News on The Dark Knight
Christopher Nolan Speaks about 2008's Most Anticipated Movie
Director, Nolan shares about The Dark Knight's 'dense' and dark content and a new image from the film is released.
The Dark Knight is arguably the most anticipated film of 2008. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film, starring the late Heath Ledger, follows directly on from Batman Begins (2005). A reinvention of the tired Batman franchise, Batman Begins breathed fresh and different life into the films and moved it towards a much more faithful interpretation of the graphic novels. Christian Bale plays the unhinged Bruce Wayne brilliantly and Nolan created a much more sinister vision that was removed by Joel Schumacher in Batman Forever (1995) and the diabolical Batman and Robin (1997).
Heath Ledger's Amazing Performance
The Dark Knight is rumoured to be very dark and very menacing and the news and viral campaigns that have been released back up the rumours. The film features two of the caped crusader's most famous enemies: The Joker (Heath Ledger) and Harvey 'Two Face' (Aaron Eckhart). Fans thought casting Heath Ledger as The Joker seemed a risky and misguided choice by Nolan. The brief trailer released in January reveals a compelling and convincing Ledger embracing the role. In short, Ledger's performance promises to be chilling. Together with very clever marketing, with the tagline, 'Why So Serious?' The Dark Knight hit the top of the list for many people's 'must see' movies this year.
The accidental death of Heath Ledger in late January has changed things, though - including some of the marketing. A deep respect for the life of this young actor has emerged in the media and among fans, and The Dark Knight will most likely be a tribute to the capabilities of the rising star.
Christopher Nolan has spoken about the film saying how it is going to be "dense", but Ledger's "terrifying, amazing" performance needs to be honoured. Nolan clearly felt great respect and love for Ledger and has so far been sensitive to his memory.
New Image Released
The film's latest viral campaigns focuses on Harvey Dent (who becomes Two Face). A new website asks visitors to give their email and phone details, so to help in the Harvey Dent campaign to wipe out crime in Gotham City. Considering the trailer released for the film has no mention at all of Two Face, it will be interesting to note what develops out of this.
So far, the film's marketing has been impeccable, with posters and the trailer leaving the audience confused but completely absorbed. Nothing released to date has actually revealed anything about the film's plot. A new still from the film shows Batman standing behind The Joker in a police interview room, but how they got there and why remains a mystery.
If this film fails to deliver, one thing it will be praised for is its excellent marketing drive, which will surely make the opening weekend one of the biggest in many years.
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