From Bruce Wayne to Batman: Utilization of Voice in Character Portrayal

Abstract

The purpose of the current research was to examine how prosodic features of an actor’s voice vary as a function of depicting two different identities of the famous comic book superhero – Batman. Given that each characterization is unique, we decided to observe the performance of three actors: Michael Keaton in Batman (directed by Tim Burton, 1989), Val Kilmer in Batman Forever (directed by Joel Schumacher, 1995) and Christian Bale in Batman Begins (directed by Christopher Nolan, 2005). Among the analyzed prosodic parameters were: pitch, intensity, tempo and pauses, which are fundamental to the perception of emotion and other speaker-specific characteristics of speech. Certain tendencies can be observed. Namely, it is evident that the embodiment of Batman/Bruce Wayne persona resulted in actors altering prosodic parameters of their speech. This was particularly evident in the lower F0 values, less frequent and shorter pauses and an increase in intensity during the actors’ vocal embodiment of Batman. Although variations in speech tempo were also noted, this particular parameter proved to be actor-specific. That is, the tendency to speak at a slower tempo when enacting the role of Batman was observed for two actors. Consequently, no general tendencies could be derived with regard to this prosodic feature. Overall, the results are quite illustrative of different vocal techniques actors employ when depicting the duality of the character. However, the concluding segment of the paper underlines the fact that, fundamentally, there are no vocal cues that could be regarded as being restricted to righteous speech, since the dichotomy between superheroes and villains is reflected primarily in their actions, rather than the prosodic properties of their voice.