Christopher Nolan, the director of this summer's Batman sequel,
The Dark Knight, was profiled in the
New York Times this past Sunday. Not only did the article include new photos from the movie (including this one with Christian Bale and the late Heath Ledger), but it included quotes from all of the principal actors about the differences between the first and second film, the look of Gotham and dealing with Ledger's death after filming. It's a great article that shows just how much both Bale and Nolan get the character and his world.
For example, here's Nolan talking about the escalation Gordon refrerenced at the end of
Batman Begins:
As we looked through the comics, there was this fascinating idea that Batman’s presence in Gotham actually attracts criminals to Gotham, attracts lunacy. When you’re dealing with questionable notions like people taking the law into their own hands,you have to really ask, where does that lead? That’s what makes the character so dark, because he expresses a vengeful desire.
Bale continues the thought:
This escalation has now meant that he feels more of a duty to continue. And now you have not just a young man in pain attempting to find some kind of an answer, you have somebody who actually has power, who is burdened by that power, and is having to recognize the difference between attaining that power and holding on to it.
Nolan says the Gotham is sleeker and shinier in the new film, which is almost completely set in the city, unlike the first film. And he describes Ledger's performance as the Joker with adjectives like "terrifying," amazing," "stunning," and "iconic."
These quotes have led to
Oscar buzz for Ledger, which seems a bit premature.
The Dark Knight opens on July 18
In advance of the release of their new album, Accelerate, due April 1, R.E.M played a 90-minute concert at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, TX on Wednesday night, April 12. Here's a review of the show.
Before the Bat-sequel, The Dark Knight hits theatres on July 18, Warner Bros., will release on July 8 Batman: Gotham Knight, a series of 6 related animated shorts that bridge the gap between Batman Begins and the new movie. Each short is directed by an established anime director, who bring their own look to the character and his world. Villians featured in the shorts include Deadshot, Scarecrow and Killer Croc. You can see pics of each of them here.
Do not read if you don't want upcoming plot points ruined for you.
