Michael Keaton recently teased the introduction of his Batman in The Flash – here’s why the first shot echoing Tim Burton is so important. Directed by Andy Muschietti, the upcoming DCEU blockbuster will see Justice League’s Ezra Miller reprise the role of Barry Allen as his character explores the Multiverse. However, for a film supposedly about the Flash, most of the buzz surrounds the inclusion of two Batmen, with both Ben Affleck and Keaton donning the cape and cowl.
When Tim Burton signed on to direct the first Batman film since 1966, he had the difficult task of changing public opinion from Adam West’s campy version and returning the character to his dark roots. Keaton’s casting instantly caused outrage, as the actor was then known for his comedic roles. However, both Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992) proved that Tim Burton and Michael Keaton know how to deliver a tragic, eerie take on the Dark Knight without ever losing their sense of fun. Whether this can be replicated in The Flash remains to be seen.
There is much to speculate about Affleck’s role in the film, especially considering he was long thought to have ended his tenure in the DCEU. However, it’s Keaton’s return that’s far more important to get right. Discussing his emotional reaction to playing Batman again continues to build excitement for The Flash, but his first shot must instantly capture the tone and atmosphere of Burton’s films. The Edward Scissorhands director has such a distinctive visual style that Keaton needs to feel like he still belongs in the same world, which is a reflection of his iteration of the character.
Tim Burton's unique style and affinity with misfits cast out from traditional society made him the perfect choice to delve into the world of Batman. Muschietti must juggle Barry Allen’s first solo film with the highly anticipated return of two entirely different interpretations of Batman. The Flash’s first shot of Keaton’s hero is crucial to establishing the correct tone and illustrating the character's direction. The Flash needs to avoid empty nostalgia but still honor what came before. Simply recreating iconic shots would likely prove distracting but crafting a great, original first image that evokes Burton’s sensibilities can demonstrate how the character has both changed and potentially remained the same. It’s doubtful Keaton's much older Batman would use all the same tactics, especially in combat, but he still needs to feel like the character audiences know.
Keaton’s eagerness suggests the script will do the character justice, but it’s arguably harder to replicate the Burton-era's visuals. If mishandled, Keaton could feel completely out of place, no longer belonging to any world. This factor may eventually be explored if Keaton is brought into the main DCEU continuity but, for now, The Flash will likely return to Burton’s very specific view of Gotham. Every Batman is designed to fit their individual surroundings. Affleck’s more cynical and brutish Dark Knight befits a world filled with metahumans, while Christian Bale’s incarnation is specifically tailored to a more “realistic” Gotham, including his tactical suit and stealth-oriented combat style. Meanwhile, Keaton’s eccentric loner perfectly fits a macabre, fantastical world that’s pure Burton and possibly the best depiction of Gotham City. If The Flash doesn’t accurately reflect that vision, Keaton’s Batman would no longer be the same character.
For The Flash to succeed, it’s key that Keaton’s kooky Caped Crusader echoes the haunting weirdness of Tim Burton, and the first shot will likely set the tone for his Batman's story. It’s possible to recreate this atmosphere without merely copying Burton, as evidenced by the brilliant Batman: The Animated Series. Keaton’s comments are reassuring, but it’s too early to tell how true this statement will appear until the film's release.
