Let’s put a smile on that face!
First proper trailer for next years Batman film, “The Dark Knight”, is now online.
You can watch it here.
Quite frankly, it’s fucking fantastic. Heath Ledger’s Joker is, so far, as far removed from Jack Nicholson’s interpretation as Bale’s version of Batman is from Micheal Keaton. So far, if there’s one blockbuster I absolutely must go and see next summer, it’s this.
Watched it. Hmmmmm. Call me old-fashioned, but what is the point of having ANOTHER Batman film? Don’t get me wrong, I love Batman - as a character he kicks ass because for once he’s not genetically modified, he’s the ultimate tortured hero with no special powers, just a thirst for revenge and a wad of cash to invent cool gadgets. But BATMAN BEGINS went over old ground - Batman Forever dealt with Bruce Wayne wanting to avenge his parents, yes it was crap, but it was DONE - now we’re looking at The Joker again??? Puh-lease. There were so many ways to get me excited about Batman again, especially the gorgeous Christian Bale as Batman, yet I’m just not feeling it baby. And of course Hollywood needs to impress ME PERSONALLY because of my incredible script influence an’ all.
Comment by Lucy — December 17, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
You’re old fashioned!
Tim Burton’s Batman may well have “done” the Joker but let’s face it, it was really just Jack Nicholson in a purple outfit. But Burton had to deal with the genesis story of both Batman and The Joker in the same film which meant that both were rushed and without substance.
Batman Begins dealt with the genesis of Batman much more than we’ve seen before in the films - where did he learn to fight. Where did he get all those wonderful toys? More importantly, it established a very significant character trait for Batman that hasn’t been seen in films before and that’s that he will not kill. As much as the story focussed on his desire for retribution for his parents death, the themes of the film was more about fear - plus it showed the character of the Scarecrow that we haven’t seen before.
The character of the Joker in The Dark Knight is one we’ve probably never seen on film before - it’s not being played for laughs, from what I’ve read, more like a total psychopath who’s the only person who finds his jokes funny. Again, I get the impression that the inspiration for this particular Joker story is “The Killing Joke” which was a classic graphic novel in which Batman decides that he’s finally going to have to go against everything he believes in and actually kill The Joker: a real character driven conflict.
If it was a simple remake then I’d be inclined to agree with you. Or, if it was like Superman Returns and didn’t actually add anything new to the story, I’d be less impressed but I think this is a fresh new take on the story and mythos of Batman.
Anyway - he gets a fucking Batbike and that’s too fucking cool!
Comment by Tom — December 17, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
I think Heath Ledger as the Joker is going to be really interesting, and I’m with you Tom, it looks storming.
Herself’s already told me I’m a sad fucker, but that’s fine, I’ll go to Sad Fuckers Anonymous (AKA First night of release for The Dark Knight *grin*) and be content with that.
Out of interest, have you seen the trailers for Sweeney Todd? Looks interesting, if bizarre. But then, Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, blood, straight-razors, and vengeance. What’s not to like?
Comment by Lyle — December 18, 2007 @ 8:29 pm
It’s because people get excited about stuff we’ve seen before that we end up with no original content… Who cares HOW it’s done if it’s been done before? Just. Don’t. Get. It. Some new characters with cool gadgets please - satsifies the geeks AND the ones who want new stuff! Creative democracy at work. Yay!
Comment by Lucy — December 19, 2007 @ 4:37 pm