Ben Affleck is Batman

[The Dark Knight]

Batfleck's true arc in ZSJL has me very excited as it can push the character's existing brooding elements close to their worst case scenario end point. In BvS Batfleck is angry and hunting. In ZSJL he's a functioning depressive out to atone for his sins by making the ultimate sacrifice. This makes Batfleck equally as dark as his BvS incarnation but in a completely different way.

If Batman isn't killed by the Joker, or doesn't reach old age, another scenario is ending himself. No one else is going to beat him otherwise. Under the right circumstances just about anyone can flirt with such feelings. Josstice League's finale was altered to make it seem Batman was overly ambitious and needed rescuing. In truth Batfleck DIDN'T want rescuing. In SnyderLeague he's attracting the parademons because he's suicidal, just like Dylan's Mr Jones. And if he ain't dead already, girl you know the reason why.

This was the equivalent of the very first scene in TDK Returns, where Bruce pushed his racing car beyond its limits and nearly made it a fiery coffin. These heavy duty themes interest me greatly, such as the plight Arthur endures in JOKER. If you're going to have themes don't have small or medium themes. Have heavy duty themes. It's what made BvS so visceral, eliciting such strong reaction.

This arc will be Batfleck's biggest gain, IMO. In real life I must salute Snyder's work in this area, too. This is serious business, especially now with people locked down without work and not much social interaction.

[The Laughing Fish]

HBO Max replaced the theatrical cut of BvS with the Ultimate Edition a few days ago, and Snyder celebrates by releasing this never-before-seen picture of Knightmare Batman.



https://twitter.com/ZackSnyder/status/1279437343787630593?s=20

[thecolorsblend]

HBO Max replaced the theatrical cut of BvS with the Ultimate Edition a few days ago, and Snyder celebrates by releasing this never-before-seen picture of Knightmare Batman.



https://twitter.com/ZackSnyder/status/1279437343787630593?s=20

Normally, I oppose removing the theatrical version of any film (yes, even Blade Runner) from mainstream distribution because shared cultural history, blah blah blah. In this case tho, I think exceptions can be made (A) because the theatrical edition is still available through other sources and (B) the Ultimate Edition is SUCH a radical improvement that I don't see the point in ever watching the theatrical edition ever again. To this day, I've only seen it once.

Guys, I'm willing to argue the merits and value of the theatrical Watchmen. The Director's Cut is better there too, but not as drastically better as with BVS.

I choose to interpret this move with the UE as AT&T putting their chips behind Snyder and his vision. Besides, running time matters overall less in the streaming world than the theatrical exhibition world, I imagine.

[The Dark Knight]

The only version of BvS worth watching is the Ultimate Edition. I would rather first time watchers not view the theatrical release at all, because they will likely leave with misconceptions about the film and its themes. In The UE, Lex Luthor becomes one of the best live action villains ever put to screen in terms of his scheming, and the way the media assist his false narrative has greater resonance. Case in point Clark waking up to watch TV in the morning. In the UE, he sees the paid off African woman saying "That my family too had dreams. To look him in his eye and ask him how he decides which lives count and which ones do not." If you're Clark, you're thinking what the FUNK are you on about, woman? I saved that village from a drone strike. BvS: UE is a masterclass in how reputations are smeared in the current day without your input. The story is crafted around you. Perception and narrative is king. The added scenes make a huge difference and the Theatrical doesn't have the same nuance.

[The Joker]

I recall the first time I watched the UE cut of BvS, it was a bit surprising just how much footage was cut from the theatrical version. As, by that point, I was quite familiar with the theatrical cut, having seen BvS three times in the theaters. Course this wasn't a negative by any stretch, and I am in complete agreement that the UE cut is far superior cut of the two. Admittedly, there are a few alternate footage/edits I generally prefer with the theatrical cut (the shot of Superman flying down to the ground, accompanied with the sonic booms, to save Lois from the African General, being the one that comes to mind first), but it's nothing overly significant. Just how I was initially accustomed to seeing the film.   

[The Dark Knight]

I saw this tweet and it spoke to my soul and existence as a human being.



Do you know the power of ADDICTION? The pull it has. It dominates your mind, but steals your future. If you do something once, you will be inclined to do it again - the slippery slope that Batman talks about is real. As soon as you realize this, I believe the only way is stop staring at the tempting lights and go cold turkey. To keep your mind occupied with different thoughts.

You need to pretend it didn't happen, while still remembering the lessons at the back of your mind, and simply move on. All of this is easier said than done, but otherwise you will be stuck in an endless cycle that doesn't progress your life in beneficial ways. Forget about guilt and shame. They are mental traps of their own, as ZSJL seems to demonstrate.

When you hit a low point that's when the real man comes out. It's a challenge. Were you ever really great? Are you good enough now? You don't rise to the occasion, you fall back on your training.

Real life is a mental wrestle. I'm eager to see these themes explored in ZSJL.

[The Laughing Fish]

Fans went on Twitter to tweet #ThanksBatfleck to express their appreciation for the actor's performance in BvS and anticipation for ZSJL.

https://www.small-screen.co.uk/fans-twitter-batman-ben-affleck-batfleck-dc-comics-dceu-justice-league-zack-snyder/

According to this screenshot taken by Grace Randolph, the hashtag was a trend that hit 20k+ tweets.



In spite of all the detractors, it's a huge testament to Affleck's performance that he has made such an impact among the fanbase.



Perfect casting.

[thecolorsblend]

Agreed. I don't think I ever questioned Affleck in the role. By then, I trusted Snyder. But Affleck as Batman seemed kind of like a no-brainer.

(And considering the amount of crap he's taken over the years for playing the role, he's due some praise for a job well done)

[The Laughing Fish]

Snyder posted a "call to arms" to get everyone to vote for Affleck as best Batman on a Twitter poll hosted by IMDB.

https://vero.co/zacksnyder/93-ZCw48SKdMgPsrj2S6W1RN

And look what happened, Batfleck won.



https://twitter.com/IMDb/status/1297999834654240768?s=20

I don't necessarily take these polls seriously, but in this case, it's a nice little way to welcome Affleck back for The Flash.

[The Laughing Fish]

Over the weekend, Snyder upload these images from BvS together with his description of the character for Batman Day.

Batman is all of us... he is our rage at injustice... he stands alone, as we all wish we could, in the face of a corrupt system which wishes to oppress and exploit... he is that broken child, searching the dark alleys of the human soul to bring balance to the world. #BatmanDay

https://twitter.com/ZackSnyder/status/1307364477327745024

Of course, some dickhead clout chasers and gatekeepers balked in horror and tried to point out Batman's sidekicks and membership with the Justice League in a desperate attempt to discredit Snyder. Because, "hE iSn'T a LoNeR". Which goes to show how simple-minded they are and how they missed the point badly. Well, I guess the official DC Twitter page and even Matt Reeves retweeting the post goes to show they "don't get" Batman either. Right, naysayers?

Yeah sure, Batman really is an extrovert with a healthy state of mind. He'd never alienate his own sidekicks, nor come up with contingency plans to stop his own JL teammates in case if they would ever go rogue. Right.