10 Greatest Acting Performances In Comic Book Movies
6. Michael Keaton - Batman
It's nearly insane to think about how silly Batman was perceived to be when the '80s rolled around. Instead of the intense crimefighter many had come to know and admire from the comics, the actual portrayal by Adam West in the '60s turned the Caped Crusader into a mockery of his true self.
By the time Tim Burton's Batman movie came around in 1989, the shark-repellent clad hero we had become accustomed to was once more made to feel dangerous again thanks to the portrayal of Michael Keaton as the World's Greatest Detective.
With his performance as Batman, Keaton brought the brooding atmosphere that many have come to associate with the Dark Knight over the decades. In fact, one of the most integral parts of Keaton's performance is how much he almost doesn't fit the role of Batman.
Compared to something like Christian Bale's exaggerated voice, Keaton's subdued delivery as Bats is more nuanced and impactful. And even more-so, you can forever see the cogs turning amongst Keaton's troubled Bruce Wayne - with the façade of playboy millionaire Wayne very much being the mask for Batman here.