A Few Thoughts on Ben Affleck's Portrayal of Batman

Written by Shae Rufe

​With Justice League out on home video, I found myself thinking about when I went to see Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which gave my first taste of Ben Affleck as the Batman. Admittedly I was scared this film would not hold up to the hype…and we were all apprehensive about the casting of everyone’s favorite Dark Knight.  Yet, Affleck’s performance sold me on the character completely. Whenever a new actor is announced to play the Batman we all sort of wrinkle our noses and judge harshly until the film comes out. There’s always a divide between those of us who love it and those of us who hate it.
 
Now, many of us grew up in the era of comics, movies, and nerdy parents that wanted to share their favorite childhood things with us. My parents are not openly nerdy, but my dad has been a Batman fan since, well forever. He’s the reason I love the character so much. Growing up I got to hear how Batman wasn’t always this light-hearted character some cartoons portrayed him as. My dad always geeked out about a darker, more murder-y, Batman. And well, guess what? We got that in Affleck’s performance.
 
I’ve always liked the idea that Batman was darker. He’s pretty dark already, but to push it to that next level? I’m all for that. The concept that the comics were so dark they had to be toned down just makes it that much more alluring to me. Plus, well, he’s Batman, seeing him kick butt without holding back is kind of far more fun than anything.
 
For me, the actor cast to play Batman isn’t just playing the Detective. They’re also playing the billionaire. There is a distinct difference between the two that have to seamlessly blend together. I have to hand it to Ben Affleck for his portrayal of both the Bat and the man. This movie also brought to light the darker sides of Bruce Wayne as well. We saw him struggle with things he’s never had to before on the big screen. Nightmares, trippy dreams, and so much more. Touching on the death of Jason Todd was a very nice touch…and we need more of that. I need more Bat-family in the DC Cinematic Universe.
 
All and all, while the DCU has many fans upset, Ben Affleck’s Batman makes some of these films truly worth the watch, in my opinion. Affleck gives a performance that definitely redeemed him as a superhero in my eyes, and I have to say, I think he might just be my favorite Batman. Well, okay, second favorite. Sorry, but Kevin Conroy will always be my Batman.

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