8/14/2008 - The Dark Knight- Joker Interrogation Scene Spoof

If there's one widespread criticism of The Dark Knight, it would have to be Christian Bale's Batman "voice". Yes, he changed his voice as Batman in Batman Begins as well, but it was bad in that movie and he didn't make himself any more intelligible in this latest performance. You would think that as a disguise, the Batman suit would be enough... you can only make out his mouth and eyes. But no, he has to completely change his voice just in case some mob member recognizes Bruce Wayne's voice.

Michael Keaton was able to make it work... heck, even Val Kilmer did okay with it. Kevin Conroy of the animated series perhaps had the most inspired take on it by making the gruff Batman voice his normal voice even when the suit is not on, and having Bruce Wayne's voice higher when he is "disguised" as the millionaire playboy.

For some reason, though, Christian Bale cannot make his Batman voice work. It's just too gruff and hard to understand. When I watch the DVD, I'm going to have to turn the subtitles on! Here is an absolutely hilarious perspective of Batman's unique vocal style; and speaking of the DVD, this would make a great extra: