BvS Ben Affleck IS Batman - - - - - - - Part 34

[Frodo]

I've always tended to dismiss the whole "I only see the actor, not the character" so-called "criticism," because it's meaningless. That happens when you cast, it just does. I don't see Iron Man, I see RDJ playing a role. I don't see Captain America, I see Chris Evans playing a role. I don't see Ra's al Ghul, I see Liam Neeson playing a role, and so on and so forth. And you know what, it doesn't bother me because that's what's happening. It's an actor playing a role, and all that I care about is do they play it well. I VERY rarely see an actor completely disappear into the role, especially in CBM's. The last one that REALLY did that was probably Heath Ledger, who was nigh unrecognizable as The Joker.

And thus far, from what I've seen of Affleck, the answer seems to be yes.

I totally agree. I've been watching Affleck since the 90s so its not like I can suddenly forget its Ben Affleck. Still he's impressed me as Batman in the shots from the trailers. And Cavill's name has been thrown around for Superman since he was like 20, so i've seen him around for years and years and that didn't stop me from accepting and liking his version of Superman.

 

[rockandrollsoul]

This is actually a very good post on the truth of acting in general. What most people don't realize is that the actors are bringing themselves to the part every time. Acting is about truth. The intentions of the actor in a scene aren't always what the audience interprets as the actors intentions.

If any of you take acting classes you'll know what Im talking about. Acting is very basic and simple in reality. Its the audience that interprets it as something more. There's no such thing as "character". That's something the audience makes up.

Ledger found the truth in himself to be that type of personality or "character" for TDK. It didn't just pop in his head and he decided, okay I'm going to do that.

Quoted for truth. The idea that an actor "becomes" a character is not shared by members of the acting community. You bring yourself to the character.

 

[Wheels]

The idea of becoming a character comes from changing traits that are normally associated with a performer. That's what people mean; some actors' quirks and personalities are so distinct that unless they change things up you feel like you're seeing their default persona in a character.

 

[rockandrollsoul]

The idea of becoming a character comes from changing traits that are normally associated with a performer. That's what people mean; some actors quirks and personalities are so distinct that unless they change things up you feel like you're seeing their default persona in a character.

I agree. I went to an acting conservatory in NY and the first thing they do is try to strip those quirks and idiosyncrasies away so you can become a blank canvas. Those superfluous habits interfere with a performance.

However, the idea that most of the general public seem to share that you become someone other than yourself is just false. Even the so called "method" actors approach a character from their own emotional experience. If you approach a character from outside of yourself, the performance becomes more of a caricature.

 

[BatLobster]

I just want to say that I've been more on the fence when it comes to Ben in the role, but after seeing this latest trailer I really feel like I'm starting to 'get' it and I like what he's bringing to the role. I don't think he'll necessarily be my favorite, but I think he's going to be exactly what is needed for the role in this universe. Dare I say it I feel like he's the only one bringing gravitas to the film right now, from what I've seen.

Still think he needs to work on the angry faces, but his suaveness as Bruce really won me over. It feels like a more specific performance that I was expecting, his delivery is something that feels different from what Affleck usually does. And his Batman looks promising, of course.

 

[Wheels]

I agree. I went to an acting conservatory in NY and the first thing they do is try to strip those quirks and idiosyncrasies away so you can become a blank canvas. Those superfluous habits interfere with a performance.

However, the idea that most of the general public seem to share that you become someone other than yourself is just false. Even the so called "method" actors approach a character from their own emotional experience. If you approach a character from outside of yourself, the performance becomes more of a caricature.

I understand your point. I think "became the character" is just a simple phrase film fans use for when they don't see things they associate with an actor or actress.

 

[TheFlamingCoco]

I think Ben Affleck's Batman looks like money in the bank. and I was skeptical. Now he's the aspect I'm most confident about.

This! I think he will be great, Henry will be good, WonderGal can swing either way, but what we've seen has been promising, and I'm afraid of Eisenlex.

 

[ArmsHeldOut]

I understand your point. I think "became the character" is just a simple phrase film fans use for when they don't see things they associate with an actor or actress.

Yes, it essentially means: embodying the role. As I've said in the past, though, I think a big part of how we respond to these castings depends on how we, individually, picture Bruce Wayne/Batman in our mind's eye. The comics and/or films that resonated with us the most as children also play a factor.

I personally find a lot of the criticisms about Affleck in the role to be unfounded -- this is the iteration I've been waiting to see since I was 11 years old -- however, I can still respect many of the views I've seen expressed here. For some, it may stem from bias against the actor, but I'm sure that isn't the case for all. Take Amy Adams. She's one of my favorite actresses, and I also find her to be a very attractive woman. I just didn't see Lois, at all, in her portrayal of the character in MoS. So, I can sympathize with those who feel similarly about Ben here. It's a shame for them, really -- but it is what it is.

 

[rockandrollsoul]

I understand your point. I think "became the character" is just a simple phrase film fans use for when they don't see things they associate with an actor or actress.

True, but some believe that it's only a good performance if the actor transforms in that way, but most performances don't call for that kind of "chameleon" transformation (as the actor was cast for that role for a very specific reason) and can in fact be a distraction in and of itself when it's not necessary. Johnny Depp is a good example of unnecessary transformations. Jack Sparrow calls for it, Willy Wonka does not (just an example, I think he's a great actor ).

On the other hand, actors like Jack Nicholson, Denzel Washington, and Christopher Walken are recognizably themselves from role to role and I've rarely found it distracting. Hell, in most cases, their unique traits elevate their performances.

Anyway, as it relates to Affleck in BvS, I don't see any distracting Affleckisms in what we've seen so far. I honestly think some people just don't like his face.

 

[The Shape]

Anyway, as it relates to Affleck in BvS, I don't see any distracting Affleckisms in what we've seen so far. I honestly think some people just don't like his face.

I also honestly feel that a very small, somewhat vocal group of people just don't want to like him or admit that they are liking what they have seen, to the point that they need to come up with strange reasons and unfounded criticisms.

 

[rockandrollsoul]

I also honestly feel that a very small, somewhat vocal group of people just don't want to like him or admit that they are liking what they have seen, to the point that they need to come up with strange reasons and unfounded criticisms.

Yes. I, too, believe that to be the case. There are definitely some valid criticisms coming from that last trailer (most of which I believe to be due to the way the trailer presented those elements), but I've been very happy with everything I've seen from Affleck.

 

[Baneis8feettall]

To me what makes a "correct" Batman before anything else his demeanour. You should get it the way he talks, looks, speech, walks etc. Sure there are many different takes on Batman comics but his most beloved, popular version is this type of Batman.

His black and white, uncompromised, self righteous, uber confident take no prisoners attitude easily displayed on his demeanour.

Bale's Batman had Batman in him.

Keaton's Batman had in him.

Animated series has it. Games has it.

Roarchark from Watchmen had Batman in him.

Heisenberg from Breaking Bad had moments Batman in him.

Hannibal Lecter from Hannibal series had moments Batman in him.

Clint Eastwood's characters had that.

Even real life characters like Michael Jordan on a basketball court he had Batman in him.

Etc. Etc.

It's not about context or what he does through the movie. Not about how he fights, detective skills, on display. It's recieving the presence of Batman, more than what Batman does on screen.

I guess we can say Batfleck is lack of it. Obviously he will have badass moments (the guys takes on Superman) and looks good visually (Snyder movie) but what i say is about expressions, demeanour, theatricality for a larger than life character despite being just a human.

And that's translate from actors talent & take on character.

Bale has been criminally underrated because people took granted that he brought a lot intensity, animalistic approach and almost "knightly" class to the character when he was in suit compared to Bruce Wayne without suit. People were on focus secondary things like voice,cowl,detective skills,fighting,jaw etc. so much especially after Begins they skipped that part.

I was convinced myself awkwardness on Batman in sneak peak was because of a dream sequence but after trailer it doesn't seem like it. That's how Affleck plays him.

With all said, i think within time i'll get used to it. Just like many Bonds through years. My worries about Batman v Superman are still about story telling more than characters. (except Lex obviously)


Sorry for long post.

 

[rockandrollsoul]

To me what makes a "correct" Batman before anything else his demeanour. You should get it the way he talks, looks, speech, walks etc. Sure there are many different takes on Batman comics but his most beloved, popular version is this type of Batman.

His black and white, uncompromised, self righteous, uber confident take no prisoners attitude easily displayed on his demeanour.

Bale's Batman had Batman in him.

Keaton's Batman had in him.

Animated series has it. Games has it.

Roarchark from Watchmen had Batman in him.

Heisenberg from Breaking Bad had moments Batman in him.

Hannibal Lecter from Hannibal series had moments Batman in him.

Clint Eastwood's characters had that.

Even real life characters like Michael Jordan on a basketball court he had Batman in him.

Etc. Etc.

It's not about context or what he does through the movie. Not about how he fights, detective skills, on display. It's recieving the presence of Batman, more than what Batman does on screen.

I guess we can say Batfleck is lack of it. Obviously he will have badass moments (the guys takes on Superman) and looks good visually (Snyder movie) but what i say is about expressions, demeanour, theatricality for a larger than life character despite being just a human.

And that's translate from actors talent & take on character.

Bale has been criminally underrated because people took granted that he brought a lot intensity, animalistic approach and almost "knightly" class to the character when he was in suit compared to Bruce Wayne without suit. People were on focus secondary things like voice,cowl,detective skills,fighting,jaw etc. so much especially after Begins they skipped that part.

I was convinced myself awkwardness on Batman in sneak peak was because of a dream sequence but after trailer it doesn't seem like it. That's how Affleck plays him.

With all said, i think within time i'll get used to it. Just like many Bonds through years. My worries about Batman v Superman are still about story telling more than characters. (except Lex obviously)

Sorry for long post.

I agree with everything except the bold.

 

[Boy Scout]

I don't think I'll be actively aware of the fact that it's Affleck under the cowl unless he's given comedic material. It's too early to say for sure, of course, but like others have said, his delivery of "I thought she was with you..." was Affleck-y.

Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. I'm not currently worried about Affleck at all. But if he'll be constantly jumping back and forth between "Wayne" and "Affleck" for the whole movie, it's going to feel jarring. But again, I'm not really worried.

 

[ArmsHeldOut]

I was feeling inspired, so I made the following thread. Have a look and share your pick if/when time allows.

Poll: Which Batman illustration does Ben Affleck's Batman bear the closest resemblance to?
http://forums.superherohype.com/showthread.php?t=507169

 

[Da-Scribe]

I don't think I'll be actively aware of the fact that it's Affleck under the cowl unless he's given comedic material. It's too early to say for sure, of course, but like others have said, his delivery of "I thought she was with you..." was Affleck-y.

Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. I'm not currently worried about Affleck at all. But if he'll be constantly jumping back and forth between "Wayne" and "Affleck" for the whole movie, it's going to feel jarring. But again, I'm not really worried.

You look at any actor that plays Bruce/Batman and they're always going to have their own signature on it. I don't think it's a disservice to the character to say that it's just not a role one can fully disappear into. Keaton and Bale put plenty of their own marks on the character.

 

[Boy Scout]

Every actor has their quirks, but they aren't a big deal as long as they don't contradict or undermine the personality of the character they're playing. Affleck most likely won't have that problem, but his delivery of that one line was more "Ben Affleck" than "Ben Affleck playing Batman," if that makes sense.

 

[jmc]

Personally, I've always been indifferent towards Affleck in his acting roles. He's never been down right awful, but on the flip side I've never felt like he was capable of reaching any great heights. For the most part it's basically been just him acting, not becoming anything in particular. The word I've used to describe his acting style is 'serviceable', and the footage so far indicates to me that's what we might get, a serviceable Batman, but not necessarily a memorable one.

 

[Da-Scribe]

Every actor has their quirks, but they aren't a big deal as long as they don't contradict or undermine the personality of the character they're playing. Affleck most likely won't have that problem, but his delivery of that one line was more "Ben Affleck" than "Ben Affleck playing Batman," if that makes sense.

I can't really say either way since I haven't seen the movie and don't fully know how they're characterizing this Batman. I originally just saw RDJ rather than RDJ playing Iron Man, but the characterization fit the film like a glove. Can't imagine it any other way at this point.

 

[Boy Scout]

I'm referring specifically to what we've seen so far. How he'll do in the movie is yet to be seen, and I don't plan on making any definitive statements about Affleck's performance until then.

The MCU is purposely written to allow RDJ to play himself. I doubt the same will be the case for this movie and DOJ. Iron Man's unpopularity allowed his personality to be overhauled; the same is not true for Batman, and I think we can all agree that Ben Affleck has few actual similarities to Batman in terms of personality.

 

[Da-Scribe]

I'm not expecting a full on overhaul of the character. I'm just saying that they may have, in the construction of the film, realized that Affleck bringing some of his signature Affleckness could benefit the character and the film as a whole.

And I think a rushed production schedule allowed Iron Man's personality to be overhauled. The movie didn't even have a script. So RDJ just did his thing and the rest is history.

 

[Boy Scout]

Gotcha.

Oh, to be sure, but it wouldn't have been especially difficult to have the character undergo an evolution of sorts to eventually more resemble his comic book counterpart. And again, the fact that Iron Man wasn't anywhere near as popular or well known as even Captain America at the time of the film's release probably made those changes a lot easier to accept.

 

[KillerWolf]

Well, I really don't see Affleck playing Affleck. He's doing a fine job as tired, older, cynical Bruce Wayne and as veteran Batman, in my book. There were some intentionally or unintentionally funny moments with the depiction of his grumpiness, but I think this adds an interesting element to a character that is going to interact with rest of the League on regular basis. That alone makes this version of Batman different - interaction with squadmates, at that, ones that are more powerful than him. And this trailer really made me interested to see more of him communicating with other League members.

 

[Lencho01]

I just saw Affleck on Kimmel... the lack of scruff and make-up is scary.

 

[KillerWolf]

Yeah, he looks like a doll from "Dead Silence" there. Very stiff and way too much makeup.