8 Little Known Tics That Made Michael Keaton's Batman Awesome
5. He Actually Is Wearing A Costume At The Masquerade Ball
It's a fairly subtle piece of subtext, but it's no accident that Bruce Wayne arrives at the masquerade ball in Batman Returns dressed in just a tux. It might seem like hes showing contempt for sleazy host Max Shreck which he might be or that he just forgot to book something nice in advance. But hes clearly already wearing a costume; Bruce Wayne.
Bruce is the mask he wears in life, as he truly thinks of himself as Batman first and foremost. To him hes already masquerading, so theres no need for a mask. Hes uncomfortable having to act like a normal person, so he keeps himself as mysterious as possible.
This idea goes back to the first movie, where he's at his own party and nobody recognises him. Far from being the millionaire playboy, he looks like an invited guest who really doesn't want to be there.