Here are “The Batman” spoilers.
Despite the fact that we as a society have nearly transformed the cameo into a main role, the art of the cameo is a subtle one. In the current cinematic landscape, we place a great deal of emphasis on cameos, their shock factor, what they contribute to a movie’s marketing, and how they improve (or degrade) the overall experience. They’re just enjoyable, though, and we’ll always love them, it’s a truth. I’m not sorry, sorry.
In “The Batman,” actor Barry Keoghan played (spoiler alert) the Joker, which was one of the most eagerly awaited and consequently most talked-about cameos thus far this year. No, contrary to what we initially believed, he does not portray Stanley Merkel, Commissioner Gordon’s former boyfriend. Although it’s a brief scene, it has become one of the discussion’s main points on the new interpretation of Gotham’s hero.
In an interview with Esquire Middle East that was released on Sunday, March 6, Keoghan discussed his role in the movie and specifically gave director Matt Reeves credit for his performance:
“He’s brilliant, man. And Matt Reeves and Dylan Clark especially and together were amazing to me, really, really amazing to me. And, you know, getting to be part of the Batman universe is [a huge deal for me]. I’m a fanboy of these movies, and especially the Batman universe. So to be in that world, I’m still pinching myself. He’s a filmmaker I hugely admire as well. And to get to walk alongside him and see how he works, and seeing much like Chloe Zhao, how comfortable he makes you on set, and he gives you the time you need and what you want. I’m in such a blessed position.”
Keoghan got to share the screen in his cameo role with the amazing Paul Dano, who plays the Riddler (no spoilers). The “Eternals” actor also discussed working with Dano and offered a comment I had never considered but am now unable to shake. I adore Paul to the moon and back. He’s such a kind guy too, Keoghan told the publication. “I’ve seen all of his films, including ‘Prisoners’ and similar fare. People often comment on how similar we are, and I wonder, “Are we similar, too? “
Keoghan vs. Dano: The actor face-off
I can’t believe I never gave it any thought. Even while Keoghan and Dano might not consider themselves to be brothers in acting—not everyone is open to hearing that they look like someone else—it is undeniable that their acting approaches are similar, and in all honesty, they could play the same roles.
Imagine, for example, that Keoghan played the twin parts of Paul and Eli Sunday in “There Will Be Blood” or that a younger Dano played Martin in “The Killing of a Sacred Deer.” Sure, if the other individual had played those roles, they would have been different, but would they have been worse? Or not in the intended direction? Most likely not. It makes natural that their performances would mirror one other in some manner, and it makes even more sense that the concept would come to a head by watching them side-by-side as the Riddler and the Joker. Dano and Keoghan share the same spooky restraint and capacity to go crazy at precisely the right moment. Let’s be honest: Give us a movie featuring Keoghan’s Joker operating at full capacity, and we’ll be cooking with gas in no time.
