Bat Men

With the release of Batman vs Superman begins the fourth new film version of Batman in the last 50 years. In those four versions, views of this superhero can be seen changing as societal attitudes do. Generational turnover, too, appears to play a role.

If you haven't been here before, please take a look at the Introduction to Generations, the Generational Attributes and the Four Stories in order to get up to speed on how all this works, and the terms being used.

Batman: The Movie (1966 movie and television series)

This Batman is hardly hidden at all. He has a secret identity that he protects, but spends time on the streets, and works directly with the police. Robin is by his side throughout. Only criminals bring up his status as vigilante - the dangers of the day (and obvious government support) are sufficient to overlook that otherwise. He is effectively invincible, always ready with an unexpectedly specialized tool from his utility belt. His personal flaws are not even glossed over, but completely ignored in favor of his positive role as a savior of society in difficult times. 

Batman (1989 Tim Burton movie)

Michael Keaton's Batman is always in the shadows, trying to solve crimes without letting people know he exists. He fights mob corruption in the first movie, political corruption in Batman Returns. While his sanity is questioned by other characters, it's clear enough to the audience that he's the good guy.  He is more vulnerable than before, not always able to protect himself and others. although rarely outwitted or overcome. Robin shows up in the second sequel, Batman Forever, although having a sidekick doesn't seem to work well in this incarnation. 

Batman Begins (2005 Christopher Nolan film, start of The Dark Knight trilogy )

Bruce Wayne here has flaws that are shown from the start, and he needs to overcome many - including, in this origin story, a mentor who is not all that he seems.  His struggles are not only with unstoppable super-villains but with his own issues, inadequacies, and weaknesses. His vulnerabilities are specifically noted in this film and its sequels, where he is frequently injured and captured. Robin is absent, only suggested as a possible successor near the end of the third movie. 

This can be seen as a progression from a working-within-the-system Silent Adam West (b. 1928) to  an outside-the-mostly-corrupt-system Boomer Keaton (b. 1951) to completely-outside-and self- supported Generation X Bale (b. 1974). At the same time, Batman's flawed nature is being amplified, and whether the man himself is really good is questioned more.

This latest version of Batman is supposed to be a reboot, definitely different and separate from The Dark Knight. What can be expected from it? With Ben Affleck (b. 1972), it's another Generation X portrayal, so it's not likely to be a Heroic version, yet. It does appear to be a Crisis period, considering the level of destruction threatened by the villain.  While Batman has flaws, more time seems spent pointing out problems inherent in the alien savior Superman. When forced to take on bigger threats than either of them can handle alone, this Gen Xer appears forced to fight as part of a team. The other members of that team are played by Millennial actors Henry Caville and Gal Gadot.  Teamwork comes easily to Millennials, like other Hero generations, and it would make sense to have a strong team anchored by those who are good at working together. The older Batman, meanwhile, will be the one who finds teaming up difficult.