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First Real Review Of The Dark Knight?
Source:SHH/Globo
22 May 2008
This is a rough translation from Portugese.
"My secret agent between the Armani suits saw a super private session for The Dark Knight and came out drooling. It will be a great success, he guarantees, the gadgets ( especially the bat-bike, responsible for a acclaimed action sequence ) are crazy and Heath Leger might receive a deserved indication for his Joker, "a mixture of a fool/clown, schizophrenic, sadic and crazy. The guy delivered, got himself into the role and it's unrecognizable. There will be no other Joker after him." In one scene he repeats to Christian Bale's Batman a line from "Brokeback Mountain"(the guy probably confused himself here) "you complete me" - but "in a context of stalker, crazy, scary." Another scene with Ledger/Joker playing dead inside a body bag caused adverse reactions in the audience, for obvious reasons - it will possibly be cut.
My "Bond" tells more about the somber epic of Chris Nolan:
"It's incredible to create something new and exciting, not only for it's history but in technical terms, nowadays. Many great scenes, impeccable effects. Music and sounds pretty loud, but helping the story. They have a Heart Beat they use in a sensational way (Remember the 2 note theme from the interview with Zimmer!), anticipating the next scene- a psychological trigger ala Jaws.
The cast is awesome, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman stealing scenes in which all are present. Maggie Gyllenhaal fantastic replacing Katie Holmes and Aaron Eckhart as a great surprise as the politician with a heart of gold whose personality changes after a horrible accident. Another good astonishment is Eric Roberts as the mobster he knows so well how to do. Christian Bale solid as ever, cool since Bruce Wayne is a rich playboy and Batman is the opposite. The film plays a lot with this duality, all the characters are complex, has ambiguities, very interesting and delicate here.
The humor/comedy is totally dark, the movie is very dark and, in this version, a little too long. But will blow us away."
I'm very confident that this review is real and comes from a proffesional journalist. Let's celebrate, this is finally confirmation from people outside of the production that TDK will in fact be awesome!
The first two TV spots for Warner Bros. Pictures' The Dark Knight aired during the season finale of "Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites" Sunday night. Opening in conventional theaters and IMAX on July 18, the Christopher Nolan-directed film stars Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman.
You can watch the two spots by checking out the link's below.
Very First Full On Look At Two-Face?
Source: Aint It Cool News.
May 6, 2008
If you head over to The Dark Knight Sub Menu, then click Officially released pictures then scroll to the bottom, there is what AICN claims to be the very first look at Two-Face. The picture links up with what we briefly see in the trailer but remains to be seen whether it's what we'll get to see in the actual movie or a concept art.
Give your opinion either way on the message boards.
_____________________________________________________________
The New Dark Knight Trailer!
Source:www.The-Dark-Knight.com
May 4, 2008
Warner Bros. Pictures has brought online the new trailer for Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, hitting conventional theaters and IMAX on July 18. The Batman Begins follow-up stars Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman.
In the film, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good with the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Eckhart). The triumvirate proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as the Joker (Ledger), who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces the Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.
You can watch the trailer on the home page or by heading over to the official website.
Eckhart on Dark Knight's Two-Face
Source: Los Angeles Times
May 4, 2008
In a new interview with the Los Angeles Times, Aaron Eckhart didn't shy away from dropping some big details about Two-Face in The Dark Knight. If you don't want to know a thing about the character in Christopher Nolan's movie, then be sure to turn back now!
Still here? Okay, here's just a small clip:
"I can tell you that, basically, when you look at Two-Face, you should get sick to your stomach. Being the guy under all that, well, that was a lot of fun for me. It's like you would feel if you met someone whose face had pretty much been ripped off or burned off with acid. I can't talk about it beyond that because I don't want to give away too much of the plans by Chris."
The thing is, he and Nolan did give away more in the interview, which includes a new photo and can be read in full here! The Batman Begins follow-up hits conventional theaters and IMAX on July 18.
Alan Burnett on Batman Gotham Knight
Source: Warner Home Video
May 2, 2008
Alan Burnett has spent more consecutive years "in the Batcave" than anyone in animation history.
Not counting his stint on "Super Friends" in 1983, Burnett has constantly helped bring the Batman's legacy to animation since 1991 – when he began scripting episodes of "Batman: The Animated Series," the Emmy®-winning production widely considered a pivotal moment in American animation.
This summer, the latest animated venture into the Dark Knight's mythos takes an altogether different approach than anything produced during Burnett's 17-year association with the character. Burnett served as movie story editor and the writer of the anchoring segment of "Batman Gotham Knight," the third in the ongoing series of DC Universe animated original PG-13 movies.
"Batman Gotham Knight" is a fresh and exciting new film weaving six interlocking stories that reveal Bruce Wayne's journey to The Dark Knight, each with stylish art from some of the world's most revered Japanese animation visionaries. The film features stories written by several of the most talented scribes of film, comic books and animation, including Burnett, Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter Josh Olson ("A History of Violence"), David S. Goyer ("Batman Begins:), Jordan Goldberg (Associate Producer, "The Dark Knight"), and award-winning comics writers Greg Rucka and Brian Azzarello.
Burnett, Azzarello and Josh Olson, along with producer Bruce Timm, have already confirmed their participation on the panel following the world premiere of "Batman Gotham Knight" at Wizard World Chicago in late June. "Batman Gotham Knight" will arrive July 8, 2008 on DVD and Blu-Ray disc, and will also be available that day On Demand via digital cable and for download through broadband sites. The film is produced as a collaboration between DC Comics, Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video and Warner Bros. Animation.
An anime fan, Burnett said he was very intrigued and inspired by the idea of allowing Japanese directors to have relatively free reign on the animated look of Batman.
"From a visual point of view, this is the most stylized Batman that's come out of Warner Bros. -- what they've done is really eye-catching, and it truly expands his world," Burnett said. "Their visualization of Gotham City is stunning, and it's very interesting to see how they've envisioned Batman, his environment and his action and movements."
Burnett's stellar talents have merited four Emmy Awards, three Annie Awards and two Humanitas Prizes. His work within the Batman realm includes as a series producer on "Batman and Superman" and "Batman Beyond," and most recently as supervising producer and story editor for Warner Bros. Animation's four-time Emmy Award-winning series "The Batman." In the direct-to-DVD arena, Burnett co-produced and co-wrote the animated feature film "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm," was supervising producer and writer for "Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman," and served as producer on the feature-length "Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker."
For "Batman Gotham Knight," Burnett served as story editor for the entire film, and writer of the sixth and final segment, "Deadshot." The segment ties together threads from all the film's chapters as Batman must thwart an unerring assassin whose love of guns and disregard for human life lets him cross lines that even a Dark Knight shies away from.
Burnett said having the opportunity to finally bring the villainous Deadshot to the screen was instant motivation to pen the script. First, "Batman Gotham Knight" provided the perfect vehicle for a villain associated solely with guns – an attitude that flies in direct opposition to Batman's anti-gun approach to heroism. The anti-gun theme is prevalent throughout the film. Moreover, because television standards do not allow the use of "real" bullets in children's programming, Deadshot has been kept out of Batman's animated legacy. For Burnett, this was the first opportunity to portray Deadshot as he is known in comics.
"I've always liked Deadshot as a villain, and I really like stories with assassins," Burnett explained. "The fact that they're killers, and what they do has impact, automatically heightens the energy of the story."
In addition to writing the script "Deadshot," Burnett also story-edited the film, ensuring all six scripts – from six different, widely-acclaimed writers – worked fluidly together to interconnect into one story. The ever-modest Burnett said his job entailed little more than a few alterations for flow and continuity while he attempted to maintain each writer's individualism.
"I thought it was important to keep the integrity of each writer's words," Burnett said. "The writers all pretty much had the same voice for Batman, so I had to change very little dialogue – just small fixes to tie up loose ends, and reinforce transitions and connections between the stories. But I did as little editing as I could because I respected what the writers wrote, and I thought it was important that their voice was heard. Just as the artists made their segments their own, so should the writers."
Overall, Burnett is pleased with the final product, and excited to see the fans' reactions to the film – particularly the use of shorter segments to tell great Batman stories.
"For my segment, I think the first Deadshot murder is quite good – there's a lot of eye candy within the cityscape. The artists added fireworks and balloons and a lot of interesting elements to what ultimately is a cold-blooded murder," Burnett said. "I like the short-form for Batman, because it feels almost like a 22-page comic book story. In short form, the stakes are elevated from the beginning, and it gives you a chance to really heighten the action quickly – so you can make your points hard and fast and get out.
Pre-Order the Dark Knight Soundtrack
Source: Amazon
April 14, 2008
Amazon.com has started taking pre-orders for Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard's score for The Dark Knight. It is expected to hit stores on July 1st. The movie opens more than two weeks later, on July 18th.
UPDATE: Harvey Dent Press Conference Reminder
Source:IBELIEVEINHARVEYDENT.COM
April 13, 2008
From IBelieveinHarveyDent.com:
Harvey Dent is committed to truth and honesty in governing. He is also committed to truth and honesty in campaigning. And the honest truth is that we’ve had a tough week.
Everyone who knows Harvey Dent knows that the vicious smears by a mysterious group calling itself "Concerned Citizens for a Better Gotham" are not true. Harvey Dent is innocent of these charges, and the truth will triumph.
Harvey Dent believes that the movement to take back Gotham is bigger than one person. It’s never been about Harvey Dent. It’s about our hopes for our city. It’s about you.
Harvey Dent has always said that if he becomes a distraction from the bigger issues of the movement to fight crime and corruption, he’ll make the best decision for the movement itself.
We’ve done a lot in the last few months. We’ve shown the city that we will not stop fighting against the dark forces that have Gotham in their grasp. We showed everyone that we do have power. That there is hope for Gotham City.
The I Believe in Harvey Dent campaign will be holding a press conference today at 3:00 pm (EDT). The audio will be streaming live at www.ibelieveinharveydent.com. Whatever Harvey Dent says, I know one thing – I’m proud of him. And I’m proud of all of you.
I still believe in Harvey Dent. Do you?
Allan Cypes
Media Manager, Dent for DA
Speaking of the campaign's website, it has updated as well with the following announcement:
HARVEY DENT CAMPAIGN MOVES HEADQUARTERS
Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Harvey Dent for DA campaign is temporarily moving out of its campaign headquarters. As of today, the Headquarters will be situated in the guest house behind the house of Allan Cypes, the media manager for the campaign. We are still committed to electing Harvey Dent and taking back Gotham from the forces of darkness, crime, and corruption.
UPDATE: The press conference was cancelled due to a hostage situation. From the campaign site:
HARVEY DENT: GOTHAM'S WHITE KNIGHT
Today's press conference was unexpectedly cancelled due to a hostage crisis located at a nearby deli. In a selfless move, Mr. Dent entered the premises, exchanged himself for a woman who was being held at gunpoint, and negotiated the successful release of the remaining patrons in the restaurant. Watch this site for updates. We will release more details when they become available.
Update: Batman Gotham Knight Premieres at Wizard World Chicago
Source: Warner Home Video,
April 10, 2008
DC Comics, Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video and Warner Bros. Animation will present the world premiere of the DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movie, Batman Gotham Knight, at Wizard World Chicago on June 28, 2008, it was announced today.
Scheduled for an evening presentation, the Batman Gotham Knight premiere will be followed immediately by a panel featuring members of the film crew and cast, including legendary animation producer Bruce Timm (Superman Doomsday, Justice League: The New Frontier); acclaimed comics writer Brian Azzarello and Emmy Award-winning television writer Alan Burnett. Other filmmakers and voice talent are expected to participate.
Batman Gotham Knight is a fresh and exciting new entry into the Batman mythos, spinning out of a 40-year history in animation including the Emmy®-winning "Batman: The Animated Series," widely considered a pivotal moment in American animation. A cross section of distinguished creators, award winning producers, and acclaimed writers weave six interlocking stories that reveal Bruce Wayne's journey to The Dark Knight, each with stylish art from some of the world's most revered animation visionaries.
Batman Gotham Knight will arrive July 8, 2008 on DVD and Blu-Ray Disc, and will also be available On Demand via digital cable and for download through broadband sites.
Update #7: New Dark Knight Gotham Times Arrives
Source:Gotham Times
March 26, 2008 (Updated)
A new edition of The Gotham Times that is being sent out to people who received the first issue. It's part of The Dark Knight viral marketing and this time concentrates more on Harvey Dent's campaign.
A new black and white picture can be found on the front page.
UPDATE #1: The official Gotham Times website has updated to this new issue of the newspaper. Also, IBelieveinHarveyDent.com has received an update.
UPDATE #2: Talked about in the newspaper's new issue, MaidenAvenueReport.com is also online.
UPDATE #3: GothamCableNews.com, Dana Worthington.com, CitizensforBatman.org and SaintsWithunsChurch.org have launched as well.
UPDATE #4: Be sure to e-mail some of the above sites to see what kind of replies you get!
UPDATE #5: GVAFoundation.org has been updated with a message from Dana Worthington.
UPDATE #6: Joker's back too! Fans are receiving this text message from recruiting@rent-a-clown.com:
Hey clown! Long time, no crime spree! Well, put on your floppy shoes and answer this question: are you ready to get to work? (ReplyY/N)
If you reply Y, you'll get back:
"Glad to see you're still alive and kicking. I'll be in touch before Poisson d'Avril."
So, looks like we'll hear from The Joker before April Fools' Day (April 1).
UPDATE #7: GPDIAD.com has updated with officers of the month, while you can now call GothamCab.com at 1-877-530-2227 to hear a message about how they've shut down, something that was also mentioned in the new Gotham Times (the cabs were being used for mafia delivery jobs). As before, you can enter Breitup's badge number (6773) when prompted at the end of the message for more.
Christian Bale's Ledger Praise And Batman 3
Friday March 22, 2008
Source: Celeb Edge
Christian Bale has revealed the late Heath Ledger did "one hell of a job" playing the Joker in new Batman film, 'The Dark Knight'.
Christian Bale thinks the late Heath Ledger did "one hell of a job" playing the Joker in the new Batman film.
The 34-year-old actor - who reprises his role as the comic book hero in 'The Dark Knight' - says Heath, who died on January 22 from an accidental prescription drugs overdose, has a "unique" take on the role made famous by Jack Nicholson in 1989's 'Batman'.
He said: "I'm absolutely fine talking about Heath. Although I don't like trivialising the tragedy in conjunction with an interview to do with the movie, which is clearly far less important.
"But Heath was a joy. He really was like that, because he was a very unique man. I enjoyed watching him work, working with him - you know, we had a lot of the old gang from the first one together, and then there were new members, Heath obviously included.
"What was so great to see with Heath is just how seriously he took it. And he did one hell of a job." Christian also revealed he would definitely consider starring in a third Batman film if director Christopher Nolan was on board.
He added in an interview with the 'Entertainment Weekly' website: "I would consider part three, but I'm not saying I'd do part seven. 'Batman Begins' - that was the beginning there, with all due respect to the others.
"I would like very much to complete a trilogy. And I think that knowing the story of 'The Dark Knight', it leaves you anticipating something that could be very interesting for a third. Now, the question would be - is Christopher Nolan going to be doing it? Because to me I find it tricky to imagine working on it without Christopher."
Update: Batman Gotham Knight Voice Cast Announced
Source: Warner Premiere, DC Comics
March 20, 2008
Warner Premiere and DC Comics have officially announced the voice cast for Batman Gotham Knight:
Kevin Conroy, the bench mark by which fans compare all Batman voices, returns to the title role in Batman Gotham Knight, the third release in the DC Universe Animated Original Movie series from DC Comics, Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video and Warner Bros. Animation, it was announced today. The all-new, original movie will street July 8, 2008 on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, as well as OnDemand and Pay-per-View. The film will be available for download on the same date.
Batman Gotham Knight is a fresh and exciting new entry into the Batman mythos, spinning out of a 40-year history in animation including the Emmy®-winning Batman: The Animated Series, widely considered a pivotal moment in American animation. A cross section of distinguished creators, award-winning producers, and acclaimed writers weave six interlocking stories that reveal Bruce Wayne's journey to The Dark Knight, each with stylish art from some of the world's most revered animation visionaries.
Conroy set the standard for modern day Batman voices with his performance in Batman: The Animated Series, The New Adventures of Batman and Robin and The New Batman Superman Adventures. He reprised the role as an aging Bruce Wayne playing mentor to a new Caped Crusader in Batman Beyond. Animation legend and Batman Gotham Knight producer Bruce Timm said Conroy was the obvious choice for both widespread fan approval and to provide an overriding sense of continuity within a film in which Batman appears in so many new, visual variations.
"Anytime we initiate an animated Batman project, 'Will Kevin Conroy voice Batman?' is the first question we hear from fans," said Bruce Timm , Executive Producer. "To meet Kevin is to know that he's not anything like Batman, and yet he manages to perfectly nail that indefinable element that is Batman. He's got the voice, he's got the acting chops, and he's absolutely the best man for the job."
Conroy provided a central, rallying point for a cast that perfectly meshes stars of some of today's highest rated primetime television series with many of the most popular voiceover actors in the business. Gary Dourdan (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) and Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty) are heard in multiple segments of the six-story film as police detectives Crispus Allen and Anna Ramirez, key members of a special unit who learn to trust the Dark Knight's motives. Parminder Nagra (ER, Bend It Like Beckham) supplies the voice of Cassandra, a mystical Indian woman who teaches Bruce Wayne to endure and manage his pain. David McCallum (Navy NCIS, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Great Escape) takes on the role of loyal servant Alfred. George Newbern (Father of the Bride) and Alanna Ubach (Legally Blonde) also join the cast.
The cast also features popular voice over artists Corey Burton, Rob Paulsen, Kevin Michael Richardson, Will Friedle, Jason Marsden, Jim Meskimen, Pat Musick, Scott Menville, Hynden Walch, Corey Padnos and Crystal Scales.
Batman Gotham Knight will be available on DVD for $19.98 SRP. There will also be a 2-disc Special Edition DVD available for $29.98 SRP which contains over 100 minutes of bonus features plus 4 bonus episodes. All the content fr m the 2-disc Special Edition DVD will be available on Blu-ray Disc for $34.99 SRP.
Batman Gotham Knight 2-disc Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray Disc will feature incredible extras including:
"Batman and Me a Devotion of Destiny: The Bob Kane Story" - The comprehensive chronology of the remarkable life of the creator of Batman.
"A Mirror for the Bat: The Evil Denizens of Gotham City" - A stimulating documentary covering Gotham City's most nefarious of characters, combined with a look into the symbiotic relationship Batman shares with his enemies.
"Batman: The Animated Series" Bonus Episodes - Bruce Timm selects his favorite episodes from Batman: The Animated Series.
"Sneak Peek: Wonder Woman" - DC Universe animated original movie
Audio Commentary - Featuring the filmmakers of Gotham Knight.
Widescreen (1.78:1)
5.1 Dolby Digital
Batman Gotham Knight was headed by an impressive list of directors who have brought their distinctly different anime styles to the classic Batman character. The production was divided among three renowned studios – Studio 4ºC, Production I.G and Madhouse – and included the truly inimitable visions of directors Shojiro Nishimi, Futoshi Higashide, Hiroshi Morioka, Yasuhiro Aoki and Toshiyuki Kubooka. With stories written by several of the most talented writers of film , comic books, and animation, including Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter Josh Olson (A History of Violence), David S. Goyer (Batman Begins), Emmy®-winner Alan Burnett (Batman: The Animated Series), Jordan Goldberg (Associate Producer, The Dark Knight), and award-winning comics writers Greg Rucka and Brian Azzarello, Batman Gotham Knight presents thrilling new adventures of Batman that spotlight several of Gotham City's most dangerous villains, including the fearsome Scarecrow, the freakish Killer Croc and the unnerving marksman known as Deadshot. Batman Gotham Knight is produced by Emma Thomas (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight), Michael Uslan & Benja m in Melniker (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight), Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series) and Toshi Hiruma.
More Dark Knight Product Tie-Ins Revealed
Source: Brandweek
March 18, 2008
Brandweek has published an extensive article on the upcoming product tie-ins for The Dark Knight. Here's a clip:
Pizza giant Domino's, in its first feature film link, joins General Mills, Nokia, Hershey, Comcast, Microsoft's Xbox and the California Milk Processor Board to co-promote the film, which again stars Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman. Design house Giorgio Armani even gets in the picture, using its sleek wardrobe of Batman's alter ego Bruce Wayne as a centerpiece for Dark Knight-themed print ads in fashion magazines.
Batman Begins Coming to Blu-ray Disc
Source: Warner Home Video
March 17, 2008
Batman Begins catapults into the high definition age on July 8th with the Blu-ray™ Hi-Definition release from Warner Home Video. Batman Begins has already been well received in high definition, as the HD DVD release is the top catalog HD seller.
Three new DVD editions -- two on Blu-ray™ Hi-Definition and one in Standard Definition -- will be released prior to the July 18th nationwide theatrical release of Warner Bros. Pictures' The Dark Knight.
Leading the Blu-ray™ Hi-Def pack is the Batman Begins Limited Edition Gift Set ($49.99 SRP). The single disc Blu-ray™ Hi-Def Gift Set also includes The Dark Knight prologue" (the first six minutes of the film), a Batman Begins motion art lenticular, a 32-page booklet including an all-new DC Comics comic book adaptation of The Dark Knight prologue, exclusive photos, script pages and story boards. This Gift Set will also include five Batman Begins collectible postcards with never-before printed key art from the theatrical release, as well as $7.50 "movie cash" towards the purchase of an adult ticket to see The Dark Knight in theatres.
A single disc Blu-ray™ Hi-Def version ($28.99 SRP) of Batman Begins will also be available. This also features The Dark Knight prologue.
Batman Begins Limited Edition Gift Set will also be available in a 2-Disc Standard Definition ($39.92 SRP) version. This Gift Set will include a 128MB Batman branded flash drive, five Batman Begins collectible postcards with never-before printed key art from the theatrical release, as well as $7.50 "movie cash" towards the purchase of an adult ticket to see The Dark Knight in theatres.
New Dark Knight Viral Sites Found
Source:Warner Brothers
March 14, 2008
In a recent update to this item on the Harvey Dent campaign for District Attorney, New viral sites have been found for the The Dark Knight. Be sure to head on over and check out GothamElectionBoard.com and GothamCityClerk.com
Update: The Dentmobiles are Hitting the Road!
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
March 13, 2008
If you signed up at IBelieveinHarveyDent.com, then you most likely got the following:
Cross-Country Tour of Campaign Bus Continues As Thousands of Dent Supporters March, Rally For The One Man Who Can Save Gotham!
Check the updated schedule at http://www.ibelieveinharveydent.com/ontheroad.aspx to see if a Dentmobile is coming to your neighborhood.
Dent's challenge to Gotham to show their desire for change has been met with a city-wide explosion of activism, with thousands of supporters organizing rallies, meet-ups, petition drives, and posting signs and placards in every neighborhood. Check out some of the best photos and videos at http://www.ibelieveinharveydent.com/youinaction.aspx.
Dent is expected to make his decision whether to run for Gotham District Attorney within weeks and your support does make a difference!
**Special Alert**
For those of you who can get down to Rockefeller Center tomorrow morning between 6 and 9 am, there's a very good chance your friends might be able to see you on a certain morning television show.
Spread the word. Make an impression! Let's get creative in demonstrating our support!
Take Back Gotham!
UPDATE: Here's one update-
I arrived at the 'dentmobile' at about 7:35. It was a white van with Harvey Dent posters on it. There were two 'campaign managers' and another fellow Dent supporter (the same person who got the cake phone, he'll be submitting photos sometime). We got stickers, buttons, and t-shirts to be street promoters. We waved picket signs. At 8 a cop came up to us and said we had to go. The managers cooperated and left. They said they would be at the later stops.
Official Batman: Gotham Knight Site Online
Source: Warner Premiere, DC Comics
March 10, 2008
Warner Premiere and DC Comics have launched the official website for Batman: Gotham Knight, which hits DVD and Blu-ray Disc on July 8, 2008. At the site, you can view a hi-res version of the recent featurette on film that was leaked to YouTube not too long ago, as well as sign up to receive updates.
New Dark Knight Photos
Source: The New York Times
March 10, 2008
The New York Times has published four new shots from The Dark Knight. You can check the photo's out in The Dark Knight Sub Menu> Officially Released Photo's.
Update: IBelieveinHarveyDent.com is Live!
Source:WB
March 8, 2008
The official IBelieveinHarveyDent.com viral site is now live with specific instructions on what you can do to support Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) in his run for District Attorney and to take back Gotham! You have until March 26th at 12 noon to submit your creative videos and pics. Downloads are available to help you while you can also sign up to receive updates about the Harvey Dent campaign on the road.
Show your support! Go here.
UPDATE #1: Harvey Dent has been calling the fans who left their phone number on the site a week ago. You can listen to the call here!
Nicholson Would Have Talked Joker with Ledger
Source: MTV March
5, 2008
MTV interviewed original big screen Joker Jack Nicholson, who talked about sleeping pills and meeting up with the late Heath Ledger about playing the villain in The Dark Knight:
MTV: When we spoke last, we talked about Batman, but it was before this tragedy with Heath Ledger.
Nicholson: That was horrible. I had an Ambien experience. I don't react well to sleeping pills. Someone said, "Try this, there's no hangover." And I got an emergency call in the middle of the night and had forgotten I'd taken one. I fell asleep at the wheel about a hundred yards from my house. A couple blocks in either direction and I'd have been in a really bad accident. When the news first came out and I heard [sleeping pills were involved] — I've tried to warn people.
MTV: Is there a lesson to be learned from what happened?
Nicholson: One of the things I'd know doctors would like is good feedback in their direction. If you do take a pill, have the presence of mind to check yourself out and see how it's actually acting so you can give feedback to the medical person.
MTV: How long ago was your incident?
Nicholson: That's got to be three or four years [ago]. I didn't know Mr. Ledger, but the town is very sad on his behalf.
MTV: You'd never met him?
Nicholson: No, I'd never met him. I would have tried to have a fun talk with him about the Joker.
Full Batman: Gotham Knight Press Release
Source: Warner Home Video
February 25, 2008
Here is the official press release from Warner Home Video about Batman: Gotham Knight:
DC Comics, Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video and Warner Bros. Animation have collaborated to create a unique Batman experience in Batman: Gotham Knight. The all-new, original movie will arrive July 8, 2008 on DVD and Blu-ray Disc. Order due date is June 3, 2008. The original movie will also be available OnDemand and Pay-per-View as well as available for download on the same day as release date, July 8, 2008.
Batman: Gotham Knight is a fresh and exciting new entry into the Batman mythos, spinning out of a 40-year history in animation including the Emmy®-winning Batman: The Animated Series, widely considered a pivotal moment in American animation. A cross section of distinguished creators, award winning producers, and acclaimed writers weave six interlocking stories that reveal Bruce Wayne’s journey to Dark Knight, each with stylish art from some of the world’s most revered animation visionaries.
Batman: Gotham Knight was headed by an impressive list of directors who have brought their distinctly different anime styles to the classic Batman character. The production was divided among three renowned studios – Studio 4ºC, Production I.G and Madhouse – and included the truly inimitable visions of directors Shojiro Nishimi, Futoshi Higashide, Hiroshi Morioka, Yasuhiro Aoki and Toshiyuki Kubooka. With stories written by several of the most talented writers of film, comic books, and animation, including Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter Josh Olson (A History of Violence), David S. Goyer (Batman Begins), Emmy®-winner Alan Burnett (Batman: The Animated Series), Jordan Goldberg (Associate Producer, The Dark Knight), and award-winning comics writers Greg Rucka and Brian Azzarello, Batman: Gotham Knight presents thrilling new adventures of Batman that spotlight several of Gotham City’s most dangerous villains, including the fearsome Scarecrow, the freakish Killer Croc and the unnerving marksman known as Deadshot. Batman: Gotham Knight is produced by Emma Thomas (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight), Michael Uslan & Benjamin Melniker (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight), Toshi Hiruma and Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series).
Batman: Gotham Knight will be available on DVD for $24.98 SRP. There will also be a 2-disc Special Edition DVD available for $29.98 SRP which contains additional bonus features. All the content from the 2-disc Special Edition DVD will be available on Blu-ray Disc for $34.99 SRP.
Batman: Gotham Knight DVD will feature incredible extras including:
“A Mirror for the Bat: The Evil Denizens of Gotham City” - A stimulating documentary covering Gotham City’s most nefarious of characters, combined with a look into the symbiotic relationship Batman shares with his enemies.
“Sneak Peek: Wonder Woman” - DC Universe animated original movie
Audio Commentary - Featuring the filmmakers of Gotham Knight.
Widescreen (1.78:1)
5.1 Dolby Digital
The 2-disc Special Edition DVD will feature even more incredible extras including:
“Batman and Me a Devotion of Destiny: The Bob Kane Story” - The comprehensive chronology of the remarkable life of the creator of Batman.
“Batman: The Animated Series” Bonus Episodes - Bruce Timm selects his favorite episodes from Batman: The Animated Series.
“Batman: Gotham Knight explores an exciting moment between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight,” said Paul Levitz, DC Comics President and Publisher, “and takes our fans on a very different visual trip through Gotham and Batman’s life. We’re extremely proud of this project, and look forward to adding to the momentum our DC Universe Animated Original Movie program has been building.”
“Batman: Gotham Knight is a perfect example of the type of release that Warner Premiere is becoming known for and that audiences are hungry for,” said Matt Bierman, Vice President, Production, Warner Premiere. “With incredible production values, a top-notch creative team and compelling, iconic characters from the DC Universe, Batman: Gotham Knight really raises the bar in the Direct-to-DVD arena and we’re proud to be a part of this production.”
“To date, over 13.5 million units of Batman animated titles have been sold and we are thrilled to release Batman: Gotham Knight, the next installment of the DC Universe animated original movies, which will be a hit with Super Hero and comic book fans alike,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President, Kids and Sports Marketing.
Batman: Gotham Knight Marketing Support
Batman: Gotham Knight will be supported by a massive media campaign including primetime TV spots, national print and online coverage. Marketing support will also include strong promotional support as well as a grassroots viral campaign.
DC UNIVERSE ORIGINAL MOVIES
DC Comics, Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video (WHV) and Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) began the production and distribution of “DC Universe,” a series of original, animated PG-13 movies in July 2006. This original made for DVD movie is part of the DC Universe series of animated PG-13 films written and directed by acclaimed comic book creators and animators and featuring recognizable talent. WHV will be the exclusive worldwide home entertainment distributor for all DC Universe movies, which will include a slate of 2-3 action-packed films per year. Superman Doomsday and Justice League: The New Frontier were the first DC Universe original animated movies. Other DC properties with films in development include Justice League, Green Lantern, Flash and Wonder Woman.
BASICS
Street Date: July 8, 2008
Order Due Date: June 3, 2008
Languages: English, Spanish
Subtitles: Spanish
Batman: Gotham Knight (2 Disc Special Edition DVD)
Price: $29.98 SRP / No MAP
UPC: 0883929011155
Batman: Gotham Knight (Blu-ray Disc)
Price: $34.99 SRP / No MAP
UPC: 085391179511
About Warner Premiere:
Warner Premiere is Warner Bros. Entertainment’s new direct-to-consumer production company focused on the development, production and marketing of feature-length content, as well as short form digital content for the growing home entertainment market. Warner Premiere is committed to being at the creative forefront in the evolution of quality product in the direct-to-DVD business and the digital space, creating material that exemplifies the commitment to story, production and brand equity for which Warner Bros. is known.
About Warner Home Video:
With operations in 90 international territories Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.
About DC Comics:
DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC Super Heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics’ Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.
Warner Bros. Animation has been producing award-winning original animation since 1930, when it released its first cartoon, “Sinkin' in the Bathtub.” Since then, Warner Bros. Animation’s characters have set the standard for innovative, quality animation. Producing for network and cable television, online, home entertainment and feature films both domestically and internationally, Warner Bros. Animation is highly respected for its creative and technical excellence, as well as maintaining the studio’s rich cartoon heritage. Warner Bros. Animation also oversees the creative use of, and production of animated programming based on classic animated characters from the Hanna-Barbera and DC Comics libraries. Warner Bros. Animation is one of the most honored animation studios in history, garnering a grand total of six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, a Humanitas Award, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).
Harley Quinn Will be in The Dark Knight?
20th Febuary 2008
I'll start by stating the obvious this is probably a load of rubbish, but i thought i'd share anyway, Sarah Jayne Dunn the british actress who appears in The Dark Knight is said by her management to be playing Harley Quinn-
The Dark Knight Two-Face Toy Revealed
Source: Dark Horizons
February 20, 2008
Dark Horizons has posted a first look at photos of the Two-Face figure for The Dark Knight. Aaron Eckhart plays the villain (AKA Harvey Dent) in the Christopher Nolan sequel coming to theaters on July 18. Although a bit blurry, the photos of the toy were apparently taken at a restricted press event at this week's Toy Fair in New York. You can check ouyt the picture in Dark knight merchandise (Dark Knight Submenu> Dark Knight Merchandise)
You can check out the rest of Mattel's 'The Dark Knight' Range at Toy Fair 2008 at the link below-
CRUEL JOKER
POSTHUMOUS HEATH FIGURINE
By JULIA DAHL
Source:New York Post
SaturdayFebruary 16, 2008
Heath Ledger lives on - as an evil 6-inch figurine.
The Post got a sneak peek at the action figures for this summer's upcoming Batman flick "The Dark Knight," in which Ledger stars as the psychotic villain The Joker .
Although the doll is being unveiled less than a week after Ledger's funeral, his family stands behind the company's decision to go ahead with marketing the collectible.
"Heath was very proud of his work in the film, and his family is aware and supportive of Warner Bros. and its partner's plans for the movie," said a family spokesperson.
Mattel will be selling two versions of the Joker doll, both of which hit store shelves in May.
The first retails for $7.99 and features a rocket launcher that can be placed in the Joker's hand.
The second, (In Dark Knight Merchandise) is a slightly larger, more detailed version created by famed action-figure designers the Four Horsemen, sells for $10.99 and comes with a toy knife.
"It's not exactly a marketing point," said Mattel's P.J. Lewis of Ledger's death. "But kids are going to buy the toy if they like the movie."
Cliff Annicelli, editor of Playthings magazine, said he believes Ledger's death will definitely increase sales of the Joker figure, especially among adults.
"I would expect it will be a hotter collectible than it would have been before his death," said Annicelli.
Mattel will probably rely on comic book stores, instead of toy stores, to sell most of the figurines, he added.
"That's been the marketing plan all along, because the movie is dark and not particularly kid-appropriate," Annicelli said.
Adrienne Citrin, of the Toy Industry Association, played down extra sales associated with Ledger's death.
"Batman is an iconic figure," she said. "There's a lot of excitement surrounding the movie, and that correlates with sales. It's going to be a popular action figure regardless of his unfortunate death."
The Joker and other "Dark Knight" figurines will be on display at the American International Toy Fair this weekend at the Javits Center.
First Look At Batman: Gotham Knight
Source: SHH
Febuary 14 2008
As i'm sure you'll all know theres a new Batman movie released this summer straight to DVD. Detailing what happens inbetween Batman Begins and The Dark Knight it's animated in a anime style and Directed by Batman The Animated Series Veteran Bruce Timm. You can check out the 10 minute preview in Gotham Theatre (Theatre One at the bottom of the page.
New Batman Collections Coming Winter 2008
Source- Superheroflix
Febuary 5 2008
We don't know much, but we know that they're coming this Fall. According to DVD Town, Warner Bros. has said in a press conference that they will release two new Batman collections this fall.
Batman Begins Limited Collectors Edition Box Set will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray and Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology will be released in the Blu-Ray format as well. The anthology will be updated to include Batman Begins, which isn't available on Blu-Ray as of yet.
We have no other details to divulge at this point, but it seems that a fall release would put these collections to be in line with a DVD/Blu-Ray release of The Dark Knight, and that a Blu-Ray version of The Dark Knight might be included in the anthology as well. We'll have more on this story as it comes to us.
Move over Batman. The success of 2008’s ‘The Dark Knight’ may rest on the purple-clad, grinning psycho, the Joker, a modern-day, punk-rock anarchist
Jim Gordon’s trying desperately to catch a glimpse of the Joker. Time and again, though, the clown-faced madman has evaded arrest and the bloody trail of armed robbery and murder in the criminal’s wake has the officer restless and exhausted. Now, finally, Gordon’s got his perp trapped. When a bank heist falls apart, Gordon and a S.W.A.T. team track the Joker to a vault with no exit.
But when Gordon and his men arrive, lined against the concrete walls in flanking positions, the dark room stands still and empty. No Joker. No accomplices. Nothing. Just a few small stacks of money discarded like crumbs in the center of the cold, vacant vault—a twisted little “F you” to the police.
“It’s empty!” screams Gordon, his voice booming off the back wall as he loses his usually cool demeanor. In a final fit of rage, Gordon turns and kicks the pile of money into a cloud of flailing dollar bills.
For Gordon, the Joker’s evasion has been an irritatingly common scenario. No one, not even Batman, can manage a handle on the criminal. That elusiveness extends to movie-goers who’ve been kept in the dark about the Clown Prince of Crime since he was first alluded to in the final minutes of 2005’s “Batman Begins.” The film, directed by Christopher Nolan, went on to gross over $370 million worldwide and revamped the Bat-franchise. Now Nolan looks to reignite that blockbuster status in summer 2008—only this time he’ll be banking on a man in white make-up with a twisted Kool-Aid smile.
Swooping into theaters on July 18, 2008, “The Dark Knight” focuses on the Batman’s continued urban war on crime. Rejoining Nolan as millionaire Bruce Wayne (and the titular crime-fighting badass) is actor Christian Bale, who’s accompanied by returning all-stars Gary Oldman (Lt. Gordon), Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox) and Michael Caine (Alfred). But it’s the Joker, played by Heath Ledger, who fans are wetting themselves to see. And despite a media blackout surrounding the villain, Heath has been able to sneak out a few tidbits about his take on the character.
“To play a villain, one must throw it all out the window,” revealed Ledger in an online interview. “And I have not yet really explored that kind of dark side, which makes me enthusiastic to play [the Joker]. This role, I am told, will be like watching a car wreck that won’t stop. And from the script pieces I’ve been sent on my character’s angles, it just gets deeper and deeper. This guy is a shark, a fearless shark, and I know I can bring that alive.”
A creepy little Joker with an inner monster the size of Jaws isn’t the only addition to the franchise. Between new gadgets, a wave of fresh characters and the confirmation of at least one other major villain in the film (Two-Face!), “The Dark Knight” already seems poised to blow away the box office receipts on “Batman Begins.” If you’ve been frustrated with the lack of info on the flick, prepare to come out of the dark.
SHUFFLING THE JOKER Topping, or even matching, Jack Nicholson at anything is no easy task. That’s why, when Nolan and crew began developing Batman’s arch-nemesis for the big screen, they needed to work a new (albeit terrifying) angle different from Nicholson’s take on the character in 1989’s “Batman.”
“What’s strong about [the Joker] was this idea of anarchy, this commitment to chaos,” Nolan explains on a warm, sunny afternoon while taking a break from filming “Dark Knight” scenes on set in downtown Chicago. “He’s not just a bank robber or an ordinary criminal who’s out for any kind of material gain. I talked to Heath a lot about that even as we were finishing the script, and we both agreed that’s the most threatening force, in a way, that society faces—that of pure anarchy by someone who really wants to do harm for its sake and for his own entertainment.”
That idea of anarchy stems from the Joker’s first appearance over 60 years ago in Batman #1. Nolan’s younger brother and “Dark Knight” screenwriter, Jonah, came up with the idea of tapping that issue’s take on the character to build a practical big-screen baddie. Dozens of murders littered the Joker’s first few comic appearances and it was his reaction to the crimes that made him scary.
“There is a murderous quality to him,” adds the director. “He’s a criminal, but he has this great delight in his murderous nature and there’s the great siege of a massively destructive, anarchic force in the way that guy looks at the world which is quite amazing. He’s very much the absolute. That’s what we’ve presented in the film. He is an absolute.” According to Ledger, it’s the right way to go. “He’s going to be really sinister,” the actor said. “It’s going to be less about his laugh and his pranks and more about just him being a just a f--king sinister guy.”
Despite a strong understanding of the character, Ledger polarized fans across the nation when it was announced in July 2006 that he would play the Joker. Many thought the character actor could bring a quality performance whether or not it was similar to Nicholson’s. Others thought the handsome Academy Award nominee (“Brokeback Mountain”) could never pull off the grim and gritty attitude needed to portray a sadistic criminal in the “Batman Begins” world. Ledger simply shrugs it all off.
“It would not matter who is chosen to play the [Joker],” Ledger publicly stated. “In any film, there is always someone who does not like you and I am secure in my choices and my record. But I know at the end of the day you are never going to please anyone 100 percent…I refuse to carbon copy a performance. That would not be a challenge and it would be mocking Mr. Nicholson, whom I have much respect for.”
Respect and secrecy stand out on the set of “The Dark Knight” moreso than on most productions. Since filming began in April 2007, Warner Bros. has done everything in its power to keep the Joker under wraps, shielding Ledger from the press. The only authorized video to be seen was screened before a crowd of screaming fans at this past summer’s Wizard World Chicago. The studio has also been extremely careful about withholding photos of the purple-clad villain despite the brouhaha that erupted when unauthorized photos of Ledger in costume found their way onto the Internet. The images appeared to be actual stills from the film and featured plot points like the Batman beating on the Joker in a police interrogation room, multiple people in knock-off Batsuits, what appeared to be an early design for the Bat-Computer complete with multiple LCD screens and a close-up of Ledger in Joker makeup. Sites quickly took the pictures down (no doubt due to pressure from Warner Bros. execs and/or legal department), but it was too late. Almost as if the leak was planned by Joker himself in an early comic book “bad guy poisons the water supply” kind of way, “Dark Knight” hysteria was let loose and thousands of people caught the bug. Even Caine, who plays Wayne’s trusted butler Alfred Pennyworth, can’t hide his excitement.
“[The movie] is about Heath Ledger as the Joker,” the 74-year-old actor told mtv.com. “It’s one of the scariest performances I’ve ever seen.”
DRESSING UP A MADMAN If clothes make the man, then what the hell does a psychopathic anarchist wear? According to Nolan, early discussion with Ledger helped develop the look of the character right down to his funky green hair and pocket watch.
“In visual terms, we really tried to just go our own way,” continues Nolan, who tapped costume designer Lindy Hemming to dress the grinning villain. “Basically, it winds up being an amalgam of looking at everything that’s been done with the character and just processing that. Myself and [screenwriter] David Goyer started very early as I was [still] doing ‘The Prestige.’ We were just ruminating and allowing our imaginations to remember and take what we took from the history of the comics and put it all together, which is very much how we approached Batman in the first film.”
In keeping with the anarchic outline for the Joker, Hemming, whose designs can be seen across genres in everything from “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” to “Casino Royale,” looked toward pop culture’s anti-authority figures for influence.
“[The costume] is much more flamboyant and it sort of moves a lot, which he does,” clarifies Hemming of the character’s flailing, manic demeanor. “We started off going through all sorts of reference material with [pop icons] Pete Doherty, Iggy Pop—just going through all kinds of people that we could think of that might dress like that for real because Chris’ whole thing is reality.”
That realistic approach led to a less clowny, more punk rock version of the Joker smeared with white makeup and permanently marked with a bubbled, ugly scar extending his mouth into a monstrous smirk. Reports indicate the Joker begins the film as a nobody thug before an unknown attack results in his disfigurement thanks to a razor blade. Left for dead, the encounter alters the man’s perceptions resulting in the birth of Batman’s greatest villain.
“We just find him dressed like this, and you can assume that he might’ve been dressed like that for years,” Hemming reveals. “Whatever he’s been up to and doing, before we meet him he’s been wearing those clothes. He’s already scarred in the film, and so the makeup comes from what he does to himself to enhance that rather than to look like a clown. It’s much more of a street kind of Joker rather than a man who puts on a clown mask.”
Whatever happened, it’s clear the scarring pushes the Joker over the edge. And it looks like he’s not the only criminal element looking to make Gotham his playground. According to Nolan, the key to the Joker’s motivation, as well as the basic plot of the film, can be found in the final moments of “Batman Begins” after Batman’s takedown of a major crime element creates a power vacuum in Gotham City.
“Really, the key point is Gordon’s little speech about escalation and the idea of [Batman’s] radical response to crime then prompting [crime’s] own radical nature,” says Nolan. “At the end of the first film where the Joker idea was presented, it’s very clear that that was our idea of, ‘Yes, Batman succeeded, but at the same time he’s definitely going to prompt a very extreme response.’ That’s the jumping off point for this film, the extreme response to Batman’s war on crime.”
As a sequel, “Dark Knight” not only follows the same themes and storylines as “Batman Begins,” but also shares the same idea that character development is just as important as plot. Producer Charles Roven agrees and adds that Nolan’s ability to create motivated, compelling characters won’t be discarded this time around.
“Bruce Wayne didn’t even don his Bat-suit until an hour into ‘Batman Begins,’” indicates Roven. “That whole first hour was character, and there was some good action in it, but it was still character there. The great thing that we were able to do on this film is that we jump right into it. You meet the Joker and Harvey Dent early on and each one of their characters is interesting and compelling.”
TWO FACES OF THE LAW If you saw Aaron Eckhart on the street, you’d confuse him for a JC Penney’s catalogue model. Ruggedly handsome in a striped, light blue button-down shirt and faded black slacks on a day off from shooting, he looks more likely to pilot a yacht than fight crime. But don’t let his good looks fool you. As Harvey Dent, Gotham’s new District Attorney, he’s got his eyes set on justice.
“At the end of ‘Batman Begins,’ the D.A. was killed and so Dent is elected as the new D.A.,” explains Roven. “That’s really how he comes into the story. He’s got a lot of charisma and is someone who’s the law enforcement arm together with Gordon who are going to clean up the streets [in ways] that the previous police commissioner and the previous D.A. were never able to do.”
“Harvey is a very good guy in the comic books,” justifies the actor. “He’s judicious. He cares. And then he turns into this character and things happen. I think that it’s interesting about human behavior that under certain circumstances, in one minute you can believe in one thing, and then the world can change and you believe in another thing. In terms of villains and movies, in anyone’s motivation you’re always trying to improve your lot in life and to exact your own code and I think that Harvey/Two-Face has a code and his code is killing people for reasons that will remain secret [for now].”
But before the transformation, Harvey shares another connection with the Caped Crusader stemming from “Batman Begins.” In the first film, Bruce Wayne’s childhood friend (and assistant D.A.) Rachel Dawes discovers his superhero secret identity. Despite an attraction between the two, neither steps over the friendship line. That all changes in “Dark Knight” when Dent makes a move for Dawes, creating a tricky love triangle.
Originally portrayed by actress Katie Holmes, Dawes is played by Maggie Gyllenhaal in “Dark Knight” after Mrs. Tom Cruise decided not to return for the sequel. Gyllenhaal has kept generally mum on her portrayal of the character, but has spoken publicly about stepping into Katie’s shoes.
“I’m not thinking of it as a role that anyone’s played before,” Gyllenhaal told the Post Chronicle. “I’m not walking into Katie Holmes’ performance. I’m thinking of it as an opportunity to play somebody who’s alive and smart. Chris asked me to do this because he wanted me, not because he wants some generic lady in a dress.”
And although her words taken out of context may imply some animosity about the cast change on set, Bale is quick to squash any misconceptions.
“Katie did a very good job and Maggie is doing a fantastic job as well,” he says with all sincerity. “Obviously, Maggie brings her own substance to the role…[the transition has] been as seamless as is possible to be.”
Adding Gyllenhaal to the film provided another kind of collaborator on the film for Nolan. “She pushed me quite hard on the script once she was on board to really try to make the most out of the character and have the character be as important and as credible in the story as possible,” Nolan points out. “She has very good story instincts. So she brought a lot to the character early on both in the substance of how we were treating her character in scenes, but also in the way that she played it.”
The recasting isn’t the only seamless transition on set. Look for Bruce Wayne’s Bat-garage to get an overhaul, just like his love life.
BAT-WHEELS Joining the returning tank-like Batmobile (aka, the Tumbler) is the motorcycle-like Bat-Pod (see sidebar), an experimental machine that allows Batman access to tighter areas like alleyways. Set on two, hulking custom-rounded tires that allow for better steering, the Bat-Pod seems like something out of “Mad Max.” In “Dark Knight,” when Batman’s urban war on crime demands a sleeker mode of transportation than the Batmobile, he has WayneTech’s Research and Development guru Lucius Fox whip up the Bat-Pod. Originally, Nolan and production designer Nathan Crowley constructed a prototype of the vehicle in Nolan’s driveway at home.
“I got brought up to L.A. to see this bike, this Pod,” laughs special effects supervisor Chris Corbould as he looks up at a photo of the vehicle behind him. “I thought, ‘There’s no way with the big wide wheels on it.’ It’s just not a traditional bike.”
Eventually, after several months of stress tests where driveability and safety were measured, the bike was cleared for filming. In all, six bikes were constructed for filming. And if you ask for a definitive top speed, you may be out of luck—none were made with speedometers.
“In the real world we have different gearings, but I’m guessing up to 90 or 100 miles an hour if we geared it to do that,” boasts Corbould. “If it has to get away fast, we have bikes geared for that.”
Batman’s wheels aren’t the only gadgets earning an upgrade. Look for the Dark Knight to sport an entirely new suit in the upcoming film. Constricting due to its one-piece design, the outfit seen in “Batman Begins” made it difficult for Bale to move or show expression in his head and neck area. For nearly seven months while filming, Bale couldn’t rotate his head more than a few inches right or left, up or down. Graham Churchyard, an assistant costume designer on “Batman,” was brought on to provide several alterations to the suit.
“The ‘Begins’ suit is all made out of rubber latex which comes out of a tree as a milky product,” describes Churchyard as he points to the fully assembled, 30-pound outfit hanging from a pulley. “[The new suit] is a similar process of manufacturing, but it’s [made of] polyurethane. It’s used to glue every windshield in the world and it’s also used in the automotive industry for fenders and steering wheels.”
Because the rubber latex in the “Begins” suit didn’t allow for much breathing room, it became dangerously hot very quickly for Bale and stuntmen. And while you will see the original suit during part of “Dark Knight,” Bale says he prefers the new, cooler version despite its eight-pound increase from the original.
“If any of you had to wear the first one then you would love this one as much as I do,” laughs Bale. “It’s all about speed. It’s about [Batman] needing to be faster than he was before.” But why does Bats require a faster outfit? According to Hemming, the story demanded the update.
“The technical reasons are that he requests a more modern, more mobile, easier to operate suit,” she teases. “So Lucius Fox obviously sets about trying to make him a new suit. Storywise though, I don’t really want to tell you what that is. It’s a decision that he makes.
