Summary

Beetlejuice Beetlejuicemarks the return of Tim Burton’s horror comedy classic, with many cult characters such as Betelgeuse and members of the Deetz family returning to the fold in the highly anticipated sequel. Thirty-six years on from the film that put visionary director Burton on the map,Beetlejuice Beetlejuicerevisits the iconic story, recruitingfresh names such as Jenna Ortegaalongside stars of the original such as Winona Ryder.

InBeetlejuice, the iconic character from the movie is played by Michael Keaton, a highly respected actor who became a household name with his performance as Betelgeuse. WithBeetlejuice Beetlejuiceset to release, Keaton’s filmography has grown to be admired, with the actor having several roles to his name that rank as classics in the history of cinema.

Michael Keaton in Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown

Cast

Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro, Michael Keaton

In the star-studdedJackie Brown, directed by the 90s' most prolific and acclaimed director, Quentin Tarantino, Keaton plays the role of Ray Nicolette, a law enforcement officer who interferes with Jackie Brown’s business as she commits crimes.

Filled withstars such as Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro, and Pam Grier, Keaton flourished as one of the movie’s antagonists, giving a stern performance leading to the character causing the calm and calculated Jackie to lose her cool. Besides his strong supporting performance, Keaton later reprised the role of Ray for Steven Sodenbergh’sOut of Sight, with both movies originating from the same novelist.

Michael Keaton as Ken in Toy Story 3

Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Michael Keaton, Don Rickles

In thehighly anticipatedToy Story 3, which made the franchise a trilogy, Keaton was the movie’s most significant addition, playing the charming and charisma-filled character Ken. With Andy’s toys heading to daycare, Buzz, Woody, and the rest of their crew interact with many new toys, with Ken standing out, becoming Barbie’s love interest.

In one of Keaton’s best voice acting performances, the actor excels as the charming doll, exuding confidence and genuine care for Barbie, causing his allegiances to change when Lotso turns on Andy’s toys.

Michael Keaton as Vulture

Tom Holland, Zendaya, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr.

In the firstSpider-Manmovie set in the MCU,Keaton stars as the famed comic book villain Vulture, a winged nemesis of Tom Holland’s version of Spider-Man. InSpider-Man: Homecoming, Keaton acts as a kind and loving father to Liz, who becomes close to Peter Parker in high school.

While playing the good dad, Keaton portrays Vulture, who resorts to villainous acts due to his salvage company being put out of work. In a dual portrayal, Keaton puts in a layered performance, balancing a good and bad side that sees him revered as one of the best MCU villains to date.

Michael Keaton as Ray Kroc in the McDonald’s biographical film The Founder

Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, Laura Dern, John Carroll Lynch

The story depicting the inception of the McDonald’s franchise sees Keaton play the role of Ray Kroc, a salesman who gets involved in the McDonald’s brothers' restaurant, later taking over the restaurant chain, elevating it to international success.

The Foundersees Keaton putting in an enthusiastic and lively performance that depicts his character’s rise and care for the McDonald’s brand.In a biopic that seesthe McDonald brothers being left behind by Ray, Keaton’s betrayal and determination depict historical events that make for fascinating viewing.

Michael Keaton and Rachel McAdams in Spotlight

Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber

The Oscar-winningSpotlightsaw Keaton in one of his most critically acclaimed roles, with the movie following The Boston Globe and their journalists investigating child abuse and misconduct in religious practices.

As the reporters delve into the situation and discover the worrying truth, Keaton,alongside Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams, delivers stoic performances. Keaton’s portrayal of Walter Robinson shows the actor pulling off a determined and layered performance in the face of adversity and a crisis, showing the range the actor possesses.

Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne in Batman Returns

Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken

In Keaton’s second outing as Batman, the actor switches gears, with the tone ofBatman Returnshaving a more moody atmosphere compared to its predecessor.Batman Returnssees Keaton face off against the notorious villain, Penguin, although the best aspect of the movie is Keaton’s dynamic with Catwoman, played by Michelle Pfeiffer.

The pair’s chemistry on screen stands out as one of the film’s highlights, with Keaton again impressing asthe Caped Crusader and Bruce Wayne, making the actor the bar for otherBatmanactors to strive towards with their performances.

birdman

Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis

Birdmannot only amazes with its impressive visuals and technical feats but the critically acclaimed movie was famed for its masterful performances, with Keaton leading the film as its lead.

The movie follows Keaton asa washed-up superhero actorperforming in a Broadway stage show, where Keaton delivers a riveting and exhilarating portrayal of an actor in a crisis, with his performance being the vehicle for many actors to shine in the film. In a career highlight, Keaton showed his versatility, differing from many of his famed performances of the past.

Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse in Beetlejuice

Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis

Beetlejuicewas a cult classicthat set Keaton on the path to Hollywood stardom, with his teaming up with Burton leading to an iconic portrayal of Betelgeuse. In the horror comedy, a deceased couple hires Betelgeuse to scare away a family from their since-vacated house. The movie features many comedic performances, particularly with Keaton’s Betelgeuse being the heart and soul ofBeetlejuice.

Keaton effortlessly loses himself in the extravagant makeup and costume, providing hilarity and entertainment that ranks as a career-best comedic role very few actors ever achieve.

Michael Keaton as Batman in Batman (1989)

Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Billy Dee Williams

Keaton’s most iconic role in his entire filmography is the 1989Batman, where the actor grew to international fame when facing off against Jack Nicholson as the Joker. Performing in the dual role of Bruce Wayne and Batman, Keaton provides a subtle portrayal of the famed comic book superhero, a contrast to the enigmatic and over-the-top villain, the Joker.

Keaton’s serious performance as the caped crusader has been heralded as one of the great superhero portrayals, withKeaton’s version of Bruce Wayne and Batmanbeing influential for future generations of the superhero.