Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Harry Lennix on Ben Affleck as Batman: He has a head start over Christian Bale because he's American (audio)

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October 8, 2014

What will make Ben Affleck a great Batman? The fact that he's American, according to Harry Lennix. The Man of Steel actor will be reprising his role as General Swanwick in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Lennix was on the Vintage Sound 93.1 FM radio show on Monday morning and had some interesting things to say when asked if Ben Affleck would do the Batman role justice.

Harry_Lennix_by_Gage_Skidmore

"I think he's going to be perfect," Lennix replied. "I'm especially excited that we've got an American actor here, that's increasingly rare. The last guy, who did a great job, Christian Bale -- is British. I think that when you've got somebody that doesn't have to act like an American and embodies that ethos, if you will, then that gives him a head start. And knowing how intelligent and how artful that he is as a filmmaker and actor, I think he's going to do a terrific job."

You can check out full audio from the radio show interview in the player below. The Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice talk starts around the 7:05 mark.

What do you make of Lennix's comments? Sound off below!

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145 comments

eli
October 8, 2014
Yeah I always shut up and didn't say anything bad about Ben Affleck casting, but that crossed the line
Good batman or not, Christian Bale is a brilliant actor that Ben affleck can't reach is talent even for more 100 years, WTF is mentioning that Christian Bale is british they started to unrespect him for make Ben Affleck look good, fucking assholes.
1. HUSH LittleBaby
  October 8, 2014
  That's not what he said, you're taking it out of context.
  He means that Ben doesn't need to change his accent, which compaired to Bale is one less handicap. Meaning it will be easier for Ben.
  He doesn't need to focus on how he sounds, just the preformance. As to where Bale had to constantly add an accent to his.
  Ya geddit??
  1. HUSH LittleBaby
    October 8, 2014
    Now imagine if he was an American, than he doesn't need to to use an accent. Which in turn would make his job easier.
    Which in turn is the entire point.
    1. jacksomemore
      October 8, 2014
      Sigh,.. no one is saying he's a bad actor.
      He's saying Ben has one less thing to worry about, despite Bale been a good actor.
      1. HUSH LittleBaby
        October 8, 2014
        ^^^What he said.
      2. HUSH LittleBaby
        October 8, 2014
        Maybe he does,.. How would you know? Can you read his mind throught the screen.
        My guess is,.. no.
        But changing an accent comes with the job, and making sure it sounds consistant and real when reading their lines, does take some effort. for any actor, no matter their personal level of difficulty.
      3. paco
        October 8, 2014
        *drops mic*
      4. HUSH LittleBaby
        October 8, 2014
        And you're an adult, you should know that any/every profession has a level of difficulty, even for the most experienced.
        This is common sense.
      5. HUSH LittleBaby
        October 8, 2014
        And once you move to Fantasy-Land, you can't go back.
        Like Logan said in his comment to you. Cavil had a coach.
        Even the most professional of skilled artists need help now and than.
        Get over it.
      6. HUSH LittleBaby
        October 8, 2014
        You're an idiot..
      7. HUSH LittleBaby
        October 8, 2014
        Bye,.. have fun being the lowest common denominator the well-known proverb reffers to.
      8. HUSH LittleBaby
        October 8, 2014
        No problem,.. but at least I'll be doing that while understanding the articles that I'm reading.
      9. HUSH LittleBaby
        October 8, 2014
        LOL keep telling yourself that, kid. Maybe one day you'll believe it.
      10. The Dark Knight
        October 8, 2014
        Don't fight buddies. Harry did noy said any bad words for Bale. Nor Ben.
      11. JessicaRabbit
        October 8, 2014
        Jesus, you're a special kind of stupid aren't you?
      12. ravissary79
        October 8, 2014
        Troll calls non-troll a troll. *sigh* the internet...
      13. ravissary79
        October 8, 2014
        Simply stating something over and over isn't logic. Go troll someone else.
      14. ravissary79
        October 8, 2014
        Logic is a process of distilling information in an effort to arrive at the truth through noncontradiction. I think you've proved that many people think "I think everything I think is true and logical because I think it".
        Everything else seems to be a few basic truths over applied as blanket universal explanations backed up by repetition and insults.
        That's poor debating but natural trolling. Insult me some more.
      15. ravissary79
        October 8, 2014
        http://i.word.com/idictiona...
        Your definition is a subjective and therefore meaningless tautology. You add nothing to your own "debate" by not actually building a case that is persuasive and then lash out at others for disagreeing with your ineffective argumentation.
        If you think your points are "proper and reasonable" then you can convince yourself that they are logical. That's why logic needs to include a process of noncontradiction without overgeneralization.
        And I don't need to enter the debate. You got owned by someone who made their case, if perhaps imperfectly.
        In the future try building a case persuasively without insults. And stop whining like a lil' bitch when you don't get your way.
        That is: unless you LIKE playing the troll.
      16. ravissary79
        October 8, 2014
        Holy cow you're dense. Some people just can't be helped (ie: you). My link and what you said are so qualitatively different that it isn't even remotely funny. And unless you're just that much of a class act, the insults aren't necessary. I can't even begin to detract you from your busy schedule of insulting people and repeating yourself and calling it logic. That is, unless you just like penciling me in.
        But hey, feel free to keep proving you're not the troll by insulting everything that breathes and doesn't kiss your ass.
      17. ravissary79
        October 9, 2014
        What you wrote:
        "The actual definition of logic is: a proper or reasonable way of thinking about or understanding something." And of course, because you're you, you followed this with a snarky, lazy ass comment.
        You mention nothing about drawing inferences, following a set of rules, a process, etc... just "proper" and "reasonable". My point about your definition is that it's useless because even idiots think they're being "proper" and "reasonable". For logic to mean something other than a word to pat yourself on the back with it must conform to some sort of structural standard, it can't just be whatever you "feel" is reasonable or proper. This is why I was critical of your definition.
        My link includes the full context of what you said. The surface just gives you a topical categorical label. A five year old can use the opening definition, that doesn't mean they're being "logical", or that they know how logic works. I used the full link on purpose to avoid this. I think the confusion is over how the website looked on my phone (I can't fault you for that) vs a computer browser. On my phone there's a drop down for nuance and I picked the full definition as a noun and it skipped your quote entirely and says this:
        "a (1) : a science that deals with the principles and criteria of validity of inference and demonstration : the science of the formal principles of reasoning
        {snip}
        c : interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable"
        This need for some sort of structure and reference to validity that is objectively observable in accordance with certain rules is slightly more visible in this definition. http://www.thefreedictionar...
        "1. The study of the principles of reasoning, especially of the structure of propositions as distinguished from their content and of method and validity in deductive reasoning.
        2.a. A system of reasoning: Aristotle's logic.
        c. The formal, guiding principles of a discipline, school, or science.
        3. Valid reasoning.
        4. The relationship between elements and between an element and the whole in a set of objects, individuals, principles, or events."
        (I snipped a couple cluttered bits)
        The whole point was that you were using the vague label as a defense (the basic short concept), but ignore the whole structural concept of what logic is. If you care enough to read this then that actuality matters (if you don't that's fine, then stop posting bitchy retorts that say nothing except how bitchy you are, seriously, take a midol or something man)
        See, logic starts with some sort of premise and then uses noncontradition to draw valid inferences about related, or even dissimilar specifics. Obviously it fails if the application of key principles is sloppy, truncated, or if noncontradition isn't applied (see Aristotelian logic). This is why even in interpersonal relationship type arguments it isn't valid or acceptable to say things like "always", or "never", since they overgeneralize a specific problem and are therefore inaccurate and "unfair". One might begin with objective observations, but the inferences become illogical because they aren't drawn validly (in a way that accurately reflects what is going on in the idea, or topic being discussed).
        In your case (in this debate), you applied the apparent (and largely socially acceptable) concept that Bale is a good actor, combined it with the idea that he's done American accents before, but wrongly arrived at the conclusion that Lennix is wrong, since Lennix never said that Bale wasn't a good actor (quite the contrary) or that he does poor American accents, he merely made the case that the work that Bale had to do to play an American character (no matter how good he is at it) is more work than an American actor might have to do. Especially since he brought up the "ethos" (and therefore essence, idea and persona of being not only Batman, but an American who is Batman). There are layers that a GOOD actor will build on to evoke that complexity. If it is done right, it will look effortless and it will seem natural and convincing, but that does indeed take work.
        Lennix's point, and the only point that I personally accept about what he's saying, is simply that Affleck is closer to that ethos and has less vocal, cultural and character-building to do to physically, verbally and culturally represent Batman in his cultural human essence. That doesn't mean he's a better actor, or will do better at portraying Batman, but he simply has less distance (culturally and linguistically) to travel. Maybe the difference in distance is irrelevant. In that sense it's sort of a lackluster point to make (it's a non-story).
        Now there's nothing wrong with debating your opinion in a general way, or falling back on common knowledge, or strang impressions. But doing so, then getting defensive and nasty to everyone who disagrees, and then calling THEM trolls, while claiming your comments are logical (when they really don't do the word justice with any sort of rigor)... well, come on man, really? And now you want me to stop trolling you? Is everyone a troll to you? But you're never trolling anyone else, right? Think about it REEEEEAAALLY hard.
        You were right that you used the definition at the top of the page that I linked to, I should have used quotes from the start to demonstrate that that wasn't adequate to me, and more specificity (any reference to drawing inferences, a process, rules... something with an objective reference point). That was my fault. Sorry.
        But geez man. We're not all out to get you. Some of us just don't LIKE you very much because you talk like a massively rude asshole.
      18. Potterbat
        October 8, 2014
        Actually few actors can actually pull off different accents well. That is why most actors tend to pick roles that offer their natural accent. It's like music, just because you're professional, doesn't mean you can play everything. Acting is an art, not a "career". you don't go to school for a degree then to some interviews, then 401k
        Infact, the comment this guy made about Affleck does not really make him look good. Doesn't make him look bad but... he should have said, Affleck will be good because I trust in his acting *period*. Not, he'll be good because he had more time with the script , or, he won't have to worry about an accent. Like he has some kind of crutch that bale didn't. But in reality, he does have to put on an accent because Affleck has a Boston accent, meaning he will have to put on a Bruce Wayne voice. This actually kind of scares me since this might be evidence that Bruce Wayne might sound like regular affleck. Hmmm
      19. Knight-Errant
        October 8, 2014
        I concur on most of this. I think there are several actors who'd argue there is an art to the profession.
      20. Mark
        October 8, 2014
        I think what he was talking about goes beyond just the accent, though. It sounds like he's thinking of a whole American "attitude"... the swagger, if you will, that also needs to be captured as part of the performance, and if you already have that, or don't have to reach far for it, you're that much further ahead on creating the character.
        So far as the acting goes, it's by no means certain that someone who is an accomplished actor in their native accent will be able not only to consistently speak in another, but also convey emotion while doing so. (I'd imagine that Method actors might have a harder time, as they convey emotion by remembering and feeling that emotion, which means trying to speak in another accent after you've deliberately become e.g. distraught. I could be wrong in that, of course.) If you doubt that experienced actors can have a hard time conveying feelings, etc. while working in a different accent, I invite you to watch Michelle Ryan in "Bionic Woman."
      21. Knight-Errant
        October 8, 2014
        So, you thought Keaton, Kilmer, & Clooney had natural swagger & Bale didn't because he's from a different country? I think that's a nitpick comment. I doubt Bale needed an extra month or extra takes to get the "American swagger" for his American roles.
        How do we know accomplished actors can't maintain their accents or mannerisms during emotional scenes? I don't buy that he can maintain an American accent during unscripted press junket, but not during scenes he's rehearsed & planned for.
      22. Mark
        October 8, 2014
        Maybe they do, maybe they don't (to both questions). I don't know how long Bale takes to prepare, and he's been playing Americans for so long that it may well come more easily to him. But I think interpreting Lennix's comment as referring strictly to the accent (as many of the posters in the thread have done) is missing a good chunk of the point, which is what I was getting at. I honestly could not care less about the Baleman-Batfleck flame war or a certain poster's inane hissyfits.
      23. Knight-Errant
        October 8, 2014
        I just don't buy that a guy who has done American accents multiple times, all convincingly, has that as a hurdle anymore. Its like saying an actor who is American would have a hurdle to cross to play a German, even though that actor is fluent in the language.
      24. Logan
        October 8, 2014
        Cavill had to get a voice coach to do the accent and it was brought up many times in interviews around Man of Steel's release so I imagine he certainly had to put in a bit more effort than an American actor would in the same role.
      25. HUSH LittleBaby
        October 8, 2014
        There you have it,.. facts, facts, facts.
        Thank you, sir.
      26. HUSH LittleBaby
        October 8, 2014
        No, I'm taliking to the guy that schooled your ass.
      27. HUSH LittleBaby
        October 8, 2014
        Wow, you take misunderstanding context to a whole new level.
        1st, pretty much anyone of us here, schooled your ass.
        2nd, the only troll here is you, the guy who doubles down on his own stupidity, without anything to base his arguments on, other than that doctrine he was taught in the university of "I know what you are, but what am I?"
      28. HUSH LittleBaby
        October 8, 2014
        So, why don't you?
      29. HUSH LittleBaby
        October 8, 2014
        Yet, somehow you still sound like a moron. OOH! What a conundrum.
    2. The Dark Knight
      October 8, 2014
      I think you don't know Bale as an artist. He is great actor. What you are talking about that is no ptoblem for Bale like great actor. And struggle to play any role? Struggle fear Bale. If you see his films you will see his hardwork,seriousness,dedication for his work. Shifting accept is not even a problem to Bale. He reduce his weight,look etc for films like 'nothing is a big deal'.
  2. The Dark Knight
    October 8, 2014
    I don't see Bale in any film to use English accent. He use American accent and he also grow up in America so he don't have to struggle to play Bruce Wayne or Batman.
    1. The Dark Knight
      October 8, 2014
      Overall he don't use English accent. Not even in his real life.
  3. Georgey Boy
    October 8, 2014
    Precisely, and for most actors, an American accent is the easiest.accent in the world, it comes naturally without thinking about it because we've all grown with american movies and media
2. dugzino
  October 8, 2014
  Well. I think Bale was a bad Bruce Wayne... And a mediocre Batman. I never really liked him in any movies. And yeah, they shouldn't be compared because we all know Leonardo DiCaprio's the best actor anyway. :P
3. The Dark Knight
  October 8, 2014
  Actually Harry don't say bad about Bale,he said the last guy who play Batman did a great job. Don't be angry. And there is no doubt Ben as an actor far far behind compared to Bale. Bale is a great actor. If you make a list of top three best actor from this generation of Hollywood acting than Bale will be in top three. Other two may be Depp and Daniel Dey. He (Bale) is brilliant artist no doubt. But Ben is a good actor. But more smart in filmmaking. He also won two Oscar,so he is a special artist. I believe Ben will deliver strongly.
4. Unique Jenique
  October 8, 2014
  Christian Bale and Ben Affleck are amazing actors in their own right. Henry was in no way down playing Christian's acting capabilities. He said Christian did a great job. Jeez.
5. Jamesy
  October 8, 2014
  Even if Bale was American, he would have still been focusing on changing his voice when he had the cowl on. I get what Lennix is saying, it's one less thing to focus on. But if you're on set for a number of months, an accent can just become second nature, lot's of actors tend to just speak in the "working accent" if you like when they hang between takes because it's easier to maintain rather than stopping and starting. I seen an interview where Henry Cavill said if it was a day with a lot of dialogue then he found it easier to just stay in the American accent all day. I think depending on the person, it could be a bit of hassle to keep thinking "Right I've got to keep this accent up, got to pronounce that word this way or that way" as opposed to the way they feel is natural. They've got to be consistent as well, say a British actor done a whole scene in a perfect American accent then slipped up when he pronounced "mum" instead of "mom". It's one less thing to worry about that's all. I think Affleck will nail it, he's learned a lot in his career since "those days" his experience directing, and working with talented directors will be in his favour and I don't think he would have taken on a role like this this late on in his career if he didn't think ok I can do this. In terms of physicality, he's spot on...he can be charming, play the playboy, he's lived that life. And I think if he works on his voice, can be intimidating and threatening as Batman, I think we're in for a treat. And anyway, even if he sucks...we all still have our favourite comics, movies., cartoons to go back to...this is just one more chapter in the story of Batman.
6. Spurple
  October 8, 2014
  Actually, he praised Bale.
eli
October 8, 2014
bloody assholes.
Mustachio
October 8, 2014
'Murican Batman.
BatkidGrayson
October 8, 2014
While I agree that Ben Affleck will bring a new dimension to Batman, I have to say that mentioning Christian Bale's nationality was uncalled for.
It wasn't professional of him to suggest that Bale's nationality could possibly have affected his acting, or that Affleck's being American could make him better suited for the role. That's just not fair.
1. eli
  October 8, 2014
  Yeah all my appreciation for this film makers and casting gone,
  this showing the despred and unsure what they doing.
  1. BatkidGrayson
    October 8, 2014
    Personally, I'm really excited for this movie and I think it has a lot of promise, and I don't think that one single comment from a single cast member can bring the movie down to its knees, its just this comment kind of irked me...
    Its like saying that since I'm a Brazilian violinist, I won't be able to play European music as well as actual Europeans...
2. Spurple
  October 8, 2014
  It's kinda like James Bond. If an american guy was to play Bond, think of what would happen.
Worlds Finest Comments
October 8, 2014
So I guess by Lennix's logic, he must've thought Henry Cavill was a lackluster Superman because he's a Brit too. Bet it's gonna be awkward the next time those 2 see each other...
But I'm sure this idiotic comment about a person's nationality having a positive/negative impact on their work ethic won't come back to blow up in his face and bite him in the ass. It's not like the internet and opinions are a thing.
Brandon J. Hall
October 8, 2014
I think many of you took his comment waaaaaaaaay out of context.
1. bosco
  October 8, 2014
  Yet, here you are doing it ALL the time...
  1. bosco
    October 8, 2014
    Checkout time, dumbass.
    1. Atomic Jackass
      October 8, 2014
      NO
2. The Dark Knight
  October 8, 2014
  Agree. At least i don't do that. :-)
  The Dark Knight feeling proud. :D
Worlds Finest Comments
October 8, 2014
This was the first thing I thought of when I read this... for some reason.
1. HubbleFunk
  October 8, 2014
  http://25.media.tumblr.com/...
2. Unique Jenique
  October 8, 2014
  I WANT THEM THEY ARE SO ADORABLE GIMME!
  1. Unique Jenique
    October 9, 2014
    HAHA
eloelo
October 8, 2014
lmao did y'all just read the headlines and then jump into it? Not only does he say Bale did a good job, his only point is that since Affleck does not have to worry about trying to look like a convincing Gothamite (New York, Chicagoan), he just has to look like a convincing Batman. It cuts his workload. NOW, it's irrelevant because Bale has been acting as an American for years (what's his most famous film? Kinda has American in the title...), but it's not an offensive point or even a stupid one if it was any other actor--say, Andrew Garfield vs. Affleck instead.
1. Knight Falcon
  October 8, 2014
  That's what I was thinking. It's simply is about being able to focus on the character rather than the technical points.
2. HUSH LittleBaby
  October 8, 2014
  FINALLY!! A smart person.
3. paco
  October 8, 2014
  Yes
  1. ziggo
    October 8, 2014
    Great argument,..
    1. Mikey Palin
      October 8, 2014
      It's not an argument, it's just a contradiction. We get that a lot from A.M.
4. Bats2012
  October 8, 2014
  I've never heard of The Dark Knight American, or is it The American Dark Knight? Or The Dark American Knight? I digress...
Alex Vidal
October 8, 2014
While I was reading this I kept thinking, " Atomic Man is going to hate this" lol
1. HubbleFunk
  October 8, 2014
  Same! haha!
2. Matches Malone
  October 8, 2014
  Just wait for that David guy's opinion. I'm sure he has some wildly idiotic statement about this.
  1. Bats2012
    October 8, 2014
    He would probably say this, "Americans are healthier due to their high fat red meat diets and are less impotent than silly people from Brittland, they're too close to France to ever reproduce and must die. Lennix hates science."
    1. Adam
      October 8, 2014
      "Plus check out this sweet 2.5D motion comic I made of the whole interview"
Knight Falcon
October 8, 2014
I took it as he just has one less thing to worry about.
As in he doesn't have to focus on embodying our culture as well as our accents. Sure that's not a hard thing to do for a professional, but the less you focus on the better I'm sure.
He never said anything bad about Bale.
I will say the "I'm especially excited that we've an American actor here" was a strange statement, but there was no disrespect towards Bale or any other people. Given that some of the greatest actors in cinema are British, he may have just been expressing that it's nice to see such a good American actor.
Also on another note, Affleck was perfect in Gone Girl. One of the best films this year.
1. Knight Falcon
  October 8, 2014
  COMPLETE understatement.
  All I can say is Fincher did an amazing job making such a complex story so comprehensible. Also the acting was spot on for everyone. Even Tyler Perry, whom I despise even the sound of his name, did a great job.
2. Diego!
  October 8, 2014
  Ben was great in Gone Girl!!! Yes! But I personally think Rosamund Pike overshadowed him (and everybody else in that movie) and stole the show. Her performance was FLAWLESS. Amazing movie!
HUSH LittleBaby
October 8, 2014
Let's not take this out of context, people.
He's saying that Ben does not need to add an accent to his preformance like Bale did.
Meaning it will be easier for him to play the part.
Seriously,.. taking things out of context is why we (the USA) are #43 in education. And I'm prety sure I got that number wrong,.. Know why?
BECAUSE I'M AN AMERICAN!!!
1. DrCrane
  October 8, 2014
  Too many people are jumping the stupid-gun on this.
  I'm guessing they haven't even taken the effort to read beyond the title of the article.
2. HUSH LittleBaby
  October 8, 2014
  You gave hat same argumant earlier, so I'll give you the same awnser..
  Now imagine if he was an American, than he doesn't need to to use an accent. Which in turn would make his job easier.
  Which in turn is the entire point.
  1. Bats2012
    October 8, 2014
    Imagine that he isn't American THEN (not than) he probably knows how to use English correctly and won't make a fool of himself in any accent.
3. Bat-Mite
  October 8, 2014
  I just died XD
Enzo
October 8, 2014
Batfleck > Baleman
1. Enzo
  October 8, 2014
  Yes
  1. PhoenixOuroboros
    October 8, 2014
    no
    1. Enzo
      October 8, 2014
      Yes
2. The Dark Knight
  October 8, 2014
  It is childish to declare this strongly before Ben come with his first film.
OptimistPrime99
October 8, 2014
OMG! I hope that Lennix's harmless comment, doesn't get blown outta proportion, by the freakin' media!
realitystars.files.wordpres...
1. OptimistPrime99
  October 8, 2014
  But yes, Batfleck being an Ameerrrrrican, is nice. Cuz I too, am an Ameerrrrrcan citizen.
The Dark Knight
October 8, 2014
Bale is best Bruce Wayne and Batman yet in live-action Batman films. And i believe Ben will take his legacy in next level. I will not make any stupid comparison,when Bale's Batman films based on different take where Ben's Batman will based different take.
1. RH3ZA
  October 8, 2014
  His Bruce Wayne was a little too "I"M RICH ASSHOLE" but he was the best Bruce. Keaton was the better Batman, he didn't talk much, when he did he was intimidating, and he wasn't over philosophical.
  1. Knight-Errant
    October 8, 2014
    Are there specific scenes or lines you can provide as examples to his "I'm rich, asshole" interpretation?
    1. Kevin Bacon
      October 8, 2014
      I'm buying this hotel and making some changes to the pool area. He played up his rich playboy act all the time. Duhhh. Open your eyes. Shit's obvious.
      1. The Dark Knight
        October 8, 2014
        That was intentional. He was not 'actually' spoilt billionaire. But he did those because he intentionally try to prove to society 'this spoilt Wayne can't be Batman'.
      2. Kevin Bacon
        October 8, 2014
        Yes that's what I meant when I used the word "act." Great job.
      3. Knight-Errant
        October 8, 2014
        Ah, his "Bruce Wayne" mask. Got it.
        Does the insults to people normally work? Calm down. Sometimes people misread posts. No need to fire the first shot.
      4. The Dark Knight
        October 8, 2014
        Tim's both Batman film not even touch 8 rating on 10. Where Nolan's all Batman films critically acclaimed. BB 8.3. TDK 9. TDKR 8.6. Just no comparison with those childish films.
      5. i'm the arrow
        October 8, 2014
        that's what bruce wayne does.
  2. The Dark Knight
    October 8, 2014
    Keaton's performance as Wayne or Batman not even compareable with Bale's performance. The difference between them is big. Keaton is second best Wayne and Batman after Bale. Only who compare Bale and Keaton is grow with Tim's Batman. Otherwise you can't call Keaton better than Bale. Keaton is far behind than Bale. As an actor Keaton is a 'doll' in front of Bale.
    1. RH3ZA
      October 8, 2014
      I only watched the 1989 Batman 2 years ago when I was 16. I watched the Nolan movies before I watched the 1989 version and I could hardly remember Batman Returns. I can call Keaton's better because it's my own opinion based on my own personal opinion on the movies. I like Keaton's quieter Batman more then Bale's shouting/talkative Batman.
      1. Knight-Errant
        October 8, 2014
        The scene where Bruce first meets Vicki at his charity party is one of my favorites. Bale portrayed a great "spoiled, no care in the world" Bruce, but in that 1 moment, Keaton illustrated a Bruce whose always processing situations.
      2. The Dark Knight
        October 8, 2014
        It depends. Every one not think in same way. Everyones demand is not same. Simple. I like Bale's version. Keaton's version is to me nothing 'that much' special. Actually Nolan's Batman films,take,idea everything is far far ahead than Tim's Batman work. In simple line Nolan Batman films is adult. Tim's films are not. And almost everyone know here how much i appreciate Bale as an actor. He is my inspiration. He is great.
      3. Guest
        October 10, 2014
        I don't think you can really say Tim's films aren't for adults when the whole reason Schumacher was brought in was because the first two movies were too dark. Now maybe Schumacher's weren't but they were just campy. Ben might be the best interpretation of the character because of the tone of the film. Man of steel had a good balance between fantasy and reality and a Batman in that world would be great to see especially an older batman. Don't get me wrong though, Keaton and Bale had amazing performances for the material that was given but Im really thinkin Ben's Batman will be iconic.
  3. PhoenixOuroboros
    October 8, 2014
    Keaton?? the better batman?? hahahahaha, that guy that walked like he shat himself with a suit made out of gum??
    hahahahaha, no
    1. The Dark Knight
      October 8, 2014
      Yeah,man! :D Tim's batsuit is joke in this generation. A bad joke! Right place is in showcase.
The Dark Knight
October 8, 2014
Bale is best Bruce Wayne and Batman yet in live-action Batman films. And i believe Ben will take his legacy in next level. I won't make any stupid comparison,when Bale's Batman films based on different take where Ben's Batman will based different take.
Ahmed Mohamed
October 8, 2014
wait what ? l Thought that he had an advantage from Bale Because
1- It won't be Realistic Movie
2- He Looks Like Batman
3- The Suit Looks like Batman Suit .. Not like a biker suit !
4-The Super Hero Chin Man... Just The Superhero chin
5-He won't have a throat cancer ....
1. Adam
  October 8, 2014
  Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice starring Ben Affleck as the Super Hero Chin Man!
2. Enzo
  October 9, 2014
  All true, especially the looking like Batman part. IT'S ABOUT FVCKING TIME!!
MIGN
October 8, 2014
I'm sorry, but that doesn't make sense at all. You want an actor who will do a great job with the character, regardless of nationality. We have a british actor as Superman, and he's great! Don't get me wrong, I think Affleck is going to be great, but the fact that he's an american has nothing to do with it.
1. Gothamite1939
  October 8, 2014
  Exactly I couldn't have said it better.
kieran1234
October 8, 2014
yeah because george clooney and val kilmer did such a great job as batman, clearly it doesnt matter where you come from
Guest
October 8, 2014
I don't see how American casting is increasingly rare. Okay, almost the entire main cast of TDK trilogy were Brits but Man Of Steel had only one I can think of. That's a rather big decrease in British actors in one film alone.
1. Mark
  October 8, 2014
  The main exceptions to that: Cillian Murphy is Irish, not British; Heath Ledger was Australian, all three leading ladies, Katie Holmes, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Anne Hathaway are American, as is Aaron Eckhart. But Bale, Caine, Oldman, and Tom Hardy are indeed all English.
Harish
October 8, 2014
american or british it doesn't matter they all are actors and it's their job to do something different all the time, it's kinda illogical statement from Lenix, let's take Henry for example a Brit but yet the best version of live action superman.
Knight-Errant
October 8, 2014
After reading this, I have to say that I hope what he said wasn't what he meant. First, it's not as though Bale is Keanu Reeves (ala Devil's Advocate), he was able to maintain the American accent throughout the whole trilogy & interviews during Batman Begins promotions (not to mention the other movies he's done.) Bale is even known for his ability to mimic accents, its one of the tools in his toolbox.
Secondly, I never heard Bale needed a speech coach during any of the Batman movies. Nor did I hear he needed someone to teach him the American ethos.
Thirdly, among the criticisms of Bale's Batman (which are now influx thanks to a new actor playing the part), I've never heard his interpretation "wasn't American enough."
Finally, wouldn't an actor need to spend sometime learning the culture of where he/she will be acting (or pretending to be from based on the script & shooting locale)? Wouldn't an actor (at least the really good ones) who grew up in NYC, lives in LA, but shooting a movie in a small town in Alabama still need to learn the "ethos" of the location? Wouldn't that Alabama teacher who grew up in the small town, distrusts outsiders, but strangely has a NY accent & mannerisms really take audiences out of the movie?
Sergio
October 8, 2014
Reading between the lines, is lennix saying that cavill is a handicapped actor and an American one would be doing a better job as superman?
1. Orlando Furioso
  October 8, 2014
  Exactly where his logic would lead. What a dumb thing for Lennix to say.
  1. Mark
    October 8, 2014
    No, because Superman isn't American, he's Kryptonian. Since part of the character is this person who has realized he is an alien trying to find his place in a world he has discovered isn't really his own, any discomfort Cavill MAY have had in working in a different accent, etc. is something he could draw upon to deepen his understanding and creation of the character.
    1. Orlando Furioso
      October 8, 2014
      The story of Superman is pretty close to that of the immigrant coming to America and loving his new home and striving to become a model citizen and a hero upholding its ideals. Sure the story has changed over the years but those are its roots. Maybe this does apply to Cavill as much as to an American-born actor, but in any case, the actor's nationality matters almost zero compared to bringing the character to life. Bale and Affleck, Welsh and American, I think it does not matter.
    2. Sergio
      October 8, 2014
      superman is the most american of DC's characters; if DC's superheroes were food, superman would be apple pie...
2. Enzo
  October 9, 2014
  Superman's an alien tho.
Gothamite1939
October 8, 2014
I'm sorry but what?!
1) I love Affleck but I would pay to see a Bale movie anyday over a movie with Affleck in it.
2) some of the greatest if not most of the greatest actors and actress to ever live come from Britain and most of them do great American accents.
3) I get that he's trying to support the actor in the part but was their any need to bring this up or answer the question? It's not like the character is Captain America and has an American flag draped across his chest.
4) as other comments have pointed next time he talks to Cavill might be a bit... Awkward to say the least.
Anyway that's my rant lol.
Johnny Bravo5713
October 8, 2014
I came to know that Bale is British today :)
But dude he's one kick-ass actor.Ben Affleck is good in his own way and Bale has already proved himself the best batman right next to Michael Keaton.So i feel being American doesnt score Ben any extra points.
Christian Bale is "The American Pyscho"
http://33.media.tumblr.com/...
Orlando Furioso
October 8, 2014
Not a smart thing to say, at the very least because it is not true. I am a big Affleck fan but I had to do a double-take at this inane comment.
Orlando Furioso
October 8, 2014
I have gotten the impression that Lennix loves to hear himself talk.
Chsox203
October 8, 2014
I don't really think that the American / British comment is true. imo" Bale's character has done an excellent job fitting into the American role.
I just hope that Ben kills it as both Bruce / Batman
Bats2012
October 8, 2014
I'm so tired of people comparing apples to oranges. Especially when they state it as fact.
Uncapped Crusader
October 8, 2014
This man say purely stupid things. Lewis Wilson, Robert Lowery, Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney are Americans, but none of them did a better Batman than Christian Bale, with the exception of the excellent Bruce Wayne of Keaton.
Guest
October 8, 2014
just to set this straight, american actors also have to hide their respective hometown accents; Affleck is from Boston and i'm sure as hell that he will have to hide his Boston accent while playing Bruce/Batman.... and don't think he will be saying Jokah instead of joker...

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