, keeping everyone at arm’s length. Most other actors have focused their attention on perfecting Batman while letting Bruce Wayne sort of figure himself out, but Keaton manages to pay equal attention to Bruce and Batman, making for a perfect portrayal.
3Understanding Bruce Wayne’s True Identity
The biggest thing to understand aboutBatman/Bruce Waynethat is often forgotten is that Bruce Wayne’s true personality comes out in Batman, and ‘Bruce’ is merely a mask used to hide his true self. Keaton understands this on a much deeper level through his portrayal as Bruce is kind of awkward and weird, which puts people at a distance. T
his is done with the intention of hiding his true self. Additionally, the way that he converses with people is, in a word, awkward, which makes Bruce hard to be around, he is also shockingly innocent which helps to throw people off the trail that Bruce could possibly be Batman. This also is a stark contrast to Batman’s behavior in hunting down criminals to keep Gotham safe.
2Shows the Subtitles of Trauma
While almost every single actor who has played Batman has shown the effects of Bruce’s trauma, Keaton’s take on trauma is much more subtle. He gets triggered by the Joker’s phrase, ‘You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight.’ and Bruce responds with confusion and distress, which sends him into a spiral where he recalls the phrase but has repressed enough of it to be unclear as to why he has such a response to that phrase.
Related:The Flash: Why Michael Keaton’s Return as Batman Feels Wrong
However, Bruce is able to compose himself, and eventually, after putting the pieces together, he realizes that this is indeed the same man that murdered his parents, and we get to see how he feels towards the Joker while struggling with his own sense of morality. Batman itself is a personification of how Bruce maintains control of his trauma. In wearing the suit, he is given a sense of power that allows him to feel safe and confront his dark past.
1Keaton’s Comedy Background
Prior to his appearance inBatman, Michael Keaton primarily worked in comedy, includingfilms likeBeetlejuiceandNight Shift.Keaton’s background in comedy allowed him to gain a different perspective on the character, looking for small moments of light because while Batman is indeed a trauma-filled orphan riddled with guilt, he is also human and has other characteristics.
One such moment would be when Bruce is just about to confess his true identity to Vicki inBatman,he is unable to come clean until she’s left. This moment of lightheartedness proves that Keaton was able to still bring some silliness to the character while also maintaining the identity of Batman and Bruce Wayne. Even recently, inThe Flash, his Bruce Wayne has a bit more of a smart-aleck nature to him than one typically expects from an older Batman. He is dangerous but in a fun way, not a grumpy old man way.
