The past year has seen us become used to the idea of big-name stars switching gears. But perhaps none of these changes are as significant as the one that has happened to Batman. The Dark Knight was previously portrayed by Gary Oldman and Michael Keaton. Now, in the theatrical trailer for The Dark Knight Rises, the legendary Batman is being played by a different actor: British-born, Australian-raised, and New York-based Rob Pattinson.
There’s no question that Batman is one of the most recognizable characters in film. He’s appeared in countless TV shows, comic books, and blockbuster films. So it should come as no great surprise that the actor who takes the role of Batman in the next film in the series would be nominated for a prestigious award. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of Pattinson’s new interpretation of the Dark Knight.
Overall Impression
Pattinson certainly embodies the cocky, alpha-male image of the Dark Knight. But that doesn’t mean he’s perfect for the role. Many have noted a certain awkwardness to his performance. While he clearly has the athletic prowess necessary to pull off the character, he sometimes comes off as a bit too much like an actor trying too hard.
It’s also worth pointing out that while many have hailed the new Batman as the best yet, that doesn’t mean the fans are completely on board. A good number of them are claiming that he’s just a clone of the previous Dark Knight. It seems that some actors trying to emulate one famous actor often do a poor job of it. Perhaps that’s the case here, as well.
Does He Fit In With The Nolan Family And Team?
The director of The Dark Knight Rises, Christopher Nolan, has a unique way of working. Not only does he bring his signature noir style to the big screen, but he often casts his relatives in his films. The latest addition to the family is the young actor, Tom Hardy, who plays the role of the rival crimefighter Bane.
To be fair, it’s not like Hardy wasn’t prepared for the role. He’s been acting since he was a child, and even did some modeling as well. It’s clear that he was training for this role, and he delivers it superbly. But it would’ve been wonderful to see some of Nolan’s other famous faces appear in a more prominent role this time around. Perhaps that’s asking too much. But at least give us a cameo appearance by one of the Nolan’s famous Batman iterations.
What About The Casting Couch?
It’s no secret that many famous actors have learned to play certain characters through intensive on-set coaching. This technique can be effective, but it can also lead to some serious problems. It’s clear that Pattinson went through a rigorous training camp to achieve the perfect physique required to play Batman. But off-camera, there are those who feel he’s playing the role more for his own personal gain rather than for the sake of the film.
And what exactly does he get out of it? He gets to play a character he admires, and in turn, he’s being paid extremely well. But beyond that, does he get to work alongside some of Hollywood’s greatest talents? Does he get to rub elbows with famous directors and screenwriters? Does he get to play characters that are complex and interesting? Or is he just another pretty boy who can act?
The Pros.
Pattinson certainly has an athletic appearance, to say the least. It would be difficult to find a more physically intimidating man. With that being said, he does have the presence of an actor. And perhaps that’s the most important thing for a Batman. His cockiness exudes an aura of danger that other actors’ don’t quite possess. And while he might not have the emotional depth of an Oldman or a Keaton, he has a much more aggressive presence.
The Cons.
While Pattinson does give the impression of an actor who is prepared to tackle any role, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s got the acting chops to back up his bravado. There are times when he comes off a bit too much like a student actor, rather than an experienced professional. And who knows, maybe that’s intentional. Perhaps he wants to play the role completely opposite to what we’ve come to expect from a Batman. He might even want to go the extra mile and show us a side of the character that we’ve never really seen before.
The Takeaway.
Ultimately, there’s no question that Batman is one of the most recognizable characters in popular culture. He appears in countless TV shows, comic books, and blockbuster films. The new Batman might just be the best yet, but it might not necessarily be the case. Perhaps he’s learned from the past and does have a completely different approach this time around. As long as we’ve come to know and love Batman, we’ll continue to see exciting new takes on the Dark Knight, but until then, we’ll have to wait and see.