The Case For George Clooney As A Great Bruce Wayne
Often when we look at the best actors who have portrayed Batman over the years, the likes of Adam [...]
Often when we look at the best actors who have portrayed Batman over the years, the likes of Adam West, Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, and Kevin Conroy immediately come to mind. Understandable as each talented actor brings a distinct portrayal to the iconic role.
However, when it comes to Batman's alter ego, Bruce Wayne, the answer for many isn't always as definitive. Interestingly enough, perhaps the best portrayal of Bruce Wayne comes from one of the least popular Batman films, Batman & Robin.
Much like its predecessor Batman Forever, the 1997 Joel Schumacher sequel was designed to be a family-friendly throwback to the campy 60s television series. Whatever your opinion on the film's tone, it succeeded in that regard. As the Caped Crusader, George Clooney (much like the rest of the cast) did the best with what he had to work with. Given that he was the recipient of the Cecil B. Demille award at the Golden Globes earlier this month, the man clearly doesn't lack for talent when it comes to acting or directing. While Clooney may not have been the grimmest iteration of the Dark Knight, he may possibly be the version of Bruce Wayne.
Who is Bruce Wayne?
As a character, Bruce Wayne is a reversal of the alter ego paradigm where the civilian identity is the mask that is used to conceal the vigilante's true identity. To the public at large he's Gotham's Once and Future Prince. The quintessential golden boy. The philandering philanthropist who is very liberal and progressive in politics and equal rights. This isn't exactly a stretch from the actor himself.
While Bale nailed it as both Wayne and the Dark Knight, the difference is that Clooney managed to portray an affable, classy and believable Wayne. Because again, life imitating art.
It's also not lost that Clooney's new bride Amal, bears resemblance in both appearance and accomplishments to Diana Prince, one of the great loves of Bruce's life.
Say what you will for Batman & Robin, if it did nothing else right, it certainly gave us an excellent Bruce Wayne.
And in true Bruce Wayne fashion, perhaps Clooney intentionally starred in one of the biggest blockbuster flops to divert suspicion from his secret extracurricular activities as a superhero.
Curiouser and curiouser.