cast comparison

007 Cast Comparison: James Bond(s)

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“The name is Bond, James Bond.”

With those simple words an icon was introduced to the world: James Bond, 007, the suave international man of mystery with a license to kill. It is estimated that since his first appearance in 1962’s Dr. No, over a quarter of the world’s population has seen at least one James Bond film (which makes sense for a series that has spanned half a century and soon-to-be 23 films). Created by the immensely talented Sir Ian Fleming for the page in 1953, the character was adapted to the screen through the efforts of Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and his producing partner Harry Saltzman in 1962, never looking back since.

Holy Cast Comparison Batman! – Christian Bale

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Part Five: Christian “The Machinist” Bale:

Christian Bale is the current Batman and is known for resurrecting the character, alongside visionary director Christopher Nolan. In 2005, Bale debuted in Batman Begins, tasked with re-invigorating the franchise hero after George Clooney’s ridiculous turn in Batman and Robin. Eight years had passed between the two films, just enough time for the studio to marinate in their embarrassment and embark in a new direction.

Holy Cast Comparison Batman! – George Clooney

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Part Four: George “Fantastic Mr. Fox” Clooney:

Clooney, Clooney, Clooney… What can I say? Batman & Robin (1997) is widely regarded as one of the worst superhero movies of all time (if not just the worst movie), which makes George Clooney by far the worst actor to ever hold a Batarang. Every single piece of the Batman & Robin apple is unfortunately rotten, from the costumes to the screenplay, let alone the wooden, campy acting that fills every corner of your screen. But Clooney isn’t even the worst culprit; in fact he’s one of the more capable actors. In this situation, the captain definitely went down with the ship. In fact, as bad as the film was, it was still one of Clooney’s biggest breaks, helping to make him the household name he is today. Which means that in the end, we might have to thank the guano that was Batman & Robin for bringing us the star that was George Clooney.

Holy Cast Comparison Batman! – Val Kilmer

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Part Three: Val “Iceman” Kilmer

Val Kilmer was the third man to take up the Bat-cape, starring as the titular Batman in 1995’s Batman Forever. Kilmer had previously shot to fame in the ’80s (Top Secret!, Top Gun, Willow) but really came alive in the ’90s with acclaimed roles in Tombstone, The Doors (playing Jim Morrison), and True Romance (as Elvis!). His leading man status had been cemented by then and he was a natural successor for the role of Batman after Michael Keaton backed out of the proposed third film.

Holy Cast Comparison Batman! – Michael Keaton

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Part Two: Michael “Beetlejuice” Keaton

Michael Keaton’s Batman was revolutionary in that he presented a Batman for the modern age but through methods that we now take for granted. It was Keaton’s idea for Batman’s gruff low voice, to separate him from his alter ego Bruce Wayne, (which has since developed into Christian Bale’s smoker’s-lung-Batman). Keaton’s Batman was also the first with the all-black suit (except for the bright yellow logo…), for in the comics Batman was traditionally blue and black. Interestingly, Keaton hated the suit, finding it claustrophobic (who wouldn’t), but he has stated he turned that fear and discomfort into fuel for his brooding Batman. Indeed, Keaton’s Batman was brooding and dark, a new turn for the character away from the camp and colour of Adam West’s 1960’s serials. Keaton played his Bruce Wayne as charming but distracted, as if always itching to be back in the suit, to get back to being Batman. Keaton also played him as much less of a playboy than the later actors, more interested in dressing up in his leather costume and scaring criminals than romancing women (except for Vicki Vale of course, va va voom).

Holy Cast Comparison Batman! – Adam West

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One of the most iconic characters of all time, Batman  (aka The Caped Crusader, aka The Dark Knight, aka… you get the picture) is an instantly recognizable global phenomenon. The last line of defense against the scum of Gotham City, and a card-carrying AARP member at 73 years old, Batman, known to his closest friends as Bruce Wayne, is perhaps most inspiring because he represents the pinnacle of human triumph, the story of a simple man (with a…rather large trust fund), who dedicated his entire life to athletic, detective, and crime-busting perfection. What can be more inspiring than that? Little boys everywhere wanted to be Batman, slinging a sheet around their neck for a cape and running around the house sending make-believe supervillians to Arkham Asylum. Five of those special little boys never would grow up and would go on to play Batman in a total of  8 feature films, much to the delight (and occasional chagrin) of Batman fans worldwide. Of course I’m talking about Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, and Christian Bale.

3 Key Roles: Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’ vs. Gus Van Sant’s ‘Psycho’

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It’s no surprise that horror films are prime for remakes/reboots/prequels/sequels and whatever new iteration the movie industry seems to come up with. What’s even more intriguing is when those intentions aren’t solely placed on making a quick buck, but as an art project of its own. In comes Gus Van Sant’s shot-for-shot remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and the particular casting choices for canonical characters Norman Bates and Marion Crane.

‘Let The Right One In’ vs. ‘Let Me In’: Cast Comparison

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In 2008, director Tomas Alfredson brought Let The Right One In to life in John Ajvide Lindqvist tale of two young individuals in Stockholm: Oskar, a 12-year-old boy and Eli, a centuries-old vampire who strike an unlikely friendship. While 2 years later in 2010, Matt Reeves would bring the story to the Reagan-era of New Mexico, renaming the characters Owen and Abby in Let Me In. On the surface you would question the true nature of the story, but the essence lies in its altruistic need for a friend when surrounded by the negativity of man.