Christian Bale as Batman (www.imdb.com)
Evaluating Batman’s voice in ‘The Dark Knight’
The Dark Knight has clearly been “a bona fide cultural event,” said Jake Coyle in the Associated Press, but “it hasn’t been immune to criticism.” Many critics have been asking: “Why does Batman talk like the offspring of Clint Eastwood and a grizzly bear?” It seems that “as Batman has gotten darker, his voice has gotten deeper.”
“Bale may not have a strong handle on Batman’s voice,” said GiantMag.com, “but he nails the character’s inner life.” That, and the “sweeping camera work” and “stellar production values keep your attention riveted on the screen at all times.”
The voice Christian Bale uses in The Dark Knight is somewhat “distracting and odd,” said Elaine Wolff in a San Antonio Current blog. But keep in mind that Batman’s voice is “meant not only to intimidate,” but to hide his identity as Bruce Wayne. In that sense, it serves as “another layer of disguise.”
Bale should be applauded, said the blog Madness is nothing in this Maddish World. It’s hard to believe that Batman’s voice is really coming out of Bale’s mouth—“he is amazing.” Bale took a “totally different” approach to Batman’s voice and “I love it!”
Comment on this article
Recent comments | 3 total
I have heard a hell of a lot of complaints about his bat growl. I might come across as biased here, and I have no reason to back my opinion, but I love it for no particular reason. It fits so wonderfully in my imagination of the Batman, simply because as a kid I would change my voice too. It feels an element more natural and obvious than logical. Nonetheless, it is that very voice that makes the final scene such a revelation as Batman finally says – “You were the best of us.” Bale delivers a great performance as Bruce Wayne, but as Batman he is in a different zone altogether. No Batman ever made me feel, Bale does that. He elevates Batman to a symbol of fear, but he keeps him essentially human. And that is one of the many glorious achievements of Nolan’s Batman.
I totally agree with Satish...The movie was phenomenal and, Christian Bale was awesome. I think that he's really the best Batman ever! CMP
But why does Bruce Wayne need to use "the Bat-Voice" when he is in the presence of only Alfred, whom he is neither trying to intimidate nor disguise his identity from?
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