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The following contains spoilers for The Flash, now playing in theaters.
For a film named The Flash, the Caped Crusader takes up a lot of the best moments. The showcase is Michael Keaton, who returns three decades after 1989's Batman kicked the superhero genre into overdrive and helps anchor the film's nostalgia factor. But it also includes Ben Affleck, who more or less concludes a rocky tenure in the role that spans the length of the DC Extended Universe. And while both make a strong impression, it's Affleck who resonates the most deeply.
Keaton left the role more or less on his own terms, with regular collaborator Tim Burton behind the camera for both Batman and 1992's Batman Returns. Affleck, on the other hand, got caught in the myriad off-screen controversies associated with the DCEU, including actor Ray Fisher's credible accusations of abuse and the ongoing maelstrom surrounding the Justice League movie (in its rainbow of forms). None of which was Affleck's fault or responsibility, and beneath it all, he delivered a compelling take on Bruce Wayne amid some very stiff competition. The Flash gives him the farewell he deserves.
Affleck's Batman Got Lost in the Shuffle
The DCEU had problems almost from the beginning, as corporate second-guessing hamstrung efforts to create a coherent vision for the saga. Behind-the-scenes drama and personal tragedy led to Snyder's departure from Justice League, replaced by Joss Whedon, who proved disastrous. Beneath that, the saga itself was afflicted with a severe case of Marvel envy, as it attempted to quickly match its rival's unprecedented success without putting in the time to build it with care. The results were hit-and-miss at best, and The Flash arrives alongside the upcoming Aquaman sequel to more or less turn out the lights.
In the middle of that, Affleck's Batman slides in and out. Though promised a solo project, it never materialized amid all the sturm und drang: limiting him to team-ups and cameos in other characters' films. The DCEU's troubles consumed a good deal of his potential, leaving a sense of waste behind. Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman and Fisher's Cyborg occupy similar territory, to say nothing of never-to-be-seen efforts like Batgirl that were consigned to the dumpster ahead of the upcoming DCU reboot. In addition, Affleck faced unique challenges that other actors in the saga didn't. His Batman is sandwiched between two now-beloved takes on the character: Christian Bale in the Dark Knight trilogy and Robert Pattinson in the ongoing line of The Batman movies.
Affleck's Batman Finally Gets His Due
The tragedy of it all is that Affleck kills every time he puts on the cape and cowl. His status as an older Bruce Wayne -- exhausted by decades of crimefighting and not ready to trust the newfound gods in his midst -- finds a side to the character that no other performer could. He evolves into a leader for The Justice League and acts as a mentor for Barry during the early events of The Flash. That's a far cry from the likes of other Batmen, who tend to work alone or -- in the case of Kevin Conroy's celebrated performance -- don't always play well with their fellow heroes.
The Flash leans into the potential that the rest of the saga left on the table. It presents a Bruce Wayne who is very much at peace with his place in the world. He's still taking down terrorists and shepherding Gotham through disaster, but he finds comfort in his teammates and has even learned how to be self-effacing. "My ego is far too big to say thank you," he informs Wonder Woman after the Amazon lends him a hand. He even accepts the death of his parents and quietly chides Barry about the folly of trying to change the past. Amid very difficult creative circumstances, Affleck's Wayne completes a viable journey from a burned-out lone wolf to a protective father figure.
It also bodes well for the upcoming Brave and the Bold, with The Flash director Andy Muschietti recently confirmed as director. That Batman will need some of Affleck's energy as he deals with his son Damien. The actor sets the pace for the new film to follow while making the most of his moment here. It gives audiences a taste of what might have been while sending his Bruce Wayne off with a flourish. Like many actors in the saga, he deserved much better.
The Flash is now playing in theaters.