Michael Keaton as Batman
In: Batman
Oddball Because: Because prior to Batman, Keaton was known predominantly for a number of wacky comedic performances. He didnt just play Mr. Mom type roles, he played THE Mr. Mom. He was Beetlejuice. The casting of Keaton led fans to fear that Tim Burton planned on following in the footsteps of the old Adam West TV show, and would emphasize the campiest aspects of the characters. Keatons rep hasnt exactly improved over the years, as Bale has taken the title of Best Bat while the original franchise is mostly remembered for Nicholsons hamming it up and the Schuamacher-ization of the later entries.
Why He Was Perfect: Michael Keaton was the first actor to really grasp that Bruce Wayne was just as much, if not more, of a costume as Batman. The fractured psyche of the Bat has come to the forefront of most modern tales of the character, and Keaton was the first to bring that aspect of the character to flesh-and-blood life. Other actors tend to just play Bruce Wayne, even under the cowl, but Keaton completely changed his body language when he was in the Batsuit. There are moments where Batman is looking out at the world through Bruce Waynes eyes, and Keaton navigates that personality split beautifully. Nowadays, the popular portrayal of Batman is one of slow-burning, coiled fury, thanks to the work by Christian Bale and Kevin Conroy. This is great and all, but Keatons take stands out because of the barely restrained psychotic fury that underlines his performance. There are moments where his rage boils over and he flips out (LETS GET NUTS!) and its terrifying, hilarious and exhilarating in equal measure. Keaton was the first person to grasp that Batman is insane and that the audience should, at least in part, be freaked out by the guy. While later actors may have refined that approach, Keaton deserves credit for being the foundation upon which the modern incarnation of a pop culture icon is built on.
Best Moment: That heart-breaking moment in Batman Returns when, in each others arms under the mistletoe, Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle each realize who it is that theyre holding.