I have always been a huge Batman fan! He is definitely my
favorite Superhero (super-powered or
not). I have fond memories of reading the comics as a kid. I even have
(somewhat) fond memories of watching the corny, silly TV series from the
sixties. Yes, I really am that old!
Despite the goofiness, watching Adam West slide down the
Batpole and become Batman was always cool! And the Batmobile bursting out of
the hidden cave entrance – way cool! I really loved the old sixties Batmobile
with the subtle red trim.
Nevertheless, even though the comics themselves were a
little campy by then, what I really wanted to see was the original Batman, the
“Dark Knight” who chose to dress like a creature of the night and “strike
terror” into the hearts of “superstitious and cowardly” criminals. Needless to
say, I was thrilled with the Tim Burton/Michael Keaton films! Not so much with
the Schumacher/Kilmer/Clooney movies which veered the character back to the tone
of the old TV show, in my opinion.
Finally in 2005, Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale
brought us the version many of us had been awaiting! All three were excellent movies, and after many viewings, I can honestly say, I still find them fantastic
and very true to the vision of Batman from my childhood imaginings! (And of
course, Heath Ledger as Joker? Nobody has done it better!)
And now for my (perhaps) controversial thoughts. My favorite
portrayal of Batman onscreen is none other than Ben Affleck! I could go into
all the reasons why I believe Affleck is such a truly underrated actor, but for
this particular article, I’ll stick to the one role. Maybe it’s my age, but I
honestly love the way he brings this character to life. Older, wiser, somewhat
beaten down by the years of battling criminals and super-villains, this Batman
is amazing.
I guess it all goes back to why I love Batman in the first
place. He’s the superhero with no super powers, right? The regular guy who
trains himself and goes out to fight crime and protect his city using his
wealth to equip himself with the necessary tools and gadgets. The master
detective following the clues and solving puzzles. The one who’s ready to fight
Superman himself if he sees him as a threat. The one who knows when he needs
help and rounds up a Justice League when needed. The hero who never loses his
humanity. I love this version of the older Batman.
So, I was excited to see the next Batman movie with Affleck
as the title character, and I was crushed when the whole project went bust. (Am
I the only one who would still love to see Affleck’s Batman in “The Dark Knight
Returns” by Frank Miller?) So, now instead, we get a new, young Batman played
by shiny, glitter-boy vampire? Sorry, couldn’t resist!
Honestly, I’ve seen some of his other non-Twilight roles and I think (and hope)
Robert Pattinson can pull it off! The early clips look promising. And of
course, I’ll go see it as soon as it comes out, because I’m a huge Batman fan!
If you haven’t seen it, here’s the official first look video:
And just for kicks, here’s my unofficial ranking of the best
actors in the role:
1.
Ben Affleck (Suicide Squad, Batman v Superman,
Justice League)
2.
Christian Bale (The Dark Knight Trilogy)
3.
Michael Keaton (Batman, Batman Returns)
4.
(Tie) Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Adam West, and
those guys from the forties serials.
Drop a comment and let me know how you would rank the Batman
portrayals!
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