The Dark Knight looks like it will be absolutely spectacular, and Bale no doubt very good. Hopefully the Bruce Wayne playboy side will be expressed more here adding to the dichotomy--it's somewhat understandable in BB since he was still young and hadn't really cultivated that "other self" yet--but I think we need more of it in TDK.
It's kinda like having Clark Kent act confident and self-assured rather than "mild-mannered" and awkward--one of the biggest reasons Superman is such a popular character is because Clark is the last person you'd think would be Superman, making his character much more intriguing, and enduring. Likewise, you don't want a broody Batman AND a broody Bruce Wayne--it somewhat takes away from the mythic comic-book feel and makes it more like a crime drama. I think having Harvey Dent in the picture will no doubt expand on Bruce Wayne's world and give much more of a "millionaire playboy" vibe.
Batman: The Animated Series absolutely nailed this, so hopefully TDK will follow suit.
Likewise, here's some interesting comments (and no doubt controversial) on Bale Vs. Keaton from YT comments.
Brad1974 (1 week ago) Reply
"His darkness outwardly expressed." -Yeah, and Keaton's was more subtle. Guess Keaton is also better at the actor version of Wayne/Batman.
"Bale had range in his character." -That's exactly what I'm saying. Bale had the fleshed out role, yet was less than what could have been. Keaton rose ABOVE what was written. He came off as a dark genius with a sad past, and his Batman was no joke. All he needed were some silly playboy scenes.
Brad1974 (1 week ago)
Putting what the characters do aside, Bale's Bruce seemed like a complete dumba**. He was like a tree. It didn't help that Alfred, Rachel, and Lucious did all of the work/thinking for him. It was like he was trying to play an apeman with the muppet voice and bewildered facial expression (only facial expression). That's just regular Bruce. Playboy Bruce was good, but like I said, we've seen it. And Keaton's mere whisper is still more intimidating/less ridiculous than Bale's growl.
Brad1974 (1 week ago)
Closer to the original intention or not, the growl is still hilarious. "ALLLFRED! ALLLFRED!". So I prefer Keaton's voice, which works great. If you want to know who REALLY nailed Batman's voice, look no further than Kevin Conroy.
I'll give Bale props for making brooding Bruce, playboy Bruce, and Batman different from each other, but just some versatility doesn't cut it.
No slight intended against Bale in any way--he's an amazing actor. I loved him in everything I've seen him in, Empire of the Sun, Swing Kids, The Prestige, everything. I just thought it might be interesting to compare his performance with Keaton's, since there'll no doubt be a lot of that in the coming weeks. He obviously has a different take from Keaton (as does Nolan.) I think he's great but needs to, as Scarecrow said, smile a bit more and "lighten up." He's just so serious all the tiime. "Why so serioius?"
Just to reiterate, once again, the movie looks incredible.
You can’t just have your characters announce how they feel! That makes me feel angry!
I see your point,ShyViolet,thought there was a bit of that in Batman Begins (When he bought the pool and etc.).
Clark Kent didn't got enough screentime in Superman Return,he didn't had much parsonality.
I see your point,ShyViolet,thought there was a bit of that in Batman Begins (When he bought the pool and etc.).
True Once. I just hope there's more of that this time.
Clark Kent didn't got enough screentime in Superman Return,he didn't had much parsonality.
Yes, he should have gotten more screentime, (although he did at least nail the "meek" aspect of Clark pretty well) especially since half the time we see Supes he's CGI anyway...
You can’t just have your characters announce how they feel! That makes me feel angry!