Yeah, I think there’s also just something about him being the first darker/good live action take on the character that makes him hard to top in my eyes, because every actor to wear the cape and cowel after him certainly took at least some amount of inspiration from his performance, and the very first scene of him in the suit when he says “I’m Batman” is just awesome and badass and really set the tone for all live action Batman’s to come
I think in many ways Keaton's portrayal is really overlooked. I see that Bruce Wayne is more the mask than Batman is bit there's also still a desire for humanity when he can relate to that struggle with Selina and sees that he's not alone in his duality and that he could share it with someone, which gives him hope. I feel in the first movie things were a lot different where in he struggled to be Bruce and he felt he was really the bat, he even feels the need to hang upside down when Vicki is over and they even mention this in returns with Vicki not being able to handle his duality and I suppose in a way it's not that Bruce doesn't exist but that the bat has to exists with him. And I guess Selina made him see that it's okay and that maybe he can actually still have his humanity and his batman identity at the same time. I rarely have ever seen him actually explored that way and it's really thought provoking moreso than the common iteration that Bruce Wayne is just batman and can't be anything else. Not to mention his stoic yet taunting performance in the cowl and his believably human, quirky yet mysterious and bizarre portrayal of Bruce Wayne which makes it somehow even more believable that he would dress as a bat and fight crime at night. He seems to have an innate interest in the bizarre and even an interest in the psychology of his enemies and what makes them tick because he can relate to it but on another side. I feel Keaton is the only version yet to have truly blended Bruce Wayne and Batman as one person and not one or the other with the opposite being a mask. He's simply the most human Batman to me. Granted he does kill but I've also thought that maybe he's come more to peace with that and as Batman probably cares more about preventing future crime like how he deliberately tells criminals to tell their friends about him, and I feel is almost less selfish in another way compared to other batmen because he's willing to sacrifice his own moral sanctity to prevent criminals from causing anymore harm by just offing them and it isn't wrong but burton's Gotham is a lot more violent crazy and lived in than other versions I've seen and as much as it does mean for Batman not to kill I almost feel like it's his burden in in the burton universe to actually love with having to take lives because it's that bad, but he does try to avoid it when not necessary, hence he's also more realistic and really cannot conceivably dismantle such large criminal organizations without death. Side plus it does make the myth of him scarier to criminals and is probably in the end more beneficial to preventing further crime from happening, even if it is wrong. Don't get me wrong i feel the animated Kevin Conroy and Arkhamverse are probably more true to who the character is and ultimately should be, but Keaton's to me hits deeper and truer. Not to mention, the amazing atmosphere, soundtrack, organic and baddass/terrifying batsuit and of course the batmobile and batwing all being absolutely perfect imo. Keaton's Batman is by far my favorite, and the most compelling and ultimately just too overlooked I think. Many people don't give it a second glance and hate it, and most only love it for nostalgia. Noted I do have nostalgia bias. I grew up eith Burton and Nolan and even as a little kid preferred Burton. But, I feel it's too overlooked in the details by all even those who love it.
I feel that, I definitely think some people get lost in the gothic Tim Burton aesthetic a bit and fail to really analyze the performance of Keaton thoroughly and properly. You’re absolutely right about his kind of weird and bizarre portrayal of Bruce making his life as Batman even more believable, as I said in the video if you are dressing up as a bat to fight crime at night you probably have some level of “bad wiring” and his quirks and weird tendencies help to establish, that while he’s not insane, he’s certainly not fully normal, but to your point, this does humanize him. I also like that he kills at times when it’s absolutely necessary, that always felt like a little bit of an unrealistic expectation of other portrayals of Batman to me, as at a certain point if you really want to put an end to all crime in Gotham city, you can’t allow maniacal psychopaths like the Joker to just keep breaking out of the asylum and causing chaos. While I do agree with you that the Batman the Animated series and Arkhamverse takes are likely more true to the character, I also think it’s a little unfair to compare Keaton or really any live action Batman to that standard, as they just have a lot less screen time and story arcs as the character, which is why I personally just put Conroy in his own category, and I can’t ever see him getting surpassed for best animated Batman voice actor.
Thank you! I really appreciate that, and yeah that scene is really fun and entertaining, but when you really start to analyze it, there’s a lot under the surface as well
Michael Keaton, Robert Pattinson, and Ben Affleck are my personal favorite live action Batmen. To me Keaton's Batman will always be the best because his Batman inspired Batman: The Animated Series. Also he was my first live action Batman so his Batman has a special place in my heart.
Yeah, the gothic, much darker tone definitely was a huge source of inspiration for Batman the Animated Series, which I do think is definitely the best Batman content we’ve ever gotten as a whole, and Keaton honestly has some level of influence on every Batman after him, I definitely think he’s viewed as a good standard when a new actor picks up the cape and cowl
I appreciate that! Yeah, I actually think Kilmer had potential but unfortunately he kind of gets sold by the shortcomings of the movie itself, because if you place Kilmer in Keaton’s role in Batman 89’ or Batman Returns, essentially giving Kilmer a better script and better surrounding pieces, I honestly think he could’ve done a similar job, maybe not quite as good, but I see him doing well in that scenario
Young Keaton will always be my favourite Batman. There was just something very special about him. There was something dangerous about his facial expression and his acting was flawless!!!! The other Batman actors are good. But there was something very special and unique about him. No one's ever going to top that for me. Everything is not about muscles. It's that special presents and being convincing!
I absolutely see where you’re coming from and agree, I think Keaton really captured that slightly crazy but still sane feel that Batman should have, because inherently dressing up as a bat to fight crime is bizarre, but yet Bruce Wayne is a brilliant man, it’s a tough line to tow, but I think Keaton nailed it! The “let’s get nuts scene” especially puts Keaton’s acting chops on full display, as you alluded to, his facial expressions are just so on point during that scene and I think it really was a character defining performance
THESE ARE ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!😳 I was LUCKY ENOUGH to do an interview with MICHAEL KEATON'S MOVEMENT DOUBLE CARL NEWMAN, over this past year whom actual wore the 1989 SUIT PERFORMING stunts and is also featured in some of the MOST ICONIC scenes/shots from the 1989 film. He worked closely with TIM BURTON as well as JACK NICHOLSON while on set, and speaks about his experience in GREAT DETAIL. Feel free to check it out! I'd GREATLY APPRECIATE IT🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇
The 90’s had class, style, quality and character. It really was the last great decade. Tim Burton recreated Batman and the cast was perfect. Elfman’s score is the quintessential score for Batman. Everything from tracks, Gotham, to the overall atmosphere, the story, the Wayne manor, the suit, the Batcave, the Batmobile, characters, how dark, mysterious, serious and gritty yet enjoyable it is for all audiences is simply classical. I also love Alexander Knox, which no one seems to talk about. Burton and Elfman are genuine geniuses. Batman doesn’t have to be a bone breaking, brawling behemoth in order to be competent and scary and to build a chilling reputation amongst criminals. Keaton version is the scariest and the most mysterious of them all. And his Bruce Wayne is the only classy, cultured, sophisticated, aristocratic depiction in cinema.
Yeah, Elfman’s score is really great and meshes with Tim Burton’s gothic aesthetic perfectly, and the two definitely come together to create a unique, almost other worldly atmosphere, that makes Gotham feel like a distinctive place. And I like that you mentioned the sophistication of Batman/Bruce Wayne, I do think that Keaton nails a really good midpoint between being down to earth and enlightened, which gives his Bruce Wayne persona a lot of charm and flare
The thing about Batman 1989, is that Batman is largely silent in that that film, in comparison to every movie version that came after. They knew to just let the character, costume, and atmosphere do the talking, and for me that's why it's my favorite. ..... With Bale, the first thing that pops into my head everytime I think about him as Batman is the forced gruffness of "WHERE WERE THE OTHER DRUGS GOING!!!" .... and I can't help but snicker. 🤭
Yeah their Batman voice is a small but really important detail to consider, Keaton’s is just kind of effortlessly badass, while Bale is trying way to hard and sounds like he smokes 20 packs a day, and yeah, having Batman in the background and making him feel a bit mysterious is one of Batman 89’s biggest strengths
I see where you’re coming from, he’s definitely one of the more scrawny versions of Batman out of the suit, so he definitely doesn’t have the physicality or brutality of like a Ben Affleck for example, though I do think the dark and kind of frightening elements of his character compensate a bit for that lack of physicality
I have said this loads of time but it is Keaton facial expressions that make him such a iconic Batman. Unlike Bale and Affleck he didnt need get jacked for the role.
That’s a great point, despite looking the most like just an average man of all the Batmen (except for Adam West maybe), he does also manage to be the most intimidating in my opinion, and his Batman voice is just effortlessly cool and badass
Thanks. I've been saying this for years: What sold me was the first time Batman, as Bruce Wayne, saw the Joker in action on the steps of City Hall. You could see in Wayne's eyes the unstable mental state (Psychopath) true Batman fans know him to be. Batman is his true identity, Bruce Wayne is only the disguise. Without one word, Keaton conveyed in intentions to the audience at seeing Joker in action. Wayne displayed no fear and no reaction to the bullet snipping his shoulder in a flash wound. Thanks again.
I see what you’re saying, yeah I agree, I think Keaton definitely captures that sort of perfect middle ground between intelligent and unhinged that you have to walk when playing Batman, and Keaton’s Batman definitely has some bad wiring, but at the same time has a strong desire to cleanse his city, and I think that aspect of his characterization is phenomenal
Keaton is impossible to top, same with Reeve and Slater. Keaton proved once again in The Flash why he's the absolutely greatest Batman/Bruce Wayne in the history of live action.
I agree, even though I didn’t touch upon it in this video, I did really like Keaton’s performance in the Flash, it was definitely interesting to see a retired Batman put the cape and cowl back on, and he was the highlight of that film for me
Michael Keaton is tied with Ben Affleck and Robert Pattinson for me. I love Keaton, but I like him for different reasons than you do, I like how his gadgets and intelligence are on full display "Where does he get those wonderful toys?" and out of all the Batmen he just seems to have the most precise tools (except for Adam West). Although, I really enjoy the in depth exploration of Batman's psychology that was present with Val Kilmer, (Who's probably my fourth or fifth favorite). I appreciate your opinion though, and we desperately need the yellow oval to make a return on Batsuits.
I couldn’t agree more about the yellow oval logo! It’s definitely my favorite Batman logo, and you make a good point regarding his gadgets, they do really kind of hit a sweet spot of not being too campy or ridiculous, while also being just what he needs at certain points, and the fact that he’s thought of all of them prior to his use of them really put his intelligence on full display for sure
I definitely love that film! I can’t say it’s my personal favorite Batman film, but the dynamic between him and Catwoman is really incredibly done, and I think that movie has my favorite depiction of Batman in any live-action Batman film, I love the dichotomy between Bruce Wayne and Batman
To be completely honest with you, I personally think that rule, when taken to the extreme, is illogical. I understand that many iterations of Batman view this as what separates him from his villains, and that it’s a slippery slope argument, but not taking out villains like the Joker, causes way more harm than good, so in a way Batman puts far more lives at risks by sparing villains like the Joker, who are just gonna do more harm to Gotham and its civilians. So, I’ve never personally put much stock into this rule, as I think it’s built on a complete fallacy, now I don’t think Batman should just break this rule with reckless abandon either, but there’s times when that line needs to be crossed. If our own Justice system can recognize that, then I believe Batman, who is all about Justice and the law, should also be able to recognize that
okay but keatons batman not only straight up murdered people he did it pretty recklessly and often or do bullets and explosives and dropping them from clock towers not kill people its a major part of the batman mythos and has been for a very very long time at this point@@ScreenedStories
@@callmejacob3234 That’s a good point, the character was in a really weird state of being super campy and unserious in the post-Adam West era, so having him kill occasionally when absolutely necessary did help to remove this iteration from that stigma
@callmejacob3234 batman was already a serious character already or do you forget about the killing joke the long Halloween or tdkr which all predate Tim Burtons batman
I respect that! I can separate live-action from animation and have a favorite from both categories, but if we are combining everything together I think it’s nearly impossible to not have Kevin Conroy as the best Batman hands down. Kevin is just in so much content as the caped crusader, and delivers every single time, off of just Batman the Animated Series alone I’d have him as best Batman tbh
Yeah, his Batman voice is really just effortlessly badass, and you can kind of just tell it’s natural for him, where as with other portrayals, like with Bale, who I do think is great as the character don’t get me wrong, but his little chain smoker growl is really hard to understand, and with Affleck he has like a weird robot voice for some reason
@@ScreenedStories Bale kept making the Batvoice growl worse and worse with each film where it became almost comical by the end. You are right about Keaton making it effortless, less is really more.
@@purefoldnz3070 Yeah less is definitely more in this case, and I have, seeing Batman 89 in 4K was awesome! For a film that’s now 35 years old, it looks great, especially in 4K, though I suppose it’s hard for a film not to look good in 4K now that I’m thinking about it
@@ScreenedStories yes watching it in 4k felt like it was almost brand new. Especially you can pick up so much more detail in the blacks during the cathedral part in the end. Film will always look better than digital.
I appreciate that! And I’m just American, it could be the noise cancellation on the voiceover, it gets background noise out of the recording but does alter my voice a little bit
Well I certainly consider both of the Tim Burton films to be in the same league as the Dark Knight trilogy. As for Batman himself, I say Michael Keaton gave the best performance while Christian Bale had the best characterization (though of course Kevin Conroy had the best voice). Keaton's Batman also has had the best Batsuits, Batmobile and theme music in my book too. His Batsuits may not be very practical when it comes to function, but the design and color scheme are still the most iconic to me (at least in live-action). So glad we got to see him again in the Flash movie. Too bad we probably won't get any more chances to see him again, between the Batgirl movie getting unreleased due to the WB Discovery merger and James Gunn scraping the plans for a Batman Beyond movie in favor yet another Batman reboot. Don't mean to diss the guy since I've been a fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, but he sure does have some pretty unpopular opinions on Keaton's Batman and that certainly seems to have affected his judgement regarding these business decisions of his. I'm aware Keaton's initial casting in the first movie caused a lot of controversy, but he still won over most fans with his performance. Too bad James Gunn wasn't among those fans he won over I guess.
Yeah, I do really think a Batman Beyond style movie with Keaton playing an older, retired Bruce Wayne could’ve been really good! I also think it was awesome to see him back in the flash, I think seeing that he essentially achieved his goal of making Gotham into a safe place and retired from crime fighting as a result was a fascinating direction to go in. As for his bat-suit, I actually do agree, I think his suit just at a first glance is the most visually appealing, though I do understand the critique of how stiff the neck is. I also respect your take on the Burton films being in the same league as the Dark Knight trilogy, though I don’t totally agree, the Burton films are absolutely iconic, and inspired and set a standard for all live action Batman films to live up to. I think the initial backlash to Keaton’s casting was due to the fact that he was kind of best known for his role in Beetlejuice at the time, which is a way different role than the caped crusader, but his performance as Bruce definitely ended that skepticism.
From what I've read, Batman fans complained about his casting both because he was known mainly for comedies like Beetlejuice and Mr. Mom, which I guess made a lot of fans afraid the movie was gonna be more like the Adam West show, and also cuz he was considered too short and not "good-looking" enough to be Batman. Good thing he didn't let any of that get to him and affect his performance or cause him to drop out of the movie altogether. @@ScreenedStories
Also, another reason why I like the Tim Burton Batman movies so much is cuz they led to the creation of Batman the Animated Series, which in-turn led to the DC Animated Universe, and also led to us getting Kevin Conroy's definitive voice portrayal of the Dark Knight (RIP). I was too young to see the movies when they came out (I wasn't even born when Batman 89 was released), but I still owe them for BTAS since it was what made me a Batman fan in the first place.
@@darthgoku90 Yeah, I mean Keaton has a crazy amount of range as an actor, so I’m glad he got to show it and prove fans wrong, and despite being short for the character, he still felt really badass and intimidating in the suit!
@@darthgoku90 Yeah that’s a great point, the Tim Burton gothic aesthetic is really iconic and was SUPER influential for all iterations of the character going forward, and I too was too young to grow up with Batman 89 or Batman Returns, but as someone who similarly grew up with and loved the DC animated universe, I do think the Burton films need more respect for being the trailblazing films that they truly were, and while being first doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the best, it can certainly mean you’re the most important, and I do think that they were the most important films in making the dark knight such a cultural phenomenon
OK, see I really hope to see him as Batman one more time. I keep praying it happens. We’ll just see. I probably doubt it but least he remembered, but I still think it’s a shame that. Bat girl was. Cancelled but what can you do? At least he will always be one of the best actors to play Batman.
@@brycenelson9 yeah I think it’s pretty unlikely we see him as Batman again unfortunately, but I think the one way that it’d be possible is if we got a Batman Beyond style film at some point, I think Keaton could definitely crush playing an older, retired, mentor version of Bruce Wayne
I'm in the same mindset, Michael Keaton IS Batman (he said so himself, after all). But I am a fan of all the others. I will say though, that the newest movie, The Batman, feels like a cross between Tim Burton's and Chris Nolan's.
@@mrojas1988 for sure, I don’t think there’s a downright terrible performance as Batman, except for maybe George Clooney, but I do ultimately blame the script and pieces around him more than George himself for that, and I agree with your take on the recent Batman, I think Pattinson definitely has potential to shoot up the list for best Batman with subsequent appearances and further development
Bruce Wayne ripping off his mask in Batman Returns to try to tell Selina to stop is like when Peter Parker took his mask off to try to convince Doc Ock to do the right thing.
@@ScreenedStories 100% and I think that if Tim Burton had made HIS 3rd Batman movie, then Catwoman would come back to help Batman fight Scarecrow (maybe), Riddler, and Two Face.
@@suryasingh9738 also interestingly enough the second outing for both main Protagonists, and Mary Jane does see Tobey without the mask on shortly after, damn, a lot of similarities now that I’m thinking about it
Hmmm... I agree that the Nolan trilogy are better movies than the Burton films. I also agree that the 3 Keaton depictions are better portrayals of the character than the Bale version. I wouldn't say that Keaton's performance is better though. I think they both did the best job one could with the script and director they were given.
That’s a very fair assessment, I think both Bale and Keaton are great actors and both have iconic performances, and I agree that they both excelled as well as they could in their respective scenarios as the character, my preference of Keaton’s portrayal of Batman does primarily come down to how he’s used in the role and how the character itself functions within the plot, because at the end of the day Christian Bale is awesome in the Dark Knight trilogy, and I could totally see why he would be someone’s favorite Batman
Yeah Keaton’s Batman voice is wayyyyy better! It’s honestly hard to even make out what Bale is saying sometimes when he’s doing his raspy chainsmoker voice, whereas Keaton just kind of effortlessly sounds cool
What makes you think that The Dark Knight trilogy is better written and directed then the Tim Burton Batman movies there are different takes on Batman and his world but I don't think Nolan was better then Burton as a matter of fact. I think Burton had better understanding of the Batman world then Nolan did!
I don’t necessarily disagree that Burton had a better understanding of the character and world, that’s partially what I think makes Keaton the best Batman, but from a technical standpoint, the framing of shots, naturalistic lighting, practical effects, sound design, etc. these things are just done better in The Dark Knight Trilogy, it’s a little unfair because one came out decades after the other, but Batman Begins is almost 20 years old and still looks better than a lot of modern blockbusters
@@ScreenedStories I kinda agree with you to Batman begins had a great look to it and it made you feel like it took place in Gotham city! But as the Dark Knight it was as if Nolan just transplanted Batman in Chicago and Pittsburgh for The Dark Knight Rise's he just erased the look of Gotham for last two movies were as Tim Burton gave Gotham that distinctive look! It was as if you were on planet Gotham instead of bringing Batman to our world Burton brought us to Batman's world
@@thomasgoree7976 I see what your saying, I do think that the setting of Gotham in Burton’s films have a unique other worldly feel to them, it’s like a cool gothic location that definitely doesn’t exist in our world, so I do think you’re right in terms of escapism and really creating a new world of sorts, I was more so thinking of it from a technical film making perspective, but at the end of the day it really is a personal preference thing, and while I do like Tim Burton’s highly stylized aesthetic, I could see how it wouldn’t necessarily be someone’s cup of tea, and why they’d prefer a more realistic setting for Batman, though as you kind of allude to, that does come with sacrificing that other worldly feel
@@ScreenedStories Don't get me wrong I'm a fan of The Nolan Batman movies too I think that Burton had a feel of Batman and Nolan seemed uncomfortable with the the trappings of the Batman mythology now that not to say IMO
I like the list! While I personally prefer Keaton, I do think an argument could be made for Pattinson, Affleck, or Bale being the best, depending on personal preferences
That’s fair! I think it’s hard to compare live action with animation just due to amount of screen time, but if we’re combining everything I do think it’s kind of impossible to not have Kevin Conroy as the best Batman, I mean Batman the Animated Series and the Arkham games is a crazy resume
I think three Batman's that I like I am only talking about the ones I have seen 1 Michael Keaton (Was The Best) 2 Christian Bale (Was Pretty Good) 3 Ben Affleck (Underrated Should Have Stayed Was Also Good) 4 Val Kilmer (Was Not Bad) 5 George Clooney (Good Actor But A Horrible Batman I Love George Clooney Good Actor Horrible Batman)
I think that list pretty spot on! I agree on Val Kilmer especially, I see a lot of people discount him as just being bad, but similar to George Clooney, I think they both get sold by the quality of the movies around them, like if you gave Kilmer or Clooney a better script and director, I think they would’ve done been better
I don't like Bale's Batman. I grew up with Keaton's Batman. And because of him(and Tim Burton ) I became a Batman fan. To me,Keaton's Batman is only surpassed by Affleck's Batman. Oh,and I HATE Batman Begins. Batman 89 is way better because of it's dark tone. Apparently,Nolan was ashamed of the comics aesthetic. Not to mention Nolan's Gotham-it's generic and bland. Snyder did better with the cape crusader.
Keaton is the best, just as Christopher Reeve is the best Superman.
I personally prefer Keaton's Batman films over Bale's.
Same here, Batman (1989) is the best Batman movie there is.
Ya I agree keaton is my favorite and that does not mean the others are bad it's just look at him he's just batman 🦇
Yeah, I think there’s also just something about him being the first darker/good live action take on the character that makes him hard to top in my eyes, because every actor to wear the cape and cowel after him certainly took at least some amount of inspiration from his performance, and the very first scene of him in the suit when he says “I’m Batman” is just awesome and badass and really set the tone for all live action Batman’s to come
He also went a bit of Beetlejuice when he was meetings Ng joker in the restraint.
No my friend, Michael Keaton IS Batman. There is no best, when there is only one... he is the one and only.
Yes
Agreed
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I think in many ways Keaton's portrayal is really overlooked. I see that Bruce Wayne is more the mask than Batman is bit there's also still a desire for humanity when he can relate to that struggle with Selina and sees that he's not alone in his duality and that he could share it with someone, which gives him hope. I feel in the first movie things were a lot different where in he struggled to be Bruce and he felt he was really the bat, he even feels the need to hang upside down when Vicki is over and they even mention this in returns with Vicki not being able to handle his duality and I suppose in a way it's not that Bruce doesn't exist but that the bat has to exists with him. And I guess Selina made him see that it's okay and that maybe he can actually still have his humanity and his batman identity at the same time. I rarely have ever seen him actually explored that way and it's really thought provoking moreso than the common iteration that Bruce Wayne is just batman and can't be anything else. Not to mention his stoic yet taunting performance in the cowl and his believably human, quirky yet mysterious and bizarre portrayal of Bruce Wayne which makes it somehow even more believable that he would dress as a bat and fight crime at night. He seems to have an innate interest in the bizarre and even an interest in the psychology of his enemies and what makes them tick because he can relate to it but on another side. I feel Keaton is the only version yet to have truly blended Bruce Wayne and Batman as one person and not one or the other with the opposite being a mask. He's simply the most human Batman to me. Granted he does kill but I've also thought that maybe he's come more to peace with that and as Batman probably cares more about preventing future crime like how he deliberately tells criminals to tell their friends about him, and I feel is almost less selfish in another way compared to other batmen because he's willing to sacrifice his own moral sanctity to prevent criminals from causing anymore harm by just offing them and it isn't wrong but burton's Gotham is a lot more violent crazy and lived in than other versions I've seen and as much as it does mean for Batman not to kill I almost feel like it's his burden in in the burton universe to actually love with having to take lives because it's that bad, but he does try to avoid it when not necessary, hence he's also more realistic and really cannot conceivably dismantle such large criminal organizations without death. Side plus it does make the myth of him scarier to criminals and is probably in the end more beneficial to preventing further crime from happening, even if it is wrong. Don't get me wrong i feel the animated Kevin Conroy and Arkhamverse are probably more true to who the character is and ultimately should be, but Keaton's to me hits deeper and truer. Not to mention, the amazing atmosphere, soundtrack, organic and baddass/terrifying batsuit and of course the batmobile and batwing all being absolutely perfect imo. Keaton's Batman is by far my favorite, and the most compelling and ultimately just too overlooked I think. Many people don't give it a second glance and hate it, and most only love it for nostalgia. Noted I do have nostalgia bias. I grew up eith Burton and Nolan and even as a little kid preferred Burton. But, I feel it's too overlooked in the details by all even those who love it.
I feel that, I definitely think some people get lost in the gothic Tim Burton aesthetic a bit and fail to really analyze the performance of Keaton thoroughly and properly. You’re absolutely right about his kind of weird and bizarre portrayal of Bruce making his life as Batman even more believable, as I said in the video if you are dressing up as a bat to fight crime at night you probably have some level of “bad wiring” and his quirks and weird tendencies help to establish, that while he’s not insane, he’s certainly not fully normal, but to your point, this does humanize him. I also like that he kills at times when it’s absolutely necessary, that always felt like a little bit of an unrealistic expectation of other portrayals of Batman to me, as at a certain point if you really want to put an end to all crime in Gotham city, you can’t allow maniacal psychopaths like the Joker to just keep breaking out of the asylum and causing chaos. While I do agree with you that the Batman the Animated series and Arkhamverse takes are likely more true to the character, I also think it’s a little unfair to compare Keaton or really any live action Batman to that standard, as they just have a lot less screen time and story arcs as the character, which is why I personally just put Conroy in his own category, and I can’t ever see him getting surpassed for best animated Batman voice actor.
Well done, dude. Love that convo scene with Bruce & Joker.
Thank you! I really appreciate that, and yeah that scene is really fun and entertaining, but when you really start to analyze it, there’s a lot under the surface as well
Michael Keaton, Robert Pattinson, and Ben Affleck are my personal favorite live action Batmen. To me Keaton's Batman will always be the best because his Batman inspired Batman: The Animated Series. Also he was my first live action Batman so his Batman has a special place in my heart.
Yeah, the gothic, much darker tone definitely was a huge source of inspiration for Batman the Animated Series, which I do think is definitely the best Batman content we’ve ever gotten as a whole, and Keaton honestly has some level of influence on every Batman after him, I definitely think he’s viewed as a good standard when a new actor picks up the cape and cowl
Michael keaton is the GOAT of batman
Couldn’t agree more! He also had Jordan’s built into his Bat Suit, which is pretty iconic if you ask me
Adam West pal.. Adam West has that one.
Love your content! Subscribed!
That’s awesome, I really appreciate it!
Never heard it put this way, I largely agree with you. I think Kilmer is often slept on as well. But good take and well said.
I appreciate that! Yeah, I actually think Kilmer had potential but unfortunately he kind of gets sold by the shortcomings of the movie itself, because if you place Kilmer in Keaton’s role in Batman 89’ or Batman Returns, essentially giving Kilmer a better script and better surrounding pieces, I honestly think he could’ve done a similar job, maybe not quite as good, but I see him doing well in that scenario
Young Keaton will always be my favourite Batman. There was just something very special about him. There was something dangerous about his facial expression and his acting was flawless!!!! The other Batman actors are good. But there was something very special and unique about him. No one's ever going to top that for me. Everything is not about muscles. It's that special presents and being convincing!
I absolutely see where you’re coming from and agree, I think Keaton really captured that slightly crazy but still sane feel that Batman should have, because inherently dressing up as a bat to fight crime is bizarre, but yet Bruce Wayne is a brilliant man, it’s a tough line to tow, but I think Keaton nailed it! The “let’s get nuts scene” especially puts Keaton’s acting chops on full display, as you alluded to, his facial expressions are just so on point during that scene and I think it really was a character defining performance
@@ScreenedStories without a doubt👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 go ahead Hit Me Again🧨😏👊🎇🤣
THESE ARE ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!😳 I was LUCKY ENOUGH to do an interview with MICHAEL KEATON'S MOVEMENT DOUBLE CARL NEWMAN, over this past year whom actual wore the 1989 SUIT PERFORMING stunts and is also featured in some of the MOST ICONIC scenes/shots from the 1989 film. He worked closely with TIM BURTON as well as JACK NICHOLSON while on set, and speaks about his experience in GREAT DETAIL. Feel free to check it out! I'd GREATLY APPRECIATE IT🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇
The 90’s had class, style, quality and character. It really was the last great decade. Tim Burton recreated Batman and the cast was perfect. Elfman’s score is the quintessential score for Batman. Everything from tracks, Gotham, to the overall atmosphere, the story, the Wayne manor, the suit, the Batcave, the Batmobile, characters, how dark, mysterious, serious and gritty yet enjoyable it is for all audiences is simply classical. I also love Alexander Knox, which no one seems to talk about. Burton and Elfman are genuine geniuses. Batman doesn’t have to be a bone breaking, brawling behemoth in order to be competent and scary and to build a chilling reputation amongst criminals. Keaton version is the scariest and the most mysterious of them all. And his Bruce Wayne is the only classy, cultured, sophisticated, aristocratic depiction in cinema.
Yeah, Elfman’s score is really great and meshes with Tim Burton’s gothic aesthetic perfectly, and the two definitely come together to create a unique, almost other worldly atmosphere, that makes Gotham feel like a distinctive place. And I like that you mentioned the sophistication of Batman/Bruce Wayne, I do think that Keaton nails a really good midpoint between being down to earth and enlightened, which gives his Bruce Wayne persona a lot of charm and flare
@@ScreenedStories Agreed. You explained it much better than me.
@@OnlyScienceRules Last great decade? What's wrong with the 3 that came after?
The thing about Batman 1989, is that Batman is largely silent in that that film, in comparison to every movie version that came after. They knew to just let the character, costume, and atmosphere do the talking, and for me that's why it's my favorite. ..... With Bale, the first thing that pops into my head everytime I think about him as Batman is the forced gruffness of "WHERE WERE THE OTHER DRUGS GOING!!!" .... and I can't help but snicker. 🤭
Yeah their Batman voice is a small but really important detail to consider, Keaton’s is just kind of effortlessly badass, while Bale is trying way to hard and sounds like he smokes 20 packs a day, and yeah, having Batman in the background and making him feel a bit mysterious is one of Batman 89’s biggest strengths
Keaton was the most menacing, dark and mysterious batman. The only thing he lacked was the physical presence.
I see where you’re coming from, he’s definitely one of the more scrawny versions of Batman out of the suit, so he definitely doesn’t have the physicality or brutality of like a Ben Affleck for example, though I do think the dark and kind of frightening elements of his character compensate a bit for that lack of physicality
I have said this loads of time but it is Keaton facial expressions that make him such a iconic Batman. Unlike Bale and Affleck he didnt need get jacked for the role.
That’s a great point, despite looking the most like just an average man of all the Batmen (except for Adam West maybe), he does also manage to be the most intimidating in my opinion, and his Batman voice is just effortlessly cool and badass
I agree with you
Thanks. I've been saying this for years: What sold me was the first time Batman, as Bruce Wayne, saw the Joker in action on the steps of City Hall. You could see in Wayne's eyes the unstable mental state (Psychopath) true Batman fans know him to be. Batman is his true identity, Bruce Wayne is only the disguise.
Without one word, Keaton conveyed in intentions to the audience at seeing Joker in action. Wayne displayed no fear and no reaction to the bullet snipping his shoulder in a flash wound. Thanks again.
I see what you’re saying, yeah I agree, I think Keaton definitely captures that sort of perfect middle ground between intelligent and unhinged that you have to walk when playing Batman, and Keaton’s Batman definitely has some bad wiring, but at the same time has a strong desire to cleanse his city, and I think that aspect of his characterization is phenomenal
Keaton is impossible to top, same with Reeve and Slater. Keaton proved once again in The Flash why he's the absolutely greatest Batman/Bruce Wayne in the history of live action.
I agree, even though I didn’t touch upon it in this video, I did really like Keaton’s performance in the Flash, it was definitely interesting to see a retired Batman put the cape and cowl back on, and he was the highlight of that film for me
Love the Keaton and Burton Batman! I would love one more movie with the two.
Yeah, Tim Burton’s gothic aesthetic worked perfectly for Keaton’s take on the character, I’d be here for a reunion as well!
Michael Keaton is tied with Ben Affleck and Robert Pattinson for me. I love Keaton, but I like him for different reasons than you do, I like how his gadgets and intelligence are on full display "Where does he get those wonderful toys?" and out of all the Batmen he just seems to have the most precise tools (except for Adam West). Although, I really enjoy the in depth exploration of Batman's psychology that was present with Val Kilmer, (Who's probably my fourth or fifth favorite). I appreciate your opinion though, and we desperately need the yellow oval to make a return on Batsuits.
I couldn’t agree more about the yellow oval logo! It’s definitely my favorite Batman logo, and you make a good point regarding his gadgets, they do really kind of hit a sweet spot of not being too campy or ridiculous, while also being just what he needs at certain points, and the fact that he’s thought of all of them prior to his use of them really put his intelligence on full display for sure
@@ScreenedStories he's definitely the most sophisticated Batman.
Imo Batman Returns is the GOAT of Batman films
I definitely love that film! I can’t say it’s my personal favorite Batman film, but the dynamic between him and Catwoman is really incredibly done, and I think that movie has my favorite depiction of Batman in any live-action Batman film, I love the dichotomy between Bruce Wayne and Batman
HE STRAIGHT UP KILLED PEOPLE WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT HIM BEING THE BEST BATMAN
To be completely honest with you, I personally think that rule, when taken to the extreme, is illogical. I understand that many iterations of Batman view this as what separates him from his villains, and that it’s a slippery slope argument, but not taking out villains like the Joker, causes way more harm than good, so in a way Batman puts far more lives at risks by sparing villains like the Joker, who are just gonna do more harm to Gotham and its civilians. So, I’ve never personally put much stock into this rule, as I think it’s built on a complete fallacy, now I don’t think Batman should just break this rule with reckless abandon either, but there’s times when that line needs to be crossed. If our own Justice system can recognize that, then I believe Batman, who is all about Justice and the law, should also be able to recognize that
okay but keatons batman not only straight up murdered people he did it pretty recklessly and often or do bullets and explosives and dropping them from clock towers not kill people its a major part of the batman mythos and has been for a very very long time at this point@@ScreenedStories
Hey at least he killed The Joker so he gets a pass. Also killing was necessary to make Batman serious again. I'm not a fan of it but I understand it.
@@callmejacob3234 That’s a good point, the character was in a really weird state of being super campy and unserious in the post-Adam West era, so having him kill occasionally when absolutely necessary did help to remove this iteration from that stigma
@callmejacob3234 batman was already a serious character already or do you forget about the killing joke the long Halloween or tdkr which all predate Tim Burtons batman
He's good. But to me, no one can ever top Kevin Conroy.
I respect that! I can separate live-action from animation and have a favorite from both categories, but if we are combining everything together I think it’s nearly impossible to not have Kevin Conroy as the best Batman hands down. Kevin is just in so much content as the caped crusader, and delivers every single time, off of just Batman the Animated Series alone I’d have him as best Batman tbh
As time goes by it just shows how good Keaton was at Batman and as Bruce Wayne. He didn't need a stupid angry growly voice to intimidate people.
Yeah, his Batman voice is really just effortlessly badass, and you can kind of just tell it’s natural for him, where as with other portrayals, like with Bale, who I do think is great as the character don’t get me wrong, but his little chain smoker growl is really hard to understand, and with Affleck he has like a weird robot voice for some reason
@@ScreenedStories Bale kept making the Batvoice growl worse and worse with each film where it became almost comical by the end. You are right about Keaton making it effortless, less is really more.
@@ScreenedStories have you seen the 89 film in 4k?
@@purefoldnz3070 Yeah less is definitely more in this case, and I have, seeing Batman 89 in 4K was awesome! For a film that’s now 35 years old, it looks great, especially in 4K, though I suppose it’s hard for a film not to look good in 4K now that I’m thinking about it
@@ScreenedStories yes watching it in 4k felt like it was almost brand new. Especially you can pick up so much more detail in the blacks during the cathedral part in the end. Film will always look better than digital.
I told this guy that Christian Bale was my favorite Batman and he broke both my kneecaps with a claw hammer
You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain…
@@ScreenedStories Please let me see my family again
@@rykermeinel6153 what doesn’t kill you, simply makes you stranger…
I totally agree
just agreee!
Where are you from man? I know you're American but I can't place the accent, new subscriber here btw
I appreciate that! And I’m just American, it could be the noise cancellation on the voiceover, it gets background noise out of the recording but does alter my voice a little bit
Well I certainly consider both of the Tim Burton films to be in the same league as the Dark Knight trilogy. As for Batman himself, I say Michael Keaton gave the best performance while Christian Bale had the best characterization (though of course Kevin Conroy had the best voice). Keaton's Batman also has had the best Batsuits, Batmobile and theme music in my book too. His Batsuits may not be very practical when it comes to function, but the design and color scheme are still the most iconic to me (at least in live-action).
So glad we got to see him again in the Flash movie. Too bad we probably won't get any more chances to see him again, between the Batgirl movie getting unreleased due to the WB Discovery merger and James Gunn scraping the plans for a Batman Beyond movie in favor yet another Batman reboot. Don't mean to diss the guy since I've been a fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, but he sure does have some pretty unpopular opinions on Keaton's Batman and that certainly seems to have affected his judgement regarding these business decisions of his. I'm aware Keaton's initial casting in the first movie caused a lot of controversy, but he still won over most fans with his performance. Too bad James Gunn wasn't among those fans he won over I guess.
Yeah, I do really think a Batman Beyond style movie with Keaton playing an older, retired Bruce Wayne could’ve been really good! I also think it was awesome to see him back in the flash, I think seeing that he essentially achieved his goal of making Gotham into a safe place and retired from crime fighting as a result was a fascinating direction to go in.
As for his bat-suit, I actually do agree, I think his suit just at a first glance is the most visually appealing, though I do understand the critique of how stiff the neck is. I also respect your take on the Burton films being in the same league as the Dark Knight trilogy, though I don’t totally agree, the Burton films are absolutely iconic, and inspired and set a standard for all live action Batman films to live up to. I think the initial backlash to Keaton’s casting was due to the fact that he was kind of best known for his role in Beetlejuice at the time, which is a way different role than the caped crusader, but his performance as Bruce definitely ended that skepticism.
From what I've read, Batman fans complained about his casting both because he was known mainly for comedies like Beetlejuice and Mr. Mom, which I guess made a lot of fans afraid the movie was gonna be more like the Adam West show, and also cuz he was considered too short and not "good-looking" enough to be Batman. Good thing he didn't let any of that get to him and affect his performance or cause him to drop out of the movie altogether. @@ScreenedStories
Also, another reason why I like the Tim Burton Batman movies so much is cuz they led to the creation of Batman the Animated Series, which in-turn led to the DC Animated Universe, and also led to us getting Kevin Conroy's definitive voice portrayal of the Dark Knight (RIP). I was too young to see the movies when they came out (I wasn't even born when Batman 89 was released), but I still owe them for BTAS since it was what made me a Batman fan in the first place.
@@darthgoku90 Yeah, I mean Keaton has a crazy amount of range as an actor, so I’m glad he got to show it and prove fans wrong, and despite being short for the character, he still felt really badass and intimidating in the suit!
@@darthgoku90 Yeah that’s a great point, the Tim Burton gothic aesthetic is really iconic and was SUPER influential for all iterations of the character going forward, and I too was too young to grow up with Batman 89 or Batman Returns, but as someone who similarly grew up with and loved the DC animated universe, I do think the Burton films need more respect for being the trailblazing films that they truly were, and while being first doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the best, it can certainly mean you’re the most important, and I do think that they were the most important films in making the dark knight such a cultural phenomenon
Good analysis. The narration, tempo and lilt at the end of sentences got a bit grating though.
OK, see I really hope to see him as Batman one more time. I keep praying it happens. We’ll just see. I probably doubt it but least he remembered, but I still think it’s a shame that. Bat girl was. Cancelled but what can you do? At least he will always be one of the best actors to play Batman.
@@brycenelson9 yeah I think it’s pretty unlikely we see him as Batman again unfortunately, but I think the one way that it’d be possible is if we got a Batman Beyond style film at some point, I think Keaton could definitely crush playing an older, retired, mentor version of Bruce Wayne
I'm in the same mindset, Michael Keaton IS Batman (he said so himself, after all). But I am a fan of all the others. I will say though, that the newest movie, The Batman, feels like a cross between Tim Burton's and Chris Nolan's.
@@mrojas1988 for sure, I don’t think there’s a downright terrible performance as Batman, except for maybe George Clooney, but I do ultimately blame the script and pieces around him more than George himself for that, and I agree with your take on the recent Batman, I think Pattinson definitely has potential to shoot up the list for best Batman with subsequent appearances and further development
Bruce Wayne ripping off his mask in Batman Returns to try to tell Selina to stop is like when Peter Parker took his mask off to try to convince Doc Ock to do the right thing.
I agree! That’s actually a really interesting parallel to draw, especially since both “villains” kind of meet similar fates in the end
@@ScreenedStories 100% and I think that if Tim Burton had made HIS 3rd Batman movie, then Catwoman would come back to help Batman fight Scarecrow (maybe), Riddler, and Two Face.
Also, they told them that in front of a wrecked machine after a lengthy battle with the main antagonist.
@@suryasingh9738 also interestingly enough the second outing for both main Protagonists, and Mary Jane does see Tobey without the mask on shortly after, damn, a lot of similarities now that I’m thinking about it
@@ScreenedStories Ik, and people pair these different versions only because of aesthetics, time periods, and success stories.
Hmmm... I agree that the Nolan trilogy are better movies than the Burton films. I also agree that the 3 Keaton depictions are better portrayals of the character than the Bale version.
I wouldn't say that Keaton's performance is better though. I think they both did the best job one could with the script and director they were given.
That’s a very fair assessment, I think both Bale and Keaton are great actors and both have iconic performances, and I agree that they both excelled as well as they could in their respective scenarios as the character, my preference of Keaton’s portrayal of Batman does primarily come down to how he’s used in the role and how the character itself functions within the plot, because at the end of the day Christian Bale is awesome in the Dark Knight trilogy, and I could totally see why he would be someone’s favorite Batman
Christian Bale sounds like Patrick Bateman in his American accent and his Batman voice sounds like throat cancer. Michael Keaton is miles better.
Yeah Keaton’s Batman voice is wayyyyy better! It’s honestly hard to even make out what Bale is saying sometimes when he’s doing his raspy chainsmoker voice, whereas Keaton just kind of effortlessly sounds cool
@@ScreenedStories I agree with you
Bale's lisp is distracting both as Bruce and as Batman
I 100 percent agree with this sentiment. 🤡🍿
What makes you think that The Dark Knight trilogy is better written and directed then the Tim Burton Batman movies there are different takes on Batman and his world but I don't think Nolan was better then Burton as a matter of fact.
I think Burton had better understanding of the Batman world then Nolan did!
I don’t necessarily disagree that Burton had a better understanding of the character and world, that’s partially what I think makes Keaton the best Batman, but from a technical standpoint, the framing of shots, naturalistic lighting, practical effects, sound design, etc. these things are just done better in The Dark Knight Trilogy, it’s a little unfair because one came out decades after the other, but Batman Begins is almost 20 years old and still looks better than a lot of modern blockbusters
@@ScreenedStories I kinda agree with you to
Batman begins had a great look to it and it made you feel like it took place in Gotham city!
But as the Dark Knight it was as if Nolan just transplanted Batman in Chicago and Pittsburgh for The Dark Knight Rise's he just erased the look of Gotham for last two movies were as Tim Burton gave Gotham that distinctive look!
It was as if you were on planet Gotham instead of bringing Batman to our world Burton brought us to Batman's world
@@thomasgoree7976 I see what your saying, I do think that the setting of Gotham in Burton’s films have a unique other worldly feel to them, it’s like a cool gothic location that definitely doesn’t exist in our world, so I do think you’re right in terms of escapism and really creating a new world of sorts, I was more so thinking of it from a technical film making perspective, but at the end of the day it really is a personal preference thing, and while I do like Tim Burton’s highly stylized aesthetic, I could see how it wouldn’t necessarily be someone’s cup of tea, and why they’d prefer a more realistic setting for Batman, though as you kind of allude to, that does come with sacrificing that other worldly feel
@@ScreenedStories Don't get me wrong I'm a fan of The Nolan Batman movies too
I think that Burton had a feel of Batman and Nolan seemed uncomfortable with the the trappings of the Batman mythology now that not to say IMO
Pattinson
Keaton
Affleck
Bale
Kilmer
Clooney
I like the list! While I personally prefer Keaton, I do think an argument could be made for Pattinson, Affleck, or Bale being the best, depending on personal preferences
Arkham batman better in my opinion
That’s fair! I think it’s hard to compare live action with animation just due to amount of screen time, but if we’re combining everything I do think it’s kind of impossible to not have Kevin Conroy as the best Batman, I mean Batman the Animated Series and the Arkham games is a crazy resume
nope this is best live action Batman.
I think three Batman's that I like I am only talking about the ones I have seen
1 Michael Keaton (Was The Best)
2 Christian Bale (Was Pretty Good)
3 Ben Affleck (Underrated Should Have Stayed Was Also Good)
4 Val Kilmer (Was Not Bad)
5 George Clooney (Good Actor But A Horrible Batman I Love George Clooney Good Actor Horrible Batman)
I think that list pretty spot on! I agree on Val Kilmer especially, I see a lot of people discount him as just being bad, but similar to George Clooney, I think they both get sold by the quality of the movies around them, like if you gave Kilmer or Clooney a better script and director, I think they would’ve done been better
💯
I don't like Bale's Batman. I grew up with Keaton's Batman. And because of him(and Tim Burton ) I became a Batman fan. To me,Keaton's Batman is only surpassed by Affleck's Batman. Oh,and I HATE Batman Begins. Batman 89 is way better because of it's dark tone. Apparently,Nolan was ashamed of the comics aesthetic. Not to mention Nolan's Gotham-it's generic and bland. Snyder did better with the cape crusader.
Your intonation at the end of each sentence is very off putting and unnatural sounding.
Best of the worst that’s for sure
Come on now lads George Clooney was the best no ? Haha
Lmao, I’ll be honest, Batman & Robin might actually be my most watched Batman movie, movies that are so bad they’re good are fun
Nah