Can we officially stop paying attention to all the rumors floating around for Batman 3? Christopher Nolan’s made it known that he is NOT working on Batman at the moment, and he’s smack in the middle of filming “Inception,” which doesn’t wrap until December. So clearly he’s not scripting or casting for Batman 3. And even if he was, does anybody seriously believe what all the film websites have been reporting? Megan Fox as Catwoman? Really?? Eddie Murphy as anybody??!?! I’m still hearing rumors that “Inception” is secretly “Batman 3,” or just serving as a test run for Leo to see if he can play the Joker. Christ people. You have to be seriously dense to believe any of this nonsense. You can stop paying any attention to these rumors at LEAST until “Inception” finishes shooting, and probably until it’s released next summer. Ok, I’m calm now.
It’s only a minute long but I couldn’t be more excited. Definitely my most anticipated for 2010. Leo’s had an amazing streak of movies lately and Chris Nolan is obviously an incredible director. Not to mention the supporting cast: Marion Cotillard (!), Cillian Murphy (!), Michael Caine, Tom Hardy (Who’s new film “Bronson” also looks incredible), Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Berenger and more. Described as a “sci-fi actioner set within the architecture of the mind” and boasting a $200 million budget, there’s no way “Inception” is going to be anything less than amazing. Plus, they’re filming all around the world (Morocco, Paris, etc.), meaning that it’s a sci-fi film shooting on-location, which is kind of unheard of. To be quite honest, I’m way more excited for this than I am Batman 3. There, I said it.
At the very least, this looks like it could be this year’s “Sunshine.” Hopefully it’ll be truly great and Sam Rockwell will finally start to get some real recognition.
In other sci-fi news, Christopher Nolan’s next film “Inception” just picked up Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy, Ellen Paige, and Michael Caine. It’s described as a sci-fi actioner “set within the architechture of the mind.” CAN’T. WAIT.
Dir. Christopher Nolan; Writ. Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan; Starring Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhall, Michael Caine, Aaron Eckhart
Yes, I got to it first. It may be a little unfair, but I feel a bit entitled. I’m the one who put it on the marquee; I’m the one who tries to con people into 45oz of more popcorn for 50 cents; and I’ll be the one paying for taxi cabs after missed, last buses. It’s all worth it for an early screening of Batman.
Coming out of the Dark Knight, I have to say I was a little sad. I wasn’t disappointed, and I wasn’t mourning Ledger’s death (not at that particular moment anyway). I was a little sad because I doubt I will ever see a better comic book movie.
Let me say, every good remark or hope you’ve heard or had is true.
Ledger’s Joker is infallible. Never is there a moment where you see the actor behind the villain. There was only the slightest of seconds when I was able to pull down my awe and terror of the Joker to contemplate Ledger, and without the bathroom break I took I doubt it would have happened at all(I wouldn’t recommend drinking much soda during this film. At two and a half hours, your bladder is liable to explode and it’s impossible to find a scene you’re worth risking). In that moment, my only thought was, “Hit me with brick! If that’s Heath Ledger, who in this galaxy was in First Knight?” Don’t get me wrong. Everyone knew he was great after Brokeback, but that gay cowboy is peanuts next to the Joker.
The Dark Knight is a Batman movie. Heath Ledger makes it a Joker movie. Bruce Wayne is Batman and we all get to watch him evolve in a deteriorating world. He confides in Alfred; loves Rachel, and trusts in Harvey Dent. Yet, the Joker’s transformation is so much more sensual and pronounced. The script does provide insight into the Joker’s maniacal philosophy, but, through madly visual and vicious acts of violence alone, Ledger’s subtle and impeccable acting creates a vivid evolution that passionately shanghais the film.
Gosh, from his beginnings in Gotham as criminally-insane mastermind with a couple of great magic tricks, to his climb to being an impassioned psychopath on a big playground with a casual stroll to a school bus, Ledger as the Joker is a powerhouse. He so dwarfs everyone else, you wouldn’t give a horse’s patoot about Bale, Freemen, Caine, or Gyllenhall if they were sitting right next to you at the theater.
The special effects, the acting, the story they’re all great, but a review of the Dark Knight had to be a review of the Joker.
A+
If you’re on this site and have read this review, it probably means to at least some extent you appreciate movies (or if not, art). So, I feel safe saying, you’re an idiot if you don’t see this movie, and you’re probably a loser if you don’t see it soon.
So what if Michael Bay, my idol, had written the screenplay for the upcoming Dark Knight? If you’re curious to read the results yourself just click here. If you’re at all familiar with Bay, you really must read this. It’s completely worth your time, trust me.
Owl Pellets 