One of the most prolific comic books films ever made was The Dark Knight. This 2008 adaption of the DC hero took Batman and the genre to new territory, firmly rooting the world of Gotham in a darker and truer reality. The star and the heart of these films was Christian Bale's Batman.
While at first glance the Dark Knight might feel like quite the departure from the character's comic book origins, it was through Bale's acting and Nolan's writing that allowed for the character to feel so loyal to the source material. Whether it is is complexion, delivery, or physicality, there are many nuanced attributes to this version of the Bat that feel true to his print persona.
The Look
When it comes to sheer appearance, Bale certainly fits the part. His dark and brooding nature was perfect for the character. A lot of Bale's performance comes from the eyes, and the necessary expressions for this character to make while covered up by a mask are so crucial.
Not only that but it the duality in his movements, both as Bruce Wayne and as The Dark Knight, that comes across as so authentic. There are two masks at play here, his public persona, and his true vigilante identity.
His Testy Relationship With Joker
The dynamics between Christian Bale's Batman and Heath Ledger's Joker are arguably the best put to screen. At first glance, the pair couldn't be more different. One is a force of chaotic evil, reveling in the pain of others. His foe standing as a symbol or order in chaos, a citizen who took the problem of crime and violence into his own hands.
But as the two face-offs, their polar opposite personalities almost circle back to each other. It is this question of purpose that was perfectly realized by both Bale and Ledger. It is a shame only one film was possible between the two.
His Obsession With Fear
In the renowned Batman origin story Year One, Bruce Wayne is inspired by his childhood fear of bats. The iconic image of the bat flying into Wayne manor is one that has stuck with fans of the character for decades. In Batman Begins, the first film in The Dark Knight Trilogy, this iconic fear of bats was made a foundational aspect of this version of the character.
There are many spine-tingling moments in this trilogy, but the moment Bruce enters the caverns under Wayne Manor for the first time, and is circled by the hoard of bats is certainly one of the best. The embracing of fear as a tool against one's enemies was a fascinating and perfect angle to interpret the character.
His Relationship With Alfred
Another perfect relationship between two actors was that of Christian Bale and Michael Caine, as Bruce Wayne and his butler Alfred respectively. The two had a perfect rapport, with Alfred's futile attempt to parent and serve the tycoon, while Bruce was preoccupied with his own journey as Batman.
The Burma speech and the moment after Rachel's death are the most striking moments between the two. It is the most emotionally fraught screen interpretation of the two and embodies the complicated relationship perfectly.
Love Of Gadgets
While Nolan's series prided itself on its gritty and realistic imagining, there is some inherent silliness in the concept that is unavoidable. Though this version of Batman didn't have something as campy as the Bat credit card, he still loved using and adapting his tech.
There are gadgets galore in these films thanks to the brilliant Lucius Fox. Batman keeps striving to stay ahead on the tech front, and he loves doing it. While much of the tone is somber, a bit of humor and knowing winks wriggle their way in when Batman gets a new toy to play with.
The Broken Disillusioned Batman
One of the benefits of The Dark Knight series is watching Bruce Wayne go through the three most iconic iterations of the character. Where the first film is a close homage to Year One and The Dark Knight is the prime era of the caped Crusader as shown in The Long Halloween, the final film presents the small glimpse into the older, disillusioned batman.
The best example of this in the comics is the revered The Dark Kight Returns. Elements of this beloved story made their way into The Dark Knight Rises. Bale embodies this broken and version of Bruce Wayne perfectly. His futility is embodied perfectly, making way for the impact of his return.
His Stubbornness
There are few comic book characters as independent as Bruce Wayne and Batman. While he eventually opens up to sidekicks and friends, the truest interpretation of the character is the lone vigilante on a mission. When he makes a decision he sticks to it, no matter what anyone else says.
It is this aspect that Christian Bale perfectly nails. While never rude, he is determined in his choices, choosing instead to go against any argument with enormous conviction. His dedication to his code not to kill is tied directly into this, making his stubbornness come across as a moral quandary.
The Martial Arts
Batman is much more than just a brilliant mind and detective. if it wasn't for his crucial mastering of martial arts and combat, he would be no match for the many villains he faces. Christian Bale's dedication to bringing this aspect of the crusader to life was a perfect job done.
The training between Bruce and Ras Al Ghul was so fraught with emotional tension, all thanks to the acting of Bale and Liam Neeson. But even the standard combat feels realistic but mastered. It is this combination of combat prowess and intellectual mastery that makes Batman such a force to be reckoned with.
A Sense Of Humor
For all his brooding, batman can be pretty funny. Nolan isn't known for his ability to write compelling and fun comedy, but the bits that work in The Dark Knight series is all due to Bale's delivery.
The hockey pad line is so funny, both in its wit and garbled delivery. Every time that Lucius shows Bruce a new gadget, Christian Bale finally was allowed to crack a smile. He balanced a perfect amount of seriousness with the right moments of levity.
The Faux Playboy Persona
Christian Bale's performance as the playboy side of Bruce Wayne is pretty perfect. As we know his true identity, we can all see right through the act. But for anyone who doesn't, it is believable.
Bale channels his performance from American PSycho every time his billionaire side comes out, and it is so perfect for the role. This is the real mask that Bruce Wayne wears, not the cowl of the Bat.
