My Take on the DCEU Version of Bruce Wayne: A Critical Perspective on His Killing Methods and Character Development

As an SEO expert, I thought it would be interesting to analyze the DCEU (DC Extended Universe) version of Bruce Wayne/Batman through the lens of his killing methods and character development, comparing it to the Dark Knight Trilogy that I truly enjoyed. My perspective is rooted in a fair comparison with the early Batman franchise and a deeper dive into the differences between Ben Affleck as Batman and the version created by Zach Snyder.

The Issue with Casual Killings

One of the aspects that troubled me most about the DCEU Batman was his casual killing. Unlike the Dark Knight Trilogy, where Batman only resorts to killing when absolutely necessary or as an indirect consequence of saving a greater good, the DCEU Batman seems to have no qualms about taking lives. For example, in Crisis on 2 Earths, he indirectly kills Owlman to save the multiverse, which goes against the ethical policeman and detective that I admire in the character.

The Dark Knight Trilogy: A Golden Age for Bruce Wayne

The Dark Knight Trilogy with Christian Bale as Batman was, in my opinion, a standout. The character of Bruce Wayne was well-developed and consistent, with a sense of maturity and a clear separation between his public persona and his secret identity. This contrast was a key element that made Batman a relatable and complex character. Joss Whedon's involvement in Justice League, however, was a mixed bag—his portrayal of Batman in Dawn of Justice lacked the nuance of the previous films. The iconic line, "If there's even a one percent chance of Superman going evil, I have to take it as an absolute certainty!" feels out of character for the World's Greatest Detective and is not in line with the logical and methodical detective Bruce Wayne created by Christopher Nolan.

Ben Affleck's Batman

Ben Affleck brought a new dimension to the role of Batman, but the character's inconsistency in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League (Snyder Cut) was frustrating. Affleck's ability to portray both Bruce Wayne and Batman was commendable, but his take on the character as a late-in-life Batman and Bruce Wayne created some confusion. The DCEU version of Bruce Wayne is depicted as a man who is all over the place, often drunk, a womanizer, and a scientist and inventor. His physical prowess as a fighter, which was consistently seen in Sword of Justice, does not align with a man who is often depicted as a heavy drinker and womanizer.

The Franchise and My Reference Points

I am not deeply involved in the Batman franchise beyond a few key films like The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, Batman: The Animated Series, and a couple of animated films such as Son of Batman, Batman vs. Robin, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, and a Scooby-Doo crossover. Adam West's portrayal of Batman is too different to offer a fair comparison, as is the Scooby-Doo version of Batman. My frame of reference is based on these experiences, provided as context for the analysis of the DCEU version.

Refusal to Kill and Ethical Dilemmas

One of the ethical dilemmas that Batman faces in the Dark Knight Trilogy is the "One Rule" that he enforces, which is not to kill. This rule is tested in various ways, such as in Batman Begins when he refuses to save a man from falling to his death and the climactic scene in The Dark Knight where he chooses to let Harvey Dent fall to his doom rather than killing The Joker. In The Dark Knight Rises, another ethical dilemma arises, but it is resolved with Batman's refusal to take the life of Bane. These scenes highlight the internal conflict that Batman faces between his moral code and the realities of his work as a vigilante.

However, in the DCEU version, Bruce Wayne seems to have abandoned this ethical code, leading to frustration among fans who hold The Dark Knight Trilogy in high regard. The lack of emotional connection to Robin and the inconsistency in Batman's behavior when dealing with low-level criminals and Superman pose questions about the character's consistency and believability. If he is morally opposed to killing, it is difficult to accept his actions in Doomsday’s Design, where he spares Lex Luthor Jr. but kills the Doomsday creature, a supervillain, which feels out of place within the established moral framework of the character.

The Hatred for Superman and his Impact

Despite the aforementioned issues, the DCEU Batman does have a stronger hatred for Superman. This hatred is depicted as a deep-seated antagonism, and I appreciate how the films explore this aspect. However, his portrayal in Justice League is one where his loathing for Superman is further reduced to a joke, which is a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the character's complexity and motivations. His hatred stems from a belief that Superman represents a threat to humanity's place in the world, a notion that resonates with the character's detective and moral logic.

In conclusion, while the DCEU Batman has its strengths, particularly in its portrayal of his hatred for Superman, the inconsistencies and lack of ethical clarity undermine the character's development and storytelling. Comparing this version to the Dark Knight Trilogy highlights the need for a more coherent and consistent character arc.