The Men Behind The Bat

We can all understand actors dying and directors having to cast a new actor for a character. However, I don’t think there is any series a films, other than James Bond, where so many actors have played the same role than the Batman films. And what’s more, most of the actors casted as Batman are really not that great. Let’s stroll through the timeline…

First we have Michael Keaton, in my opinion the worst actor to play Batman. I’m sorry but there aren’t too many comedians out there who can play a serious role, and do it well. The exceptions are actors like Robin Williams and Jim Carrey. He was unable to display the type of emotions necessary to show how much pain Bruce Wayne was truly in. His Bruce Wayne was an awful portrayal of the playboy billionaire. Tim Burton’s worst mistake ever made was to cast Keaton as Batman

Val Kilmer, I actually loved as Batman. The only problem was, he felt too young for the role. Kilmer was at the time Batman Forever was released an established star and getting so many offers for roles. Kilmer knows how to act, so it isn’t hard for him to be Keaton.

George Clooney comes in to the picture. And I actually remember thinking he would be fantastic as Batman. The previews showed him looking the part. He’s old enough and has the build necessary to make Batman work. Sadly, however, I was disappointed. But I don’t think it’s due to Clooney’s acting. I think it had more to do with the Script. Clooney is a great actor, but I don’t think the script gave him a good chance to really bring out a good Batman on screen.

And of course, finally, we have Christian Bale. Without a doubt the best Batman ever! Bale has always shown how capable of an actor he is with his movie resume. From musical theatre, to jaw dropping action flicks, Bale brings a sense of perfection to the roles he plays. Bale has given new meaning to acting in a superhero movie. His voice changing and emotions he brings to Batman is superior to all of his predecessors.

And with that being said, I’m off to read some more comics!