HalloweenCostumeFilter: Bruce Wayne
October 22, 2009 11:06 PM Subscribe
I'm thinking of being Bruce Wayne (not Batman) for Halloween. Any tips on pulling this off, or nice touches you can think of?
Best answer: Wear the batman costume under the clothes Bruce Wayne wore.
Batman didn't do this. That was Spider-Man.
This is a tough assignment. You'll need to carry a martini glass the entire night, and explain to many people that no, you're not James Bond.
Wayne Industries business cards, maybe?
Also, if you have to tell someone who you are, be sure to look around first to be sure nobody is listening. Then lean in close... very close... and in your best hoarse whisper say: "I'm the goddamned Batman."
posted by rokusan at 11:23 PM on October 22, 2009 [4 favorites]
Batman didn't do this. That was Spider-Man.
This is a tough assignment. You'll need to carry a martini glass the entire night, and explain to many people that no, you're not James Bond.
Wayne Industries business cards, maybe?
Also, if you have to tell someone who you are, be sure to look around first to be sure nobody is listening. Then lean in close... very close... and in your best hoarse whisper say: "I'm the goddamned Batman."
posted by rokusan at 11:23 PM on October 22, 2009 [4 favorites]
Best answer: Pssssh, you can't be that obvious about it. Just introduce yourself as Bruce Wayne, and if they mention Batman, feign ignorance.
(Or just answer all questions about your identity with "What are you, retarded, kid?")
Visually, it's a tough costume to pull off, because you're more or less just a guy in a nice suit. You'll have to pepper your conversation with small references to WayneTech's newest business venture or some such.
posted by Limiter at 11:27 PM on October 22, 2009
(Or just answer all questions about your identity with "What are you, retarded, kid?")
Visually, it's a tough costume to pull off, because you're more or less just a guy in a nice suit. You'll have to pepper your conversation with small references to WayneTech's newest business venture or some such.
posted by Limiter at 11:27 PM on October 22, 2009
Best answer: Perhaps bruises/cuts on your face, or arm in a sling. Lame excuses e.g. "I took a tumble while skiing the Alps."
Bonus points for a womanizing, a drinking problem, or a cohort dressed as Alfred.
posted by scatter gather at 11:27 PM on October 22, 2009 [3 favorites]
Bonus points for a womanizing, a drinking problem, or a cohort dressed as Alfred.
posted by scatter gather at 11:27 PM on October 22, 2009 [3 favorites]
Constantly yell out "MY PARENTS ARE DEAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDD!" for no apparent reason.
Or, if that is too much, wear a few sticking plasters or bandages on your hands (you bruised your knuckles punching out some crook). If anyone asks what happened to you, make up an obviously fake excuse.
posted by fearthehat at 11:28 PM on October 22, 2009 [3 favorites]
Or, if that is too much, wear a few sticking plasters or bandages on your hands (you bruised your knuckles punching out some crook). If anyone asks what happened to you, make up an obviously fake excuse.
posted by fearthehat at 11:28 PM on October 22, 2009 [3 favorites]
If you can do an Adam West impression, that might be your best bet. It's like a Shatner impression, but more conspiratorial.
posted by lore at 11:39 PM on October 22, 2009 [5 favorites]
posted by lore at 11:39 PM on October 22, 2009 [5 favorites]
This might not be a good idea depending on your intended effect, but I would probably just wear a "HELLO my name is" sticker. Your character is a businessman at a social event, right? Something like that.
posted by dreamyshade at 11:40 PM on October 22, 2009
posted by dreamyshade at 11:40 PM on October 22, 2009
"Batman didn't do this. That was Spider-Man." This is just for Halloween, it isn't real. Geesh!!!
posted by Taurid at 11:52 PM on October 22, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by Taurid at 11:52 PM on October 22, 2009 [2 favorites]
Cuts on face is brilliant. Seconded.
Still has the James Bond problem, of course, but at least it's now the Daniel Craig version.
posted by rokusan at 12:05 AM on October 23, 2009
Still has the James Bond problem, of course, but at least it's now the Daniel Craig version.
posted by rokusan at 12:05 AM on October 23, 2009
Be sure to have a short, boyish male companion who says "Gee whiz!" a lot.
posted by zippy at 12:23 AM on October 23, 2009
posted by zippy at 12:23 AM on October 23, 2009
Bonus points for a womanizing, a drinking problem, or a cohort dressed as Alfred.
Great. Now he'll be confused for Gay Tony Stark.
posted by rokusan at 12:27 AM on October 23, 2009 [3 favorites]
Great. Now he'll be confused for Gay Tony Stark.
posted by rokusan at 12:27 AM on October 23, 2009 [3 favorites]
A *really* subtle touch would be to have ginger ale in your champagne glass - since Bruce Wayne was only faking to be a drunk playboy. If movies come up in a discussion, mention how you can't ever watch the "Zorro" movies since you have associated them with the deaths of your parents, but they were a great source of "life inspiration" for you.
(I don't know if any of the above info has been ret-conned, my bruce wayne comic book/graphic novel knowledge is at least 20 years old)
posted by alchemist at 1:06 AM on October 23, 2009
(I don't know if any of the above info has been ret-conned, my bruce wayne comic book/graphic novel knowledge is at least 20 years old)
posted by alchemist at 1:06 AM on October 23, 2009
Attitude. " Say. where's my Butler, run for the phone, trip, and fall down the shaft as the butler lifts the phone.
Butler says, "hmmph", with attitude.
posted by Mblue at 1:12 AM on October 23, 2009
Butler says, "hmmph", with attitude.
posted by Mblue at 1:12 AM on October 23, 2009
Best answer: Different idea: if anyone asks you who you are (or if you can pass them a cracker, or where you work) say this a little too loudly?
"Batman? Ha-ha-ha, that's crazy. No, I'm definitely not Batman. I would never have time to support all these fabulous charity dinners if I was Batman!"
Do that two or three times during the night and you're all set.
posted by rokusan at 1:54 AM on October 23, 2009 [2 favorites]
"Batman? Ha-ha-ha, that's crazy. No, I'm definitely not Batman. I would never have time to support all these fabulous charity dinners if I was Batman!"
Do that two or three times during the night and you're all set.
posted by rokusan at 1:54 AM on October 23, 2009 [2 favorites]
I think there are two separate routes here, depending on whether you go for TV Batman (high camp) or Movie Batman (too serious to have fun). Decide which one you want, and the choices are clear.
TV Batman (Adam West) had a distinctive deep voice, a Shatner-like cadence, and if I remember correctly, a somewhat unusual way of speaking (maybe more alliteration in his lines than typical). He talked like a gentleman comic-book superhero. Also more old money / stock market than businessman (did he even have a business in the TV show?).
posted by zippy at 2:03 AM on October 23, 2009
TV Batman (Adam West) had a distinctive deep voice, a Shatner-like cadence, and if I remember correctly, a somewhat unusual way of speaking (maybe more alliteration in his lines than typical). He talked like a gentleman comic-book superhero. Also more old money / stock market than businessman (did he even have a business in the TV show?).
posted by zippy at 2:03 AM on October 23, 2009
Best answer: Business cards are a great idea. Lounge around with a cocktail and when people ask who you are supposed to be (looking as you will fairly normal in a suit) hand them a Wayne Enterprises card then change the subject. Maybe a subtle Batman logo or refrence somewhere on it for those that need a little help.
posted by fire&wings at 3:13 AM on October 23, 2009
posted by fire&wings at 3:13 AM on October 23, 2009
I think as you strike up conversations with people you should angle to get them to be your ward and no matter what their name is start calling them either Robin or Dick Grayson.
posted by plinth at 3:29 AM on October 23, 2009
posted by plinth at 3:29 AM on October 23, 2009
I'd go with a Batman lapel pin on your smoking jacket.
posted by electroboy at 5:25 AM on October 23, 2009
posted by electroboy at 5:25 AM on October 23, 2009
Best answer: Could you carry around a portfolio with a piece of paper partially visible, the heading, "Wayne Industries." ?
posted by Atreides at 5:27 AM on October 23, 2009
posted by Atreides at 5:27 AM on October 23, 2009
Best answer: Switch costumes to a Batman suit halfway through. Deny any knowledge of that degenerate Bruce Wayne. Change back again.
posted by zamboni at 5:49 AM on October 23, 2009 [11 favorites]
posted by zamboni at 5:49 AM on October 23, 2009 [11 favorites]
1. Dress sharp.
2. Carry a briefcase with a "Wayne Industries" logo on the side.
3. Have an older gent dressed as your butler, following you around and carrying a red telephone under glass.
posted by fings at 5:55 AM on October 23, 2009
2. Carry a briefcase with a "Wayne Industries" logo on the side.
3. Have an older gent dressed as your butler, following you around and carrying a red telephone under glass.
posted by fings at 5:55 AM on October 23, 2009
Adam West definitely. Maybe wear a Batman utility belt under the smoking jacket.
posted by JJ86 at 6:06 AM on October 23, 2009
posted by JJ86 at 6:06 AM on October 23, 2009
No offense but I think this is a bad idea. It requires too much explaination and interaction to pull off successfully in a large group setting. That being said, wearing the batman costume under the suit was the best idea IMO. So what if Batman never really did that. It's the best way to get the point across, and people will find it amusing and clever.
posted by adustum at 6:26 AM on October 23, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by adustum at 6:26 AM on October 23, 2009 [1 favorite]
Bruce Wayne was often a target of many of Batman's villains who did not know they were messing with their foe.
So in addition to bandages, bruises, and a wayward batarang, consider a green lipstick'd kiss on your cheek. When someone asks about it, stand ramrod straight and with a glassy-eyed expression say, "IT IS A KISS FROM THE LOVE OF MY LIFE, PAMELA ISLEY. SHE IS MY ROSE. I WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR HER."
If you are really lucky, there will be a lady dressed as Poison Ivy at the same party.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:53 AM on October 23, 2009
So in addition to bandages, bruises, and a wayward batarang, consider a green lipstick'd kiss on your cheek. When someone asks about it, stand ramrod straight and with a glassy-eyed expression say, "IT IS A KISS FROM THE LOVE OF MY LIFE, PAMELA ISLEY. SHE IS MY ROSE. I WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR HER."
If you are really lucky, there will be a lady dressed as Poison Ivy at the same party.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:53 AM on October 23, 2009
Batman didn't do this.
Silver-Age Batman did.
Wear a tux with a little bat-cape peeking out from underneath the back of the jacket. If someone points it out to you, give them a real cold look and change the subject.
posted by Halloween Jack at 7:22 AM on October 23, 2009
Silver-Age Batman did.
Wear a tux with a little bat-cape peeking out from underneath the back of the jacket. If someone points it out to you, give them a real cold look and change the subject.
posted by Halloween Jack at 7:22 AM on October 23, 2009
and don't forget to refer to people you don't know as 'citizen'.
posted by plinth at 7:47 AM on October 23, 2009
posted by plinth at 7:47 AM on October 23, 2009
Batman didn't do this.
Silver-Age Batman did.
Holy out-nerding!
posted by rokusan at 8:05 AM on October 23, 2009 [4 favorites]
Silver-Age Batman did.
Holy out-nerding!
posted by rokusan at 8:05 AM on October 23, 2009 [4 favorites]
Best answer: Spend time near the windows, casually glancing out for for the Bat Signal. Occassionally leave the party and apply make up for cuts and bruises(or just get in a fight) and then return to the party like nothing happened, getting progressively more battered as the night goes on. Talk about how crazy this vigilante problem is, and why you don't understand why some freak gets dressed as a bat, when the police seem to be doing a fine job on their own.
posted by jrishel at 8:39 AM on October 23, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by jrishel at 8:39 AM on October 23, 2009 [1 favorite]
If you are going for Adam West's Bruce Wayne, dressing sharply just won't do. You have to dress ironically upperclass- ascot, plaid pants, Mr. Rogers sweater, saddle shoes.
(If you are up to it, run a twist on the turning into Batman in the middle of the party, and change Bruce Wayne outfits a couple of times during the night. One minute you are dressed for yachting, the next as a horseman, the next as Captain of Industry.)
And yeah, the Adam West Bruce Wayne did speak subtly different from Batman. Batman was impatient, Bruce Wayne was infinitely patient.
Also, this version of Batman NEVER refered to "THE Batman." He wasn't a Bat-Man, he was Batman, like Prince or Madonna.
posted by gjc at 8:41 AM on October 23, 2009
(If you are up to it, run a twist on the turning into Batman in the middle of the party, and change Bruce Wayne outfits a couple of times during the night. One minute you are dressed for yachting, the next as a horseman, the next as Captain of Industry.)
And yeah, the Adam West Bruce Wayne did speak subtly different from Batman. Batman was impatient, Bruce Wayne was infinitely patient.
Also, this version of Batman NEVER refered to "THE Batman." He wasn't a Bat-Man, he was Batman, like Prince or Madonna.
posted by gjc at 8:41 AM on October 23, 2009
A blazer with a crest on it. You can buy crests that don't mean anything at any fabric store.
Carry around a red rotary dial phone. Paint one if you can't find a red one. Take the rotary off. Print a white circle with the words "Commissioner Gordon" in black letters and glue to the middle of the phone.
posted by iconomy at 9:09 AM on October 23, 2009
Carry around a red rotary dial phone. Paint one if you can't find a red one. Take the rotary off. Print a white circle with the words "Commissioner Gordon" in black letters and glue to the middle of the phone.
posted by iconomy at 9:09 AM on October 23, 2009
Best answer: Make a Wayne Industries ID badge and clip it onto your tuxedo. Also, whisper to everyone the phrase, "I'm Batman."
posted by Sys Rq at 9:20 AM on October 23, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by Sys Rq at 9:20 AM on October 23, 2009 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I think the subtlety is what makes this costume clever: maybe a few business cards if someone asks, coupled with rokusan's too-loud denial when they bring it up.
And to counter the haters, I think these kinds of costumes are the best! Enjoy your comfortable evening with no worries about being the guy loaded down with makeup, props, or bulky layers. Enjoy also the freedom that comes with knowing you will be able to integrate seamlessly into any kind of party, from low-brow to high-class. And sleep extra well knowing that even if you rest your head in a gutter, your Sunday morning walk of shame will be a little less mortifying than those of your cross dressing brethren.
Not to mention: girls are gonna be all over 'classy guy in suit', especially since they're gonna have to approach you to find out what you're dressed as. Double-extra bonus if you can pull off super smooth playa Bruce Wayne ;)
posted by lilnublet at 10:48 AM on October 23, 2009 [1 favorite]
And to counter the haters, I think these kinds of costumes are the best! Enjoy your comfortable evening with no worries about being the guy loaded down with makeup, props, or bulky layers. Enjoy also the freedom that comes with knowing you will be able to integrate seamlessly into any kind of party, from low-brow to high-class. And sleep extra well knowing that even if you rest your head in a gutter, your Sunday morning walk of shame will be a little less mortifying than those of your cross dressing brethren.
Not to mention: girls are gonna be all over 'classy guy in suit', especially since they're gonna have to approach you to find out what you're dressed as. Double-extra bonus if you can pull off super smooth playa Bruce Wayne ;)
posted by lilnublet at 10:48 AM on October 23, 2009 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks all :D. I think lilnublet has the best idea of what I was shooting for with this. But I love all the nice touches and ideas from everyone else, for sure! I wouldn't have thought of cuts on face, various Wayne industries paraphernalia, and a few of the subtle Batman-things like a logo on the business cards or something.
Should be fun!
posted by Jacen Solo at 1:45 PM on October 23, 2009
Should be fun!
posted by Jacen Solo at 1:45 PM on October 23, 2009
And if you're thinking about the more modern (post Adam West Batman), if any one asks you to do something, say "I'd like to. But he's out there right now (pause). And I've gotta go to work." And walk away.
posted by scrute at 5:47 PM on October 23, 2009
posted by scrute at 5:47 PM on October 23, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Taurid at 11:16 PM on October 22, 2009 [2 favorites]