How Michael Keaton Perfected BATMAN

With the rumours that Michael Keaton will return to the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman in 2022's The Flash, I thought it'd be fun to discuss just why I love his interpretation so much.
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[@barryosullivan7763]

Keaton is the only Batman who could smile and still look menacing.

[@munanchoinc]

What i love about Keaton is that literally no one expects him out of all people to be Batman. He doesn't have a chiseled Chin, nor a maximum physique. His mannerisms look more like you're average rich guy instead of bale's suave personality.

[@graceangeles4590]

Bro do you even read batman comics He looks like Bruce Wayne himself more than anyone that potray batman because oh his philtrum and lips

[@niju_5985]

Keaton's Batman really is just perfect. Dark, scary, subtle, mysterious, calm, silent, and just plain badass.

[@keysncoffee7733]

I just got to reading “calm” and the video got to “NOW YOU WANNA GET NUTS??”

[@alonkilci4352]

One thing I always liked about Keaton's Batman was how calm, quite and mysterious he was and yet how he was able to be dark and intimidating without trying. If he does come back I hope we also get to see him blow up strongmen using dynamite while grinning again lol

[@OwenLikesComics]

I've always loved that Town Hall moment from '89 that you mentioned. Bruce wandering into the line of fire to try and confront Joker is almost like he's being possessed by Batman, his basic instinct kicking in without him even realising.

[@v-rex6262]

Hay OLC I started watching your channel a few months ago and i'm really impressed with your work.

[@OwenLikesComics]

@@v-rex6262 thank you, I really appreciate that!

[@buttox]

Woah nice to see you here

[@collegebro85]

I also got the vibe he returned to that child that saw his parents being murdered, because as we would later find out, it was Jack who had done the deed. It was like he was reliving that trauma out in the open, realizing why he became Batman to begin with, and was in that daze because he was a grown man feeling the shock of a child again…

[@BestInTheWorld365]

Holy crap, I did not see that part where Bruce was shot in the arm. Crap I can't believe I'm just now seeing that part after all three years and multiple times I have watched batman

[@anthonyy9483]

Keaton was my childhood, Tim Burton’s world is so intrinsic to how I view the character and his lore. The gothic feel, the heighten reality, the swooping score, the grim whimsical tone, all of it. Whether it’s me watching BTAS on tv at 10 years old or playing Lego Batman it always seemed so deeply connected or at least loosely inspired by Burtons two films. I’m always excited for new interpretations of course but Burtons world will always hold a special place in my heart

[@HiTopFilms]

Let me tell you about this guy I know. Jack. Mean kid. Bad seed. Hurt people.

[@Ben10man2]

Lol

[@MVG101]

HiTop watches iamthatroby. That made my day.

[@viciousbane569]

Hey bro make new videos if you can of course

[@plastamania]

“I LIKE HIM ALREADY!”

[@KGBeast.]

YES MATE!!!!!!

[@mikegagne3263]

I was a theatre manager for a then major company at the time. When I found out that Keaton had been cast as Batman I was appalled. Then I saw his performance. It was an OMG moment. Nobody else has come close.

[@RebelNiki]

Michael Keaton is stil THE BEST Batman/Bruce Wayne combination of character and tempo!

[@evanwashington6959]

You're crazy Christian Bale and Ben Affleck workout and act the role better

[@jamirredshirt746]

This is by far my best movie ever. I agree with you @rebelnick.

[@MorganLeodeMenezes]

@@evanwashington6959 but bale acting as Bruce and batman was not that good

[@yosifalhasil559]

@@evanwashington6959 bale was awesome but the way he did his voice as Batman it was weird Ben affleck used a voice changer while speaking normally as Bruce Wayne Keaton was the best of both he got the balance as Batman his voice is cool and intimidating And Bruce Wayne he was cool and mysterious which he was awesome

[@TwistedMind86Chern]

@@evanwashington6959 Bale was one of the worst Batman/Wayne. Keaton's Batman remains the best.

[@atrep4585]

Flashpoint movie, more like The Return of the King

[@RobyFN2169dtf]

The OG

[@atrep4585]

@@RobyFN2169dtf Apart from the duality thing this video is about, I also love the quirks he has in the Burton films. You can never quite tell if he's being serious or if he's fucking with people, like when he tells Vicky Vale that he doesn't remember ever being in that room. As a kid that was one of the things that most stuck with me, apart from the obvious atmosphere and score

[@RobyFN2169dtf]

@@atrep4585 100%. He's (Bruce) is very obviously having fun with the whole 'secret identity' thing.

[@picthis870]

This Batman slaps

[@methos-ey9nf]

I think part of what makes me excited about seeing Keaton as Batman again is the fact that he's still in good shape and obviously enjoys being associated with the character despite having a successful career independent of Batman. It just makes it a very welcome return - he wouldn't be doing it if he didn't enjoy it. And every time an actor of Keaton's talent enjoys their role I know I'm going to enjoy at minimum their performance.

[@trekkiedave7910]

I agree with literally everything you said on this video It was clear to me that Burton took The Batman back to the original 1939 comic version prior to the introduction of Robin A dark loner working in the shadows - a silent supernatural predator In those original comics - Bruce Wayne was fit - but he wasn’t the hulking presence of later versions - you would never suspect him for being Batman - and that was the point And that explains why THAT Bruce dresses up as a Bat To scare and confuse his prey Keatons Batman and Batman Returns is my personal favourite film version of this character A character that has been reinterpreted constantly for 80 years There is no ‘definitive’ version of this character

[@trekkiedave7910]

jacobin endymion Frank Miller’s Batman came out in the 80’s - that’s over 30 years ago Batman is the most reinterpreted character ever - not just in the comics but in film and television The only other character that comes close is Superman - but in comparison Superman has stayed pretty consistent

[@resurrectionist1]

For me, out of all the live-action Batmen, Keaton is also by far the most expressive. I genuinely feel casting someone with a background in comedy was an inspired bit of casting on the part of Burton. Keaton can use his face in a way that none of the other Batmen have matched. It's like comparing Jim Carrey in the Grinch to Mike Myers in the Cat in the Hat. Keaton becomes one with the hella restrictive costume while the rest, even with more mobile, less restrictive costumes, feel encumbered by them. Out of all the Batmen, aside from maybe Adam West, Keaton is the only one who can sell more than an angry grimace or frown. Compare how Kilmer, Clooney or Affleck smiled in the costume to when Keaton did. The first three looked so awkward or weird while Keaton looked so natural.

[@WardogblackyEX]

I just hope this makes way for a Batman Beyond movie where Keaton resides in Wayne Manor as Terry Mcginnis takes the cowl and cape.

[@RobyFN2169dtf]

You and I both

[@kristopherlessard6509]

That would be so badass if that's what they're doing

[@TILB9]

You pretty much summed up my love for Michael Keaton's Batman. I was more familiar with Adam West, Batman: TAS and Christian Bale, and the 1940's and 1970's comics. One day in 2012, I watched Batman and Batman returns for the first time and I fell in love with them (Batman 1989 is to this day my favorite Batman film). Michael Keaton was so subtle and effective as Bruce Wayne. And his Batman is what urban legends are made of. Simple with his tactics and so intimidating. I was already a huge Tim Burton fan before seeing his Batman films, and they trully added to my admiration for him as a filmmaker.

[@CountArtha]

Another thing they did a marvelous job with in the Burton films is fleshing out the role of Alfred. In the old serials and the Adam West TV show, Alfred really was just a butler and a helper - but Batman '89 was the first time I'm aware of that Alfred is constantly pulling Batman back into the Bruce Wayne persona like the concerned parent of a troubled kid. He encourages Bruce to pursue Vickie Vale when he'd rather just ghost her, and he tells Bruce to his face that he grieves for the part of him that died when he became Batman. Alfred is a quiet authority figure in every Batman movie after this one, including the animated film _Mask of the Phantasm._ If it wasn't for Alfred's influence, being Batman would completely consume Bruce Wayne.

[@nope5657]

Batman Returns is still my favorite Batman film. And not just because of nostalgia.

[@Guy-mx4fb]

Imagine if Tim Burton had done a third with Keaton

[@lmpnizkit]

True Batman fans know he will always be Batman. He was amazing. Burton's films are amazing. Great vid man.

[@MrChristian331]

yep 👌 well said

[@mint5438]

One of my favorite things about Keaton's Batman is how he turns around. He shifts his whole body and it's hysterical. You literally cannot unseen it after the first time.

[@davidbaldwin3140]

Exactly! So brilliant. He gives so much character to the character, with that one technique. I can see it to this day.

[@TSP-HIKER]

That was due to the costume. He couldn't turn his head...

[@Turtleproof]

We've seen it already: bitter old Bruce in both Batman Beyond and Infinite Crises, Kevin Conroy is a living legend.

[@davidgeldner2167]

He’s the best when it comes to the duality of the character for sure. Bale is the best Wayne and Affleck is the best Batman but Keaton is the best all around.

[@RobyFN2169dtf]

I agree. I think both Bale and Affleck were great, but like you said, Keaton nails everything

[@Turtleproof]

Afleck deserves more credit, he's so perfectly suave as Bruce but is constantly on edge and the scene where he sneaks downstairs then plays dumb when Wonder Woman catches him is perfect.

[@davidgeldner2167]

Yeah just to be clear I’m completely ignoring the writing and everything but their acting. I think especially in the Affleck movies there’s major issues with the plot but in terms of the actual portrayal of Batman as a character 👌

[@Thespeedrap]

Keaton was the best Batman and got the character right all around.

[@qs4177]

Agreed

[@paris.t09]

Beetlejuice was released in 1988, Batman in 1989. I believe that's where Keaton gets some of his crazy from in Batman, which sets him apart from other actors who've been too "Mr Sexy"

[@TH-gy6kt]

dude, you nailed it, I have been saying this ever since i was a kid and watched both these films in the theaters

[@Dangerhayd]

I've never taken it as he's wearing his batsuit under his clothes at town hall, when he gets shot. I'm pretty he was so taken over by what happened and instinct that he just take a bullet to the shoulder without even bothering to notice.

[@CRITTERBUSTERS]

Keaton’s brilliance as Batman is simple. He’s quiet, calculating, intelligent, violent and occasionally humorous. As Bruce Wayne he’s so ordinary and unassuming that nobody would suspect him. Keaton is the quintessential cinematic version of Batman for those reasons. He’s just calm and cool.

[@krissanders987]

He doesn’t seem like he would have been the perfect fit for the Bruce Wayne, Batman Character, but he still is my favorite actor to play it. Something about him and Tim Burton’s style made those classic 80’s and early 90’s Batman the most impressive, entertaining and nostalgic.

[@pazzrihen]

So good. Keaton is my favorite live action batman he's so good and barely gets talked about. This might be my new favorite of your videos.

[@hawksfan8870]

Micheal Keaton+Danny Elfman Batman theme=Best Batman Movie Ever!

[@DanKeatis]

So, so glad to see you do a video giving Keaton some love!

[@keithspringston9283]

Batman returns is awesome!

[@nemesisprime2993]

Michael Keaton.... Michael Keaton.....let me be honest here.... when in 1989 i heard he got the role for bat man....I was not so please because i know he was a more comedian guy with hits like Beatle juice and so on. But when bat man came out and I saw it...I was shock I like Keaton even more... and up to this day he's still the greatest bat man of all time....his bat suit was perfect his bat face was perfect, his bat man voice was perfect. The way he moves in the costume was perfect....he still holds the number bat man spot..... looks, voice, movements, car, everything fits perfectly.

[@mattbernabe]

I grew up with Tim Burton's Batman and I never will forget how fucking awesome Michael Keaton was as Batman. Mainly because he is still my number one favorite of the dark knight.

[@PREEM513]

i would love to see a batman movie with keaton as an older batman but in the same universe that he played batman. a movie where he is old and age is getting to him. And please no new jokers. In his batman universe joker and penguin are dead introduce another tough villain. Anyone agrees?

[@thrashpuppy2010]

I agree. Prefer Batman in his own twisted world.

[@gumdeo]

Oldman.

[@evm6177]

God, I always loved Keaton's cool voice!

[@kaptainkool3911]

I honestly never noticed the part where Bruce gets shot in the arm at the Town Hall in Batman 1989. I was always more focused on Bruce's reaction to everything that's happening around him.

[@theodoredelgado8310]

It's crazy cause he ignored being Wayne Batman is there and is in the moment that he realized what the joker is I don't think he's wearing the Batman suit there since his Batman it's a nocturnal being maybe I'm wrong love how Keatons Interpretation is calm and menancing

[@mechtech220]

Another excellent upload, my dude. Much appreciated. You made several excellent points here. Even though we don't always agree I always respect your pov and look forward to your commentary. Cheers.

[@BertoCM408]

100% agreed but one thing that now one sees. The fact that Michael Keaton had the batman logo by nature. Mouth lips curves around. Something that no 1 else did or does.

[@fiddleandfart]

Yeah, I always thought it was the creases in Keaton's face, and the slightly pursed lips, that suited the batmask so well, and made him look pretty mean!

[@michaelngfinance]

Keaton would have been a good Joker as well. Had he played both roles in this movie, it would have been so epic!

[@harrisonmetcalf3184]

How do you know he was wearing the bat suit underneath his clothes. I just thought the bullet skimmed passed his coat

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

Amen! He still is my favorite interpreter even when compared to the comics and I still find his the most realistic, despite the medium and fictional comic origins. Sorry Conroy, Affleck, and Bale fans.

[@DrWho2008t101]

Thanks for the video and keep up the good work!

[@giolopes2519]

I think Bob Kane had Michael Keaton Batman in his mind when he came up with the character. I’m sure he was proud of Keaton portrayal!

[@Oceans711]

Thank you thank you thank you. I’m like the only one in my group of friends who adores this movie

[@hawksfan8870]

“LIGHTS OUT! NOW YOU WANNA GET NUTS?!! COME ON! Let’s get nuts!” -Micheal Keaton Batman

[@X2Magneto]

I would love to see you look at these two films more in depth. This was a really great take.

[@DonYurik]

Both of this movies are my childhood. I always wanted to watch a continuation of Returns, ever since Batman Forever was announced. So much so that since last year I began to write a script on what would have been a third Tim Burton Batman film. I always wanted to watch that film that never happenned.

[@kissthistwice5]

Wow you nailed this video and explained why Keaton’s Batman was so great

[@adamradon8202]

My favourite version of Caped Crusader atm is Ben Affleck's interpretation from BvS, but it is, imo, basically Keaton's Batman on steroids (literally and figuratively), more salty, totally nuts and scary. Happy to see The Keaton's Return!

[@kalebpinkston3495]

For me he played the mysterious, urban legend Batman the best. I feel all the media forgets that and to be fair the new film“the Batman “ is going for that, in general most depictions rarely depicts that or makes it a foot note. He’s suppose to be this man that terrifies criminals as a figurative and literal boogie man. Something you don’t know if he even exists. For all you know he’s just a story the people of gotham tell to scare people into not committing crimes and that uncertainty makes home scary because it makes him lager than life to the criminals and the people. This was something bales batman failed at.

[@Infinite_Repeat]

Rewatching all the live action Batman movies Keaton definitely should of gotten 3 movies so glad he finally gets that chance with this new movie

[@ToastRei]

Batman returns is my favorite out of all Batman series :)

[@cindyerickson339]

I really enjoyed the fact that Keaton's Bruce Wayne has always been shy in the whole 89' film and in Returns he's still shy but also brooding in a dark matter and then in Forever he's still a little bit shy but starting to get used to the society when its just Bruce himself but in all three films he's comfortable as Batman like he's actually just Batman rather than Bruce Wayne himself

[@benjiebang-og9589]

Don't forget Jack Nicholson's Joker brought for its predecessor too.

[@franzhaas5597]

What was great about the first two Batmans is how they kept the mystery. The audience wanted more but the director never gave you too much. I mean this not out of nostalgia. I do believe he is the best Batman. And one last thing the soundtrack to both of those movies is fantastic!

[@firstnamelastname5716]

You are right actually, Keaton is definitely how I imagine Batman, like he is the baseline. Adam West is one side (super lighthearted) and Ben Affleck is the other side (super dark), then Keaton is the baseline middle who finds a good middle ground. I love all versions of Batman but Keaton is, and quite possibly always, will be my favorite because of the fact that it balances Batman perfectly in between dark and humor

[@Space_Man01]

Hm. You let me admire Keaton’s Batman through a perspective I’ve never thought of. Interesting video!

[@baileytrey5]

He’s Back🦇

[@jorgealain5126]

well you've conviced me. I'm going to watch this duology.

[@hospitalifter]

What I love about Batman returns is that the fans(me included) consider it a Christmas movie, I'm watching it this year anyone wanna join?

[@Adityashrivastava27101992]

For those who are comparing him with Nolan's version have to understand that this was the very first time that Batman was adapted into a serious character on the big screen eversince time of its origin . So this was commendable attempt in itself .

[@fiddleandfart]

Mmmm... I never really liked Christian Bale as Batman, and thought Nolan's films overblown, and overlong - like most of his films. I make an exception for "Inception," which I thought special!

[@happyhammer1]

Bruce Wayne is the mask and Batman is his real identity. Keaton perfected that, and is definitely the best Batman.

[@maxdondada]

Excellent video! I 100% agree with your analysis

[@biancaj4386]

Such a good video!!

[@brycenelson9]

I’m looking forward to seeing Michael Keaton again as Bruce Wayne hopefully we get to see him in A bad suit in the flash movie only the movie would show us but I’m sure it’s still gonna be great looking forward to it

[@fiddleandfart]

Yes, I agree with this premise. Keaton really did establish a model for subsequent Batmans, which we inevitably measure against his performance, and styling - although younger viewers wouldn't know that, but it's true nevertheless. Secondly, I agree that Tim Burton's "Batman Returns" is quite outstanding - in which he did indeed build on the brilliant gothic template of his first. And which benefits from the fabulous committed performances of Michelle Pfeiffer, and a quite incredible Danny DeVito. And, of course, retaining the quintessential Batman score of Danny Elfman. I remember the magic of seeing this on release in the cinema, and actually feeling an emotional rush, as a flock of bats wiped in its opening titles framed against a yawning cave, boosted by a wonderful orchestral sweep from Elfman's score. An awesome movie - and probably among Burton's best!

[@mariechristinenguyen3949]

Mui Muller Michael KEATON has all the qualities of the best Batman Congratulations

[@natalieps2387]

Keaton is the gold standard as bruce Wayne & batman. Instead of playing bruce as this billionaire playboy he plays him awkward, s but anti social like at his big party at the manor he just blends. Even though alfred letting viki into the bat cave was not a good idea ( I think burton wanted viki to know he was batman but it makes no sense alfred would just bring her in to his private lair where alfred knows he is working & it's his place of solitude. ) I love the lines in that scene. Where he says to vikis " I dont know what to think of all this & he says " sometimes I dont know what to think of it " she asks him why do it ? He says " bc I have to. Nobody else can " & the best lines viki : " are we gonna try to love eachother ?" Bruce " I'd like to , but hes out there ( joker ) & I've gotta go to work" brilliant. Shows Bruce's obsessive need to help Gotham bc he could not help his parents when they were murdered plus he was a little boy. Keaton played him so well conflicted & a little crazy. U can see how this guy could dress as a bat. He also looks like he can snap at anytime. Batman 89 is my favorite. Jack Nicholson is a no brainer as the joker. He deserved an oscar & if not for jack the joker would not be the coveted role it became to any actor in Hollywood. If u play the joker well u probably will win the oscar. Look at heath & Phoenix. Those two plus jack show that the joker is the greatest villain in all comics. I think that's what DC has over mcu. They have the best villains in joker, penguin, Garvey 2 face the riddler. Honorable mentions to the scarecrow & bane. Superman & batman are the best superheroes, & have the best back stories & character traits. Superman's origins are like moses from the bible for goodness sake. Batman is so cool bc he has no super powers. He has to rely a lot on his brain. I also like that bruce isnt a bulked up guy . Keaton makes it work that at 5' 9 he can pick up guys off their feet. Bale of course is an excellent actor but his batman voice is awful. Keaton just lowers his voice a bit & u have suspension of disbelief the way lois , perry white or lois dont see clark is superman with only glasses & him slouching & the higher geeky voice & mannerisms.

[@althentik]

Keaton was defiantly iconic and great as Batman I think my main concern with his return is how he will be used? Will they change his version to try not to seem "dated" which personally I don't think his portrayal is but executives might.

[@harrybenson569]

This is the best Homage to Keaton's Batman that I've always needed to see. Thanks for making this video mate, it's incredible.

[@tinoruiz8802]

Was this his first serious role after all those comedy movies? He really tried to show his range ,which he did.

[@maxdondada]

Love that song at the end. Link?

[@zufgh]

I didn't notice much divisiveness tbh. Everything I saw indicated nothing but absolute excitement and happiness at the thought of his return to the role.

[@ladyeclectic]

I never understood why people disliked the Keaton Batman movies vs the Bale Batman movies. Both are different interpretations, like the different kinds of Jokers, but EVERY movie since then uses SO MUCH of the Burton mannerisms, characterizations, etc. I’m like you, excited to see how an older Batman reacts to no longer having that “alter ego” to fall back on, having to live as the “cover” story he didn’t really care about cultivating during his tenure as Batman.

[@amir-mz4ty]

Does any one know what order to watch THESE Batman films in order with Michael Keaton and Jack Nickleson?

[@duartevader2101]

Michael Keaton is awesome!

[@brownbengal]

Batman returns was a masterpiece

[@onxiaftw]

That guy is a legend

[@thegodemperorhiram]

Every iteration of Batman, after Tim Burton two movies have been trying to imitate them. The animated show, that set Bruce/Batman personalities was an imitation of Burton portrayal

[@ryanazman19]

Well what can i say that hasnt been said, he is batman

[@nemesisprime2993]

Jack Nicholson is still my favorite joker i just live his performance....top class....we love you Jack you will always be remembered as the best joker there of.

[@speargraphy6301]

I totally agree with every point you said 200%

[@JohnDoe-tm9wz]

Keaton is back!

[@iconaastratta8202]

Very good!

[@josephshanklin9578]

michael Keaton will always be the best batman especially coming back playing the batman once again 🦇

[@sinjinbaker6031]

Yeah, michael keaton is my favorite Batman!

[@chase.austin]

Great job on this video. Even as a kid watching that scene where Bruce sees the joker murder that guy w a pen. The way he approaches the car like an apex predator while panic irrupts he’s not phased. I didn’t know he was wearing his bat suit under his suit tho. That’s new info.

[@matthewsaponar]

End song?? (Great video btw)

[@myratravin9588]

He was FUCKING AWESOME.

[@hartz9921]

A Christian Bale return would have broken Box office, Micheal Keaton in the flash alongside Affleck hopefully gives an X men days of Future past vibe. I also hope this movie is incredible and isn’t rushed as well as completely mess up the current DC universe but enhance it and bring it back to fruition.

[@ricardobellizzi5084]

couldn`t agree more.

[@Donlucky23]

Micheal Keaton in The Dark Knight Returns 👍👍

[@fernandoy.narciso]

IMHO the best incarnation of the caped crusader came from the game Ninja Baseball Batman XD

[@brucewayne7252]

Cant agree more Sir!

[@Joyoboyogomu]

Hoping we get a Batman Beyond trilogy out of this. Keaton fits an old Bruce Wayne and it’d be such a smart way to connect old fans and new fans with something they both can sink their teeth into.

[@ZakynthosDiamandis]

I agree 100% the truth is many have played the role but Keaton IS Batman.

[@anthonyguevara2951]

Michael Keaton will forever be The Batman.

[@moderman512]

This is a good take

[@ArtofLunatik]

Yuppppp. This batman defined batman