WARNING! Batman Vs Superman spoilers! Read at your own risk.
The announcement that a sequel to Zack Snyder’s film, “Man of Steel,” featuring a Batman vs Superman plot not only raised excitement, but several questions as well. These questions included “Will Batman kill Superman?” and “Will Clark Kent and Lois Lane live happily ever after?", but most importantly, “Who will play Batman?” It would have made sense for Christian Bale to reprise his role as the Dark Knight considering the success of Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy. However, Christian Bale was never even offered the part! Instead, Ben Affleck was cast as Batman. Ben Affleck landing the role of Batman was…surprising. Those of us familiar of the debacle that was “Daredevil” wondered if he could fill the shoes of Christian Bale’s Batman. After watching “Batman Vs Superman” this past weekend, I can say with absolute confidence that Ben Affleck’s Batman could learn a thing or two from Christian Bale’s. Here are some reasons why:
The Voice
Ben Affleck used a voice changer! His Batman voice sounded ridiculous and unrealistic. The entire film, he sounded as if he was trying to impersonate Darth Vader. It was difficult to take the character seriously. Christian Bale, on the other hand, did not use a voice changer. When portraying the Batman character, he spoke in a lower, raspier voice. It made the character more realistic and human, allowing for viewers to take his character seriously.
Bruce Wayne Persona
When an actor is cast as Batman, he is actually cast as two characters; Bruce Wayne and Batman. The two are not interchangeable characters. While they literally are the same person, they actually represent two separate sides of the character. Bruce Wayne represents the charming billionaire, while Batman represents the thirst for justice. In order to have a successful Batman film, the actor must become both of these characters.
I will admit, Affleck does a decent Bruce Wayne. The Bruce Wayne he portrays is older, with gray hair, and a cynical view of life. This was interesting to watch. Unfortunately, this is not nearly as enjoyable to watch as Bale’s Bruce Wayne. Bale’s Bruce Wayne is witty and charming. He embraces his privileged lifestyle without being pompous about it. He is simply more likable than Affleck’s Bruce Wayne.
Being Batman
Now it’s time for the good stuff. What is it about the actual portrayal of Batman that makes Bale so much better? The list is endless! To start, Bale’s Batman had some awesome gadgets and cars, while Affleck’s were lame and seemingly limited (with the exception of his kryptonite gas gun). Even his cars were more impressive! Bale’s fighting scenes as the Batman were significantly more entertaining to watch. Bale’s Batman was someone you did not want to mess with, whereas Affleck had barely any fighting scenes and looked clumsy the entire time. When he actually was in a fighting scene, it was lame and overly choreographed. Over the span of the entire two hour film, he was probably only in the Bat-suit for maybe 20 minutes. Let’s just say the film should have been called “Bruce Wayne (who sometimes dresses like Batman) Vs Superman.”
Another issue with Affleck’s Batman is that he is not the “world’s greatest detective.” He constantly used a computer that spat out information, leaving little for him to investigate or discover. Bale’s Batman was smart and cunning. He was on top of his game and ready for anything and everything.
Lastly, Bale’s Batman actually had a nemesis to fight. Affleck’s Batman spent the entire film under the impression that Superman was a threat to the world who must be stopped. Obviously, this is untrue. In fact, Affleck’s Batman is annoying because of this. The entire film, Superman has to prove that he is trying to better the world while simultaneously battling several threats to both himself and humanity. He has nothing against Batman and eventually asks him for assistance. Affleck’s Batman is a drama queen whereas Bale’s Batman actually battles threats against Gotham.
Batman’s One Rule
One thing that was extremely admirable about Bale’s Batman was his “one rule” which was to never deliberately kill someone. His sole purpose was to bring those who are threats to society, to justice. This truly sets him apart from Affleck’s Batman as it makes Batman more human. During the entirety of “Batman vs Superman,” Batman is set on killing Superman purely because he thinks he is a threat to society. He is seen as bloodthirsty. By portraying Batman this way, it was hard to decide if Batman was a villain or a hero.
