Batman Begins

1235715

Comments

  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    Just as long as they don't call it Batman Reboots. :p

    As far as the Joker goes, it's going to be a fine balancing act to get him right no matter who plays him and it will all come down to how the character is written. I don't think any of the previous incarnations of the Joker will fit Nolan's vision. Romero's was too campy, Nicholson's was to Nicholsony and the animated Joker was too comical and often turned into comedy relief.

    For me, the Joker from the 1989 movie was the best incarnation so far, flawed though he was as a result of Nicholson's over the top performance. He did the most horrible things like murdering innocent models and electrocuting mob bosses in the most amusing of ways. That twisted juxtaposition was both funny and disturbing at the same time and probably most in keeping with the spirit of the comic book character.

    If nothing else, I hope Nolan retains that twisted juxtaposed element. When Joker kills somebody, I want to be appalled but also laugh under my breath and be forced to admit that it actually was funny in a gruesome kind of way.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    TonyDP wrote:
    If nothing else, I hope Nolan retains that twisted juxtaposed element. When Joker kills somebody, I want to be appalled but also laugh under my breath and be forced to admit that it actually was funny in a gruesome kind of way.



    My point exactly.

    But I still think that Ledger should study Romero's laugh. :))

    Also, I've heard through the grapvine that there might be a Harlequinn added into the mix. Nothing in writing though.
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    RogueAgent wrote:
    Also, I've heard through the grapvine that there might be a Harlequinn added into the mix. Nothing in writing though.

    Dear God I hope not. I never cared for Harley Quinn at all. Now she really was 100% comedy relief and I don't see how she'd fit into a Chris Nolan Batman movie (unless the character was completely reworked, in which it would be pointless to call her Harley).
  • Lazenby880Lazenby880 LondonPosts: 525MI6 Agent
    TonyDP wrote:
    For me, the Joker from the 1989 movie was the best incarnation so far, flawed though he was as a result of Nicholson's over the top performance. He did the most horrible things like murdering innocent models and electrocuting mob bosses in the most amusing of ways.
    Have you seen RETURN OF THE JOKER? I know some people dislike the very concept of 'Batman Beyond', however that is the animated Joker at his most disturbing and, in my opinion, more effective than Nicholson's. Brilliant voice acting as ever, and in the original (and uncensored) cut of the picture we get a real Joker; twisted and all.

    As for Ledger, that is probably just the sort of 'off-beat' casting that will work in the end.
  • Willie GarvinWillie Garvin Posts: 1,412MI6 Agent
    I realize that he's been very popular for many years but I cannot abide Nicholson's interpretation of The Joker.I'm hoping that the next version of this character will be absolutely terrifying.
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    edited July 2006
    Lazenby880 wrote:
    TonyDP wrote:
    For me, the Joker from the 1989 movie was the best incarnation so far, flawed though he was as a result of Nicholson's over the top performance. He did the most horrible things like murdering innocent models and electrocuting mob bosses in the most amusing of ways.
    Have you seen RETURN OF THE JOKER? I know some people dislike the very concept of 'Batman Beyond', however that is the animated Joker at his most disturbing and, in my opinion, more effective than Nicholson's. Brilliant voice acting as ever, and in the original (and uncensored) cut of the picture we get a real Joker; twisted and all.

    As for Ledger, that is probably just the sort of 'off-beat' casting that will work in the end.

    Yup I did see that movie, and I'm a Batman Beyond fan (always liked that concept, kinda reminded me of the old Digital Justice book, one of the first graphic novels done with a computer, but I digress).

    You're right that the Joker was much darker in BB:ROTJ one. I believe Tim Drake killed the Joker in one of the deleted scenes. I was referring more to the TV series where he got sillier and sillier, especially in his appearances on JLA and JLU (he even did a Daffy Duck imitation in one..."your dethpicable!!").

    I also think you're right about Ledger. I'm sure he'll fit in just fine with Nolan's vision for the character. The real question is just what is Nolan's vision for the character?
  • Lazenby880Lazenby880 LondonPosts: 525MI6 Agent
    I realize that he's been very popular for many years but I cannot abide Nicholson's interpretation of The Joker.I'm hoping that the next version of this character will be absolutely terrifying.
    I can understand that sentiment Willie. I do quite like Nicholson's Joker--nothing like the comics of course, but he was rather fun in his own way. And while that film was admittedly dark, his Joker was a spot of light relief.

    However, his Joker would not compare if Nolan's version is more faithful to the source as he is a fantastic character (in every sense of that word) who is the ultimate adversary to Batman.
    TonyDP wrote:
    You're right that the Joker was much darker in BB:ROTJ one. I believe Tim Drake killed the Joker in one of the deleted scenes. I was referring more to the TV series where he got sillier and sillier, especially in his appearances on JLA and JLU (he even did a Daffy Duck imitation in one..."your dethpicable!!").

    I also think you're right about Ledger. I'm sure he'll fit in just fine with Nolan's vision for the character. The real question is just what is Nolan's vision for the character?
    If you saw the cut version try and get the uncut one--it is much better and one of the best Batman pictures. (Not quite as good as Begins, on a par with Mask of Phantasm). I must be honest, I have not seen the shows to which you refer but I understand they ae aimed at a younger market so I can see how the Joker would be made into a more silly and kid-friendly character. Speaking of TV shows, I *do not* like the version in The Batman.

    Regarding Nolan's vision for the character, I imagine it will be more grounded in realism. Not realistic, of course, there is nothing realistic about strapping on a bat suit and avenging evil. Nonetheless, I should think his vision will be more believable, and thus infinitely more disturbing. Although he looked a bit different than the graphic novel version, Nolan's vision of the Scarecrow was remarkable in that he was genuinely creepy--I expect the same with the Joker. I really like that about Nolan (in fact, there are lots of things I like about his direction, but this is one of the most prominent); while the villains did receive a great deal of exposure in the Burton/Schumacher series they were not believable, they just sort of 'existed' as outlandish cartoony characters. With a proper backstory, Nolan's world becomes more creepy and--coupled with the sinister atmosphere his directorial touches imbue--therefore more successful.

    Dark, creepy and sinister: hopefully the next instalment will embody each of those terms. I must say I believe it will. Thank God for the likes of Chris Nolan!
  • General_OurumovGeneral_Ourumov United KingdomPosts: 861MI6 Agent
    edited August 2006
    I realize that he's been very popular for many years but I cannot abide Nicholson's interpretation of The Joker.I'm hoping that the next version of this character will be absolutely terrifying.

    Several actors have been tipped to play the role - including Hugo Weaving and Heath Ledger. Robin Williams is reportedly keen on playing the part. While I would forever side with Weaving, who would play the Joker wonderfully. Still, I can't help but be filled with curiosity as to how Williams would tackle the role. We all know how sinister the man can be, when he wants - and I could see it working. Ledger, however, is likely to be the choice of Nolan - who has apparently already said he wants the Joker to be Batman's age.

    I think making the Joker a younger man is a mistake. Full-stop.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    I think making the Joker a younger man is a mistake. Full-stop.



    Yes, this concerns me somewhat.
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • Willie GarvinWillie Garvin Posts: 1,412MI6 Agent
    edited August 2006
    RogueAgent wrote:
    I think making the Joker a younger man is a mistake. Full-stop.



    Yes, this concerns me somewhat.


    I guess I'm a frustrated casting director,because years ago I saw two actors I thought would've looked absolutely perfect as The Joker.It wasn't difficult to imagine them with distended features and green hair.They've since become famous and are probably too closely associated with other characters to be seriously considered.

    Here they are anyway:

    1)John Glover.Long lean features,excellent speaking voice and quite talented(IMO).It wouldn't be very hard to make him look like The Joker.But he's now too well known as "Smallville"'s Lionel Luthor to ever play Joker today.

    2)Jim Carrey.Yes,I know--he was The Riddler in Batman Forever.But I still think he's the right physical type to play The Joker:tall and slim with a thin face.Just add the requisite whiteface makeup and appliances to his chin and nose and give him the green hair.Carrey's a good actor with a dark side.I know he's best known as a comedian(so is Robin Williams),but he's also a credible dramatic actor as well.With the right screenplay and director,he could be positively chilling as The Joker.At least in my opinion--which probably won't be shared by the majority of the people here.:)

    One feature so many of the comic book based movies seems to share is that the villains--regardless of who they may be--are all turned into standup comedians.It's easy to do,but I think that's a mistake.I sincerely hope the new iteration of The Joker avoids that kind of interpretation.

    Ledger could definitely be a fine Joker.And his comparative youth doesn't bother me at all.But if he IS signed,I hope Nolan and Goyer will resist talking about and/or depicting Batman and The Joker as 2 sides of the same coin.Burton tried that approach with Nicholson and Keaton and it didn't work then.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited August 2006
    It's official! We now have a name for the follow up...THE DARK KNIGHT

    Here's the brief article that I hope is legit:

    http://www.darkhorizons.com/news06/060731n.php
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    edited August 2006
    RogueAgent wrote:
    It's official! We now have a name for the follow up...THE DARK KNIGHT

    Here's the brief article that I hope is legit:

    http://www.darkhorizons.com/news06/060731n.php

    I like it. I also read elsewhere that Nolan is trying to get Philip Seymour Hoffman as the Penguin, The notion of Hoffman as Penguin is also interesting. Again, if it's true, I'm sure Nolan will put his own personal spin on it.

    As for Ledger, the more I think of it the more I think he can pull it off. I look at some of his pictures with the really short hair and the big wide smile, paint them white and green and he isn't too far off from some of the renditions I've seen over the years.

    Now, as long as Rachel doesn't show up with a little toddler in tow we should be good to go.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    TonyDP wrote:
    Now, as long as Rachel doesn't show up with a little toddler in tow we should be good to go.


    Hey, Nolan has earned a free pass with that beauty of a film he pulled off in BB but if he has any intention of pulling a Singer with this entity...his days are inevitably numbered. :))
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • Barry NelsonBarry Nelson ChicagoPosts: 1,508MI6 Agent
    edited August 2006
    I agree that Ledger could pulloff the role of Joker. It will be interesting to see what spin he puts on the character, hopefully he plays it somewhat straight. At least as straight as the Joker can be played. I also hope they don't have too many characters or storylines going. To me, that was the downfall of some of the earlier Batman movies. IMO they can lose Katie Holmes anytime they want.
  • HardyboyHardyboy Posts: 5,906Chief of Staff
    So, is it just The Dark Knight, or will it be Batman: The Dark Knight? As for P. S. Hoffman as the Penguin--so long as he isn't the Danny De Vito mutant, I can accept him!
    Vox clamantis in deserto
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    Hardyboy wrote:
    As for P. S. Hoffman as the Penguin--so long as he isn't the Danny De Vito mutant, I can accept him!



    Hoffman is an excellent actor with good range. Problem for me is I'll always see him as the guy who had the man-crush on Dirk Diggler... :#



    Hoffman and Ledger...yeah, I see where this is going...
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • Dan SameDan Same Victoria, AustraliaPosts: 6,054MI6 Agent
    RogueAgent wrote:
    Hoffman is an excellent actor with good range. Problem for me is I'll always see him as the guy who had the man-crush on Dirk Diggler... :#
    :D

    Hoffman is indeed a great actor. My problem, however, is that I wasn't thrilled with his performance in MI:3. Hopefully, he can play a much better villain the second time around.
    "He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    Dan Same wrote:
    RogueAgent wrote:
    Hoffman is an excellent actor with good range. Problem for me is I'll always see him as the guy who had the man-crush on Dirk Diggler... :#
    :D

    Hoffman is indeed a great actor. My problem, however, is that I wasn't thrilled with his performance in MI:3. Hopefully, he can play a much better villain the second time around.



    Yeah, Dan. You're right. He didn't come across as too menacing in that flick although he showed bad guy tendencies. We'll have to see as time goes along how this thing plays out.
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • Dan SameDan Same Victoria, AustraliaPosts: 6,054MI6 Agent
    edited August 2006
    RogueAgent wrote:
    Yeah, Dan. You're right. He didn't come across as too menacing in that flick although he showed bad guy tendencies. We'll have to see as time goes along how this thing plays out.
    True, very true. I am really looking foreward to this film. I loved Batman Begins and, if the sequel is half as good as the original, I would be delighted.

    One request though; would it be possible for Nolan to allow us to see most of the action scenes? ;) I loved the action scenes in BB but there were a few scenes towards the start which I think were too murky.
    "He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    edited August 2006
    Hardyboy wrote:
    So, is it just The Dark Knight, or will it be Batman: The Dark Knight? As for P. S. Hoffman as the Penguin--so long as he isn't the Danny De Vito mutant, I can accept him!

    According to a new interview with Bale, it's just "The Dark Knight". Of course, it remains to be see if WB will go for that when the movie actually premiers. Here's a link, with a reference to another website for the complete interview.


    http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/723/723567p1.html
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    Dan Same wrote:
    One request though; would it be possible for Nolan to allow us to see most of the action scenes? ;) I loved the action scenes in BB but there were a few scenes towards the start which I think were too murky.


    I hope so too. The character is re-established with audiences so I can understand why Nolan approached it like that... one to ignite Batman's mystique to what it once was in comics.


    I don't need a headache the second time around trying to discern who's fighting who...
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • Agent_MAgent_M lost in the speed forcePosts: 353MI6 Agent
    Hi guys I have a bit of a spoiler for the new batman film. I have it from a good source that a bike is going to emerge from the front of the tumbler, apparently that's why Nolan wanted no axle at the front of it

    sorry about posting this twice its been a loong weekend and i didn't check there was a batman thread 8-) (must be getting old)
    Purvis,Wade...........GRRRRRRRR!

    www.scottacademymartialarts.co.uk
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    edited August 2006
    RogueAgent wrote:
    Dan Same wrote:
    One request though; would it be possible for Nolan to allow us to see most of the action scenes? ;) I loved the action scenes in BB but there were a few scenes towards the start which I think were too murky.

    I hope so too. The character is re-established with audiences so I can understand why Nolan approached it like that... one to ignite Batman's mystique to what it once was in comics.

    I don't need a headache the second time around trying to discern who's fighting who...

    In retrospect, I think all the previous movies have had this problem to some extent. With both Burton and Schumacher the camera was often pushed in too close and the scenery was too dark (at least at the movie theater). Also, the Schumacher epics were a little too frenetic with too much goning on at once. Hopefully, Nolan will bring in an experienced choreographer to help with the fights this time around.

    Ironically, it was the old TV show ... BIFF!!! ... that had some of ... SPLAT!!! ... the most easy to follow fights ... OOFF!!!

    I'm also curious, what was everybody's favorite villain from the old TV show? I myself always loved King Tut (portrayed by the late, great Victor Buono) and I also had a soft spot for Lee Meriwether's rendition of Catwoman (with all due respect to Julie Newmar and Ertha Kitt).
  • MBE_MBE_ USAPosts: 266MI6 Agent
    Frank Gorshin's Riddler and Ceasar Romero's Joker were my favs. I liked all the Catwomen though Merriwether's seemed the most well rounded.

    I agree about the fight scenes. In fact most of the action scenes, including those with the tumbler had the same quality. The camera was too close, and the cuts were too fast. I'm not sure Nolan knew exactly what he was doing with the action scenes. As a director he excelled far more with character and atmosphere.

    MBE
  • Willie GarvinWillie Garvin Posts: 1,412MI6 Agent
    TonyDP wrote:
    Hardyboy wrote:
    So, is it just The Dark Knight, or will it be Batman: The Dark Knight? As for P. S. Hoffman as the Penguin--so long as he isn't the Danny De Vito mutant, I can accept him!

    According to a new interview with Bale, it's just "The Dark Knight". Of course, it remains to be see if WB will go for that when the movie actually premiers. Here's a link, with a reference to another website for the complete interview.


    http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/723/723567p1.html


    I think they'll eventually call it Batman II:The Dark Knight so audiences won't be confused(Like Columbia did with Spider-Man 2 as opposed to The Amazing Spider-Man).

    Moviegoers aren't very bright,after all.:v
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited August 2006
    MBE_ wrote:
    Frank Gorshin's Riddler and Ceasar Romero's Joker were my favs.


    Have to agree with you, MBE. I knew I was always in for a treat when those two aired on shows.


    Anyone recall the episode where it was the dynamic duo going up against The Green Hornet & Kato? Classic crossover.


    To be honest, I wanted to see Batman kick the stew out of Hornet being that his shows were mainly THE KATO SHOW, IMO. Outside of being a rich playboy/businessman with a somewhat cool costume, there was little to no depth with him like say...BRUCE WAYNE.
    But I'm almost ashamed to admit that it would've been gold to see Bruce Lee turn Burt Ward into totally annihilated chop suey ON THAT EPISODE. :))

    A Mexican stand-off my *beeeeeep!*


    Sorry, guys...I have a strong Bruce Lee bias. ;%
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    edited August 2006
    RogueAgent wrote:
    Anyone recall the episode where it was the dynamic duo going up against The Green Hornet & Kato? Classic crossover.

    Did you ever read Adam West's autobiography, Back to the Batcave? It's a very good read and he devotes a whole chapter to those episodes. Turns out there were some antics on set between Bruce Lee and Burt Ward.
  • Willie GarvinWillie Garvin Posts: 1,412MI6 Agent
    TonyDP wrote:
    RogueAgent wrote:
    Anyone recall the episode where it was the dynamic duo going up against The Green Hornet & Kato? Classic crossover.

    Did you ever read Adam West's autobiography, Back to the Batcave? It's a very good read and he devotes a whole chapter to those episodes. Turns out there were some antics on set between Bruce Lee and Burt Ward.

    Yes.West's a very good storyteller and crossover episodes were quite entertaining.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    TonyDP wrote:
    RogueAgent wrote:
    Anyone recall the episode where it was the dynamic duo going up against The Green Hornet & Kato? Classic crossover.

    Did you ever read Adam West's autobiography, Back to the Batcave? It's a very good read and he devotes a whole chapter to those episodes. Turns out there were some antics on set between Bruce Lee and Burt Ward.

    Yes.West's a very good storyteller and crossover episodes were quite entertaining.


    Didn't Ward publish his own version? I remember West not acknowledging his co-star's rendition stating that the facts were either false or blown out of proportion. I think that was in the 90s?
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • NightshooterNightshooter In bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
    Wasn't there a TV special called Back to the Batcave? I believe it was hilarious... if memory serves.
Sign In or Register to comment.