Val Kilmer’s Bruce Wayne: A Surprising Appreciation After Rewatching Batman Forever

by

You might find it surprising, some of you, but I have a soft spot for the movie called “Batman Forever“. It’s not my top pick among live-action Batman films, and it’s far from perfect. In fact, it can be quite outlandish at times. But when it comes to Tommy Lee Jones’ portrayal of Two-Face, I wouldn’t go that far.

Still, despite its flaws, I find myself revisiting “Forever” every once in a while, appreciating the fun and lightheartedness it offers, which is a welcome break from the more serious Batman tales I’m accustomed to. However, I can’t say the same about “Batman & Robin“, but let’s save that discussion for another day.

After Val Kilmer’s passing last week, I found myself re-watching “Batman Forever” over the weekend, as a tribute to his sole portrayal of Bruce Wayne in the Caped Crusader’s 1995 cinematic outing. However, upon this viewing, a realization struck me: Bruce Wayne seems to be the central character in his own film. This observation adds to my newfound appreciation for “Forever,” as I reflect on it with mature perspective. But before we delve into that, let’s briefly revisit the challenges Kilmer’s Bruce encounters in this movie.

What Happens To Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever

As a passionate moviegoer, I must say that in Batman Forever, my plate was brimming with challenges, noticeably more than the previous two movies starring Michael Keaton. From the get-go, Two-Face was wreaking havoc, but things escalated dramatically when he joined forces with Edward Nygma, better known as The Riddler. It turns out that Bruce Wayne had turned down his proposal to create a device capable of broadcasting TV signals straight into the brain, fearing potential mind control issues. Unsurprisingly, this very gadget later became the catalyst for the Riddler and Two-Face uncovering Bruce’s secret identity as Batman.

In another version, here’s how we can rephrase it: Instead of him, Dick Grayson, a teenager portrayed by Chris O’Donnell who was 24 during Batman Forever, is the character in question. After Dick’s parents and brother were killed by Two-Face, Bruce Wayne took him under his wing. Dick was determined to avenge their deaths and sought to work with Batman to do so. At first, Bruce declined, explaining that taking Two-Face’s life wouldn’t bring the peace Dick desired. However, after an attack on Wayne Manor, Bruce changed his mind and agreed for Dick to join him as Robin.

Ultimately, what stands out most in this character portrayal of Bruce in “Batman Forever” is his internal struggle with his dual identity. I believe this conflict is more skillfully addressed than Two-Face’s fixation on the number two. After encountering Dr. Chase Meridian, he experiences turmoil balancing his civilian and superhero personas. This predicament deepens as he relives memories of his parents’ murder and the subsequent days, including discovering a mysterious red book (explored in more depth in the “Schumacher Cut,” which was never released).

Initially, Bruce momentarily steps away from his vigilante duties when he finds contentment with Chase, yet this tranquility is short-lived following the mentioned assault. In the final scenes of the film, he accepts leading a dual life as both Bruce Wayne and Batman.

Why I Appreciate Val Kilmer’s Bruce Wayne More Now

To begin with, allow me to express a personal observation. I hold Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Batman in high regard. Although Christian Bale remains my top pick among live-action Batman actors, and the voice of Kevin Conroy from the DC Animated Universe resonates when I read Batman comics, Keaton skillfully added his own touch to the character, notably distinguishing it from Adam West’s interpretation in the 1960s Batman TV series. I’ve recently found myself engaged with Bruce’s adventures in the book Batman: Resurrection, and honestly, Keaton’s reprisal of the role was one aspect of 2023’s The Flash that I appreciated.

More Batman Forever Coverage

Being a Devoted Follower of ‘Batman Forever,’ it was Heartwarming to Listen to Drew Barrymore Discuss her Time Collaborating with Val Kilmer on the DC Film.

The Story Behind Jim Carrey And Tommy Lee Jones’ Batman Forever Beef

One issue I’ve consistently found in both movies, Batman and Batman Returns, is that Bruce Wayne doesn’t seem fully developed as a character. Instead, he appears more like a plot device, serving to advance the storyline. It’s evident that Tim Burton was more captivated by characters such as The Joker, The Penguin, and Catwoman. Although Batman Returns attempts to give Keaton’s Bruce a bit more depth through his connection with Selina Kyle, his primary role is primarily to thwart the schemes of these villains, who we learn much more about compared to him.

Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne in contrast seems like the main focus of his own film, despite the fact that the Riddler and Two-Face undeniably seize their moments to captivate and make a spectacle. While there are criticisms towards Batman Forever, it manages to strike a balance between giving these villains room to flourish while delving into Bruce Wayne’s inner struggles and tumultuous emotions.

Despite its shortcomings, I must admit that I would have welcomed another appearance of Val Kilmer as Batman, if a subsequent film had delved into such insightful character exploration as “Batman Forever” did. Could the Batman movie franchise have evolved differently if he had continued in the role?

Instead of taking on the role, Kilmer opted out, allowing George Clooney to step in for the movie Batman & Robin. Released in 1997, this film isn’t exactly a favorite topic (it has its fair share of critics due to reasons Clooney himself often addresses). However, the lackluster reception of that movie served as a stepping stone for Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed Dark Knight trilogy.

If you’d like to grasp the topic we’ve been discussing better, why not stream the movie “Batman Forever” using your Max subscription? I can’t say when I’ll watch this film in its entirety next, but I now have a deeper appreciation for it. It might not make me yell “Joygasm!” while dressed in a green spandex suit and spinning a question mark cane, but it’s definitely something more meaningful.

Read More

2025-04-10 03:07