As the only actor to portray Batman in a trilogy, Christian Bale will always have a special place in the hearts of DC fans. The 3 movies have also been described by some as the best Batman movies overall, thanks to Christopher Nolan’s unique filmmaking skills. But is Bale the best Batman of all time?
Whether Bale’s version of Gotham’s Dark Knight is better than those of Michael Keaton, Van Kilmer, George Clooney, and Ben Affleck is up for debate but his quotes sure do make a good case for him. Bale’s Batman quotes are a perfect blend of humor, threats, and ripostes. His version avoids cliche statements too.
When He Responds To Alfred’s Advice To Slow Down
“Batman Has No Limits.”
Inside the Batcave, Alfred advises Bruce to slow down in his quest to stop the Joker because the man is a maniac. He suggests he should operate within his limits otherwise he might get hurt but Bruce disagrees.
No other Batman exudes self-confidence better than Christian Bale’s version. Though Alfred is right, Bruce is sure he can handle himself. Throughout the history of DC, Batman has also been shown to strongly believe in himself despite not having any special abilities like most of his fellow heroes, and Bale showcases this quality perfectly.
When He Refuses Ra’s al Ghul’s Offer Of A Partnership
“I’ll Be Standing Where I Belong. Between You And The People Of Gotham.”
One of the best Dark Knight trilogy villains, Ra’s al Ghul, approaches Bruce at a gala. Operating under the guise of Henri Ducard, he advises Bruce to stand by his side in his quest to destroy Gotham since he taught him his fighting skills. Bruce disagrees, declaring that the only place he’ll be standing is between him and Gotham.
Bale’s Batman understands that the Caped Crusader’s greatest duty is protecting Gotham. He’d rather protect millions than side with the man that made him such a badass. It is a lack of loyalty but audiences also get to understand that Bruce would have no problem siding with Ghul if his intentions were good.
When He Responds To Catwoman’s Skepticism About Getting Into His Car
“This Isn’t A Car.”
Maintaining her comical streak, Catwoman shows skepticism about riding with Batman, claiming that her parents warned her to not get into the cars of strangers. Well, Batman lets her know that her parents did indeed gave her great advice, but what he’s driving isn’t a car… it’s the Batmobile.
What makes Bale’s Batman even more appealing is that he has a high opinion of himself. He believes everything about him is superior and it truly is. He doesn’t consider himself ordinary enough to drive a normal car like everyone else, and that’s why he got himself the Batmobile. He also places much value on his toys too and he’d appreciate it if everyone else does so too.
When He Confronts The Joker
“Then You’re Gonna Love Me.”
Rachel kicks the Joker in self-defense when he approaches her. The villain then congratulates her, claiming he likes a person who can fight. His wish is soon granted as Batman shows up and begins landing punches on him.
One of the things that define a good Batman is how interesting his exchanges with the Joker are. The two enjoy frustrating each other and this is yet another instance where Batman spoils Joker’s moment. The Clown Prince of fun believes he is going to enjoy intimidating but right after claiming he likes a person who fights, he gets someone who enjoys doing just that.
When He Explains The Difference Between Him And The Batman Wannabes
“I’m Not Wearing Hockey Pads.”
Despite being one of the Dark Knight trilogy characters with the least screentime, Scarecrow proves quite formidable, While trying to stop him, Batman runs into a group of superhero wannabes who call themselves the Batmen. When he ties them up, one asks him why he thinks he is so different from them. Batman gives a fitting response.
Time and time again, Bale’s Batman establishes himself as the Lord of Rejoinders. The Caped Crusader always has a canned retort ready in case anyone says something he thinks is silly. The Batmen aren’t smart enough to realize that Batman’s costume is way too advanced to theirs, so he makes sure to point this out to them.
When He Defends Gotham During A Discussion
“Well, I Grew Up In Gotham, And I Turned Out Alright.”
During the dinner date at the Ocelot, Natascha wonders why Bruce stays in Gotham yet it’s so chaotic. She wonders if he’d be comfortable with raising kids in such an unsafe city and Bruce argues he would because he was raised in Gotham and turned out fine.
A good Batman should defend Gotham whether physically or verbally, at times. Logically, it would make sense for Bruce to agree with Natascha since his parents got killed by a burglar in Gotham. As such, he shouldn’t want his future child to see something similar happen to him. Nonetheless, the city is his first love, despite the dangers.
When He Banters With Selina At A Gala
“Bruce Wayne, Eccentric Billionaire.”
Bruce spots an older man dancing with Selina (Catwoman) and cuts in so that he can have a chat with her. Assuming he has a hidden identity like her, She asks him who he is pretending to be and he tells her exactly who he is.
Selina is smart enough to figure out that there’s something unique about Bruce but he isn’t one to explain too much. Unlike Selina, Bruce doesn’t consider himself a pretender either. To him, he is just as important when is Bruce Wayne as he is when he is Batman. The line is also a bigger improvement from the cliche, “I’m Batman.”
When He Lets Ra’s al Ghul Die
“I Won’t Kill You, But I Don’t Have To Save You.”
Batman and Ghul’s fight takes them to a train that’s about to blow up. There, his principles are tested. Should he save the man or leave him? He makes a choice.
The major thing that defines Batman is his “No Kill” rule. Here, he is in a dilemma because saving Ghul will mean allowing him to cause more havoc while killing him would be against his personality. However, it won’t be a crime for him to simply let him die from the explosion. It could be argued that this is one of the times Batman allegedly killed people, but by not harming Ghule himself, he somehow still sticks to his rule.
When He Interrogates Flass
“Swear To Me!”
Eager to find out more about the drugs, Batman interrogates Arnold Flass, a corrupt cop working for Falcone. Afraid, Flass swears to God that he doesn’t know much but Batman advises him to swear to him.
Batman enjoys striking fear in the criminals of Gotham. It’s a tactic that helps him keep crime under control. On this occasion, he reminds Flass that the person he should be afraid of is him, not God. After all, as a Gotham lawbreaker, it’s ironic for Flass to fear punishment from God rather than Batman.
When He Carries The Nuclear Bombs Out Of The City
“A Hero Could Be Anyone.”
Before deciding to carry Bane’s nuclear bomb out of Gotham using his plane, Batman reveals his industry to Lieutenant Gordon. Knowing he might die, the lawman asks him if he’d like the world to know the hero who saved them and he declines, arguing heroes are many, including Gordon himself for consoling him when his parents died.
A great hero should be keener on getting work done rather than getting praised for it and that’s what Bale’s Batman is all about. He doesn’t see the need for him to go to the history books. He is okay, so long as the people will be safe. Luckily, he doesn’t die and hopefully, he just might make an appearance again in the DCEU’s multiverse.
