7. Michael Caine - Alfred
Alfred Pennyworth is perhaps my second favourite character in the Batman mythos, after only The Dark Knight himself. He is the surrogate father - perhaps the most important figure in Bruce's life; the faithful butler of the Wayne family who formed a close bond with it's young heir years prior to the murder of Thomas and Martha. Where Bruce's father was a strict, no-nonsense, patriarchal figure; Alfred was the cheeky English chap, with a dry sense of humour and a source of emotional support for the boy who was often bullied at school - he became Bruce's 'pal' and encouraged the lad's interest in fictional masked heroes (specifically Zorro). After that fateful night in Crime Alley, Alfred became Bruce's anchor - stopping him from crossing the thin line between sanity and insanity - a line, which Wayne staggered across like a tightrope. Michael Caine may not have been the best choice for Alfred physically - he also lacks the famed 'upper-class' English accent Alfred has been synonymous with since Alan Napier's performance in the 1966 TV show; however, one cannot deny Caine's clear understanding of the character. The depiction of Alfred is very different to the Michael Gough version of the Burton/Schumacher films - in Nolan's movies, Alfred is depicted as a more three-dimensional character, with greater physically capabilities; evident as he rescues Bruce from the fiery Wayne Manor in 'Batman Begins'. Caine noted that he envisioned the character to be a former British SAS soldier with both medical and combat training - thus making him an indispensable ally in Batman's war against crime. Perhaps the most touching moment with Michael Caine's character, takes place in 'Batman Begins' - whilst Bruce is slumped defeatedly on the floor, Alfred provides the young man with fatherly support;-
Bruce: "So, you haven't given up on me yet?" Alfred (smiling): "Never."