1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Who was the best Batman?

Discussion in 'TV & Film' started by mattledud, May 21, 2025.

  1. mattledud

    mattledud Band

    Joined:
    May 11, 2003
    Messages:
    22,620
    Likes Received:
    5,456
    Supports:
    Manchester City
    I don’t have any real dog in this fight, but I saw something online earlier, and it surprised me to see that very few people went for Christian Bale.

    Most were either Adam West or Michael Keaton, and wouldn’t really entertain anything else.

    My personal choice would be Bale, but then I think, is that just coz he’s in my favourite Batman films, rather than being the best actual portrayal of the character?

    So, what we saying?
     
    Jonny Ninja likes this.
  2. PorkchopExpress

    PorkchopExpress The Blackfish

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2015
    Messages:
    15,729
    Likes Received:
    5,904
    Location:
    Norn Iron
    Supports:
    Manchester United
    Michael Keaton was definitely the best Bruce Wayne, which is probably why everyone loves him.

    Christooger Reeve was also the best Clark Kent, which I think is why he always fets the nod for best Superman.
     
  3. StretfordEnd

    StretfordEnd Fools can be kings
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2002
    Messages:
    117,500
    Likes Received:
    23,434
    Location:
    Manchester
    Supports:
    20 Times Champions
    Christian Bale
     
  4. GrantCFC

    GrantCFC Born is the King

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2016
    Messages:
    14,142
    Likes Received:
    4,111
    Location:
    Arezzo
    Supports:
    Chelsea
    Robert Battinson
     
  5. Sandsy

    Sandsy Formerly known as manojob

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2008
    Messages:
    10,936
    Likes Received:
    3,247
    Location:
    Somewhere
    Supports:
    Hyde United, Manchester City, Swatcats
    David Jason
     
  6. Minty

    Minty Carpe Diem

    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2009
    Messages:
    13,525
    Likes Received:
    5,222
    Location:
    London
    Supports:
    Celtic
    ^
     
  7. saint_clark

    saint_clark Up the Saints

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2008
    Messages:
    24,863
    Likes Received:
    3,195
    Supports:
    Southampton
    Christian Bale had the best movies but I liked Keaton's performance more.

    Just felt like Bale oversteered in his effort to be subtle with his performance.

    I feel like Affleck could have been something special too but the story and script for his appearances were poor.

    Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk
     
  8. Jonny Ninja

    Jonny Ninja Gorillas injected with the strength of 80 midgets

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2011
    Messages:
    16,414
    Likes Received:
    6,191
    Location:
    Horndean
    Supports:
    West Ham United
    Michael Keaton was my favourite Batman but the 3 Christian bale films are the best ones imo. It’s a fairly hot take but Batman begins is easily my favourite Batman film, and one of my all time favourites
     
    Zydus and StretfordEnd like this.
  9. Panja

    Panja Mr Cricket

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2014
    Messages:
    24,603
    Likes Received:
    11,822
    Location:
    Dublin.
    Supports:
    Birmingham City
    To answer the question, the best Batman was Michael Keaton. The best batman films starred Christian Bale..

    That is all..
     
  10. Lugna rambler

    Lugna rambler Registered User

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2023
    Messages:
    8,102
    Likes Received:
    1,279
    Location:
    Ireland
    Supports:
    General fan
    Adam west was woeful. Oh I watched it every Saturday on reruns but that was just weekly fluff and a vote based on nostalgia

    Keaton was the star of the reinvention of the character for movies and the first dark brooding type.

    Clooney was tragic

    Kilmer was wooden.

    Bale was made by the superb ledger. The first and third movies were not great performances

    Affleck was wtf

    Now Pattinson.
     
  11. A Gooner

    A Gooner Registered User

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2008
    Messages:
    46,938
    Likes Received:
    8,623
    Supports:
    Arsenal
    Kevin Conroy.
     
  12. TheDarkKnight

    TheDarkKnight Registered User

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2024
    Messages:
    526
    Likes Received:
    90
    Location:
    cyberspace
    Supports:
    Liverpool
    agreed, can often be "good film in spite of X" because of a good plot, or simply the hype over who played the Joker.

    I liked the 'baddies' and actors in the TV series and film from the 60s, even if the style of it was not dark or anything other than light fun

    Keaton for me of the film onlys, probably would be even with AW in the frame, I think the film had enough about it, don't especially like Keaton as an actor, or indeed go a bundle on Jack and other actors/actresses in the film, but Joker background, the various scenes perhaps bar the final cathedral (?) scene which was a bit painfully drawn out were good.

    I did like the CN trilogy, bit dragged out at times, don't like Bale much at all but "in spite of" comes into play when he's innit, thought Joker was overacted with constant "how I got my scars" variations and too in your face. Last one was very dragged out, and not sure the plot was great, or the prolonged "can he defeat Bane?" knowing Batman is the hero and will win out somehow. (we did a 20 questions in the office some years back, I had drawn Bane without knowing who he was at the time, not a strong 'baddie' for my money in terms of favourites or what he brings to the table)



    FWIW I think Batman is the best "superhero", no powers, Marvel may headline a lot but Bruce Wayne and his alter ego win out for me every time

    the sequels for Keaton and replacements which didn't help were pretty weak and is there any other substantial series to compete with a more recent thus recency effect, and hype over Keith Ledger :D ......? much preferred Joker from 1989, problem is Arnie, Danny De Vito, Jim Carrey, Michelle fivefer, Tommy LJ, Drew, Uma etc just not great fits and in cause they was big around the time

    the sequels had casting issues, JC as Riddler (really?!?), lacked the intensity of the first, Mr Freeze, who de eck played Bane, all a little off pis sed (piste) from originals and there is bound to be good reason Tim Burton did the first, second but left - "mixed emotions about the second film" as cited in wiki, and it was mixed, haven't seen it for a while but maybe 1/3 to 1/2 way in and onwards wasn't great
     
  13. StretfordEnd

    StretfordEnd Fools can be kings
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2002
    Messages:
    117,500
    Likes Received:
    23,434
    Location:
    Manchester
    Supports:
    20 Times Champions
    The special effects from the first Batman film will surely never be bettered though?

    [​IMG]
     
  14. zippy

    zippy The friendly Fascist

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2006
    Messages:
    46,615
    Likes Received:
    4,040
    Location:
    Hildesheim
    Supports:
    Sheffield United,FC Bayern
    Surely a contender for the most pointless thread ever.
     

Share This Page