The Official THE DARK KNIGHT thread

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  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited April 2007
    I'm not real thrilled with the idea of minimizing the looks of some characters and making Batman's world seem "real".


    Me neither... :#


    If there's the chance that Nolan may be ashamed of how the characters are supposed to look for the sake of compromising his "integrity", why even take a job like this? Is he on a high horse after the success of B.B.?

    Why would any director who never cared to pick up a comic book(*whispers* Singer), subject themselves to this kind of embarrassment? ?:)


    Give it to a reputable director who actually CARES ABOUT THE MYTHOS. X-(

    Let's all hope that these rumors are just for tease effect.
    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: 4,303MI6 Agent
    Like I said before, it's all conjecture at this point and while it's fun to speculate I'm going to try really hard to stay positive about this movie and not form any conclusions until we get some real photos. If history is anything to go by, we won't have to wait too long.

    One thing we have in our favor is that The Joker is one of those iconic characters. That wasn't the case with Raas and Scarecrow so Nolan had much more leeway with them. But everybody has a pretty consistent image of Joker and I have a feeling that when all is said and done this will tie Nolan's hands a bit - just as Batman's iconic appearance forced Nolan to stay largely true to that image. If he tries to deliver a Joker that's unrecognizable from what the general audience expects, the studio will probably balk at it.

    After all, these guys aren't stupid, I think they're smart enough to know that they risk alienating the very audience they're trying to rope in.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited April 2007
    Good point, Tony; there is much more at stake if Nolan reduces Joker's look to nothing more than a colorful bum.

    On a lighter note, this may be a villain that plays to Nolan's strengths. Also, he has yet to grace the silver screen and IMO, he deserves to:


    dw-madhat.gif


    You could certainly flirt with the realism for him.
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    My only thought here is to keep the powder dry. Wait until we can actually see what they've done. Nolan's work on BB has earned him the benefit of my doubt
    Check out my Amazon author page! Mark Loeffelholz
    "I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
    "Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
  • Dan SameDan Same Victoria, AustraliaPosts: 6,054MI6 Agent
    edited April 2007
    RogueAgent wrote:
    Good point, Tony; there is much more at stake if Nolan reduces Joker's look to nothing more than a colorful bum.

    On a lighter note, this may be a villain that plays to Nolan's strengths. Also, he has yet to grace the silver screen and IMO, he deserves to:


    dw-madhat.gif


    You could certainly flirt with the realism for him.
    Who's that? Is it the Mad Hatter?
    "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
    edited April 2007
    Dan Same wrote:
    Who's that? Is it the Mad Hatter?


    Yes, Dan, it is Jervis Tetch, aka The Mad Hatter. Played in this case by the late David Wayne.

    Although he's a secondary villain of sorts, in Nolan's "down-to- earth" world, Hatter could have tremendous upside.
    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:
    Dan Same wrote:
    Who's that? Is it the Mad Hatter?
    Yes, Dan, it is Jervis Tetch, aka The Mad Hatter. Played in this case by the late David Wayne.

    Although he's a secondary villain of sorts, in Nolan's "down-to- earth" world, Hatter could have tremendous upside.
    I thought so. I had never heard of him until you mentioned him a while ago and I looked him up on Wikepedia. :D
    "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: 4,303MI6 Agent
    Superherohype has a few very blurry pictures of what appears to be Heath Ledger as the Joker. He's standing around his trailer and while it's tough to make out details he does appear to have the green hair and purple suit. Click on thru if you're curious.


    http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5530
  • Agent_MAgent_M lost in the speed forcePosts: 353MI6 Agent
    I'm wondering if that might be a stunt man as there is supposed to be a a wire stunt. liking the look of the masks could be a touch of the "ex-presidents" from point break
    Purvis,Wade...........GRRRRRRRR!

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  • HardyboyHardyboy Posts: 5,901Chief of Staff
    TonyDP wrote:
    Superherohype has a few very blurry pictures of what appears to be Heath Ledger as the Joker. He's standing around his trailer and while it's tough to make out details he does appear to have the green hair and purple suit. Click on thru if you're curious.


    http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5530

    As Arte Johnson used to say on the old Laugh-In show, "Veerrrrrry interesting!" If it's a stuntman, he's certainly a dead-ringer for Ledger. Also, I don't know if it's the quality of the picture or because my work computer is a bit under-powered, but I can't tell for sure if his hair is green or what color is the suit jacket. But those clown heads in boxes. . .creepy. Just creepy.
    Vox clamantis in deserto
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    Hardyboy wrote:
    TonyDP wrote:
    Superherohype has a few very blurry pictures of what appears to be Heath Ledger as the Joker. He's standing around his trailer and while it's tough to make out details he does appear to have the green hair and purple suit. Click on thru if you're curious.


    http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5530

    As Arte Johnson used to say on the old Laugh-In show, "Veerrrrrry interesting!" If it's a stuntman, he's certainly a dead-ringer for Ledger. Also, I don't know if it's the quality of the picture or because my work computer is a bit under-powered, but I can't tell for sure if his hair is green or what color is the suit jacket. But those clown heads in boxes. . .creepy. Just creepy.

    Thanks for the link, Tony! {[]
    My son and I debated this morning before I dropped him off at school as to whether this was Ledger or not; he insists that it's a stuntman/double but as H.B. has just said, the resemblance to Heath is too spot on.


    I see that (if everything is as it appears) the Joker will wear his hair longer reminiscent of the Azrael story arc from the 90s when he's getting the cr** beaten out of him. That's a poor shot but I see faint degrees of green in the hair and the suit minus tie appears to be a deep purple but maybe that's my eyes wanting it to be that color anyway. :))


    What's erking me is his skin tone- being somewhat in shadow, is this before makeup, in the midst of applying or what? ?:)


    I presume in the other photo that Joker's goons will don this masks for a bank robbery or some other form of mayhem? I love the creepy touch of the design. Very Point Break or Dead Presidents. :)
    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: 4,303MI6 Agent
    I'm inclined to think it's Ledger, if only because I doubt a stunt double would warrant such a large trailer. I actually like the longer hair - more fitting since we have a younger Joker. Making out the colors based on the photos is definitely a subjective thing but I also see some green in the hair, purple in the suit and the face looks white to me. As Rogue says, maybe I'm just grasping at straws. As for the masks, I wonder if they're going to be worn or if they're props for a set - maybe a funhouse? Just speculating idly.
  • NightshooterNightshooter In bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
    Hair is definitely green, but the suit looks black to me, and the face looks pale, but I don't think any makeup has been applied. But then again, who can tell? My goodness, we're an impatient lot.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited April 2007
    PLEASE READ:

    The Dark Knight Set Reports Continue
    Source: Superhero Hype! April 20, 2007



    A couple more reports (including spoilers) from The Dark Knight set this afternoon. First up is 'Spiral':

    An update from Chicago on the filming of the Dark Knight.

    I was on the set from 12pm until 3:15pm. Filming on the interior of the old post office (Gotham National Bank) seems to be done: plastic sheets were off of the doors, and it seemed like things were being removed from inside. The school bus was still inside.

    The fake wall that has been attached to the building seems to be nearing completion, with the undersides of the frame having been painted gold. Work on the exterior of the building continued with painters further 'aging' the stone, and work around the 'Gotham National Bank' being done.

    The biggest news: parked infront of the bank was an old looking suburban, on a trailer ready to be halled by a truck for filming. The right side of the car had black sheets above it (for lighting purposes), and cameras were attached to the front and side and on the truck ready to tow it.

    Our director, Christopher Nolan was present on set overseeing everything and looking through the camera. At one point 3 of the Joker's goons were placed inside the car, each with their mask hidden under their coats. Everyone then left for a lunch break. When they returned they put on their masks (which have been photographed before), then they got out of the car again.

    The third time they got into the car, who SOMEHOW got into the car? None other than Heath Ledger, our Joker. He had his mask with him, and he did NOT, repeat DID NOT have any face paint whatsoever on him. I believe this is because while they film in the car he will be wearing his large clown mask.

    When they were all in the car it was pulled away from the post office set, followed by Gotham City taxicabs! and other vehicles. and did not return before I left (which was 90 minutes later).

    He definitely had a clown mask, however I would not say it looked like a skull as was previously described, it just seemed like a clown. Each person in the car's mask was unique, as was reported, and I cannot say that I noticed any blue mohawk hair (not to say that it wasn't there).

    There was an updated posting about the filming in Chicago as well: the helicopter was supposed to be present for test shooting between 2pm and 4pm, but it had not arrived at 3:30. The large exterior shooting with the streets blocked off and helicopter present will begin tomorrow at 6am, scheduled to last until 9pm.

    'B' also wrote in with a pic:

    During my lunch break today I took a walk around Franklin & Van Buren a couple blocks east of "Gotham National Bank". There I noticed police officers blocking & directing traffic. Wasn't sure why until I saw a police car escorting a convoy behind it including a film crew on a flatbed truck towing & filming(?) another truck on a separate flatbed.

    In that truck's front seat were two masked goons (wearing the same masks as seen on this site yesterday). Behind the driver was Heath Ledger sans makeup. No green hair, no grey/white skin, etc.

    Instead of being obvious or risk being rushed off or interrupting anything, I snapped a pic from a nearby parking garage. I know it's not a great pic (Heath is not even in it), but you can see the masked goons in the front.

    setpic.jpg
    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 April 2007
    I suspect Heath Ledger will be wearing the traditional Joker makeup in most(if not all) of the scenes when The Joker isn't obscuring his face with a clown mask.

    In that photo of Ledger walking among the trailers,it looks like he's in a dark purple suit --and in the bright sunshine, his hair appears to have some green highlights.

    And yes,as Nightshooter says,we're an impatient lot...;)
  • emtiememtiem SurreyPosts: 5,877MI6 Agent
    I've read elsewhere that the production company will be releasing shots of the Joker soon: I'm sure they don't want the first glimpses of him to be shots like this!

    Where is this film shooting? I know these are from the Chicago set, but is it based in the US?
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    emtiem wrote:
    Where is this film shooting? I know these are from the Chicago set, but is it based in the US?


    Well, em, it will also film in London and Hong Kong before it wraps. Quite a bit of globe-trotting to go.

    So far Chi-town has the floor...
    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: 4,303MI6 Agent
    AICN has posted what they believe is a makeup test photo of Ledger as the Joker (there is also a link within the article to an earlier test photo). If this is indeed legit, it appears they were focusing on the makeup and scarring for this test. Not sure about the scars on the side of the mouth; I get the intent, but it reminds me of a storyline on Nip Tuck - the one where somebody is going around assaulting people and cutting their faces open. Click on thru for a look:


    http://www.aintitcool.com/node/32386
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited April 2007
    Thanks, Tony. I'm not really sure if these are the real deal or not but it sort of fits in with Nolan's way of ticking...so The Joker will have a Chelsea smile? Really don't know how I feel about these yet... ?:)

    My son looks at the pics...*coughs* "Crow rip-off!"
    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
    Not terrible, but not amazing. Why on earth was Heath Ledger cast?
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,303MI6 Agent
    RogueAgent wrote:
    Thanks, Tony. I'm not really sure if these are the real deal or not but it sort of fits in with Nolan's way of ticking...so The Joker will have a Chelsea smile? Really don't know how I feel about these yet... ?:)

    My son looks at the pics...*coughs* "Crow rip-off!"

    I've read that quite a few people are comparing it to the Crow - reason enough that they may end up going in a different direction. Remember these pics are of a work in progress (if they're even true) and the candid pic of Ledger from last week showed much longer hair. It's all good fun but just speculation at this point. I prescribe massive doses of sodium until we get some official pics.
    Not terrible, but not amazing. Why on earth was Heath Ledger cast?

    Pretty much my reaction. As to why Ledger, obviously Nolan sees something in him he likes. And, like the villains in Batman Begins, he's a solid actor but not a household name. Clearly Nolan wants to avoid going the Burton/Schumacher route of having the actor overshadow the character.
  • SpectreIslandSpectreIsland spectreislandPosts: 274MI6 Agent
    Let's not start another Casino Royale Daniel Craig debate. Let's wait till we get confirmation from WB or Nolan himself about what the Joker will look like and then make up our minds; and,whatever it turns out to be,will be.There is nothing that we can do about it except to go along with it or walk away from it much like most fans have done with CR and Craig. There is a multitude who loved Craig's looks and interpretation of the character and there is a multitude of fans who will never accept him as Bond. The same will happen with this version of the Joker. The bottom line is, this is Nolan's Joker for better or worse.
  • emtiememtiem SurreyPosts: 5,877MI6 Agent
    RogueAgent wrote:
    emtiem wrote:
    Where is this film shooting? I know these are from the Chicago set, but is it based in the US?


    Well, em, it will also film in London and Hong Kong before it wraps. Quite a bit of globe-trotting to go.

    So far Chi-town has the floor...

    Really- Hong Kong? That's an odd one- I'll be interested to see how that plays out. A shame the Bond people don't seem to want to globe trot as much as the Bats! :D

    And as for that scarry Joker- I quite like it; makes good sense.
  • Barry NelsonBarry Nelson ChicagoPosts: 1,508MI6 Agent
    Are they still fiming in Chicago? Maybe I should take my camera and take some pictures and post them.

    As for the film, I loved Batman Begins and therefore I have faith Nolan will deliver another winner. Personally I am hoping Joker's look is not too outrageous.
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,303MI6 Agent
    edited April 2007
    Looks like the photos posted by AICN are fakes after all - and my brother Spectreisland is standing behind me, gloating and trumpeting his admonishments about not jumping to conclusions. Not that anybody around here would ever do that. ;% The same AICN link I posted above now has the retraction as well as a link to Superhero Hype to show how the photos were done.

    And yes Barry, I think they are still filming in and around Chicago. Check some of the links in this thread for specific locations.
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    TonyDP wrote:
    The same AICN link I posted above now has the retraction as well as a link to Superhero Hype to show how the photos were done.

    I'm not all that surprised---[Daniel Craig can't drive a stick! He's lost his front teeth! He's afraid of guns! He's obsessed with ladies' toiletries!]---but I am relieved...

    Really, we've got to give the filmmakers more credit than this...
    Check out my Amazon author page! Mark Loeffelholz
    "I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
    "Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited April 2007
    Really, we've got to give the filmmakers more credit than this...


    Do we?

    As Willie Garvin and Nightshooter have already stated, we are an impatient bunch...not just on this particular thread but on this entire site. I don't find anything wrong with that as long as the discussion amongst those concerned is handled amicably and with respect.

    CR anticipators alone found 101 ways to discect the upcoming Bond flick positively and negatively as well so the suspense wouldn't be any less with something just as monumental as Batman... well...maybe a little more than Bond. :D

    I think that it's natural and human to speculate and doubt decisions by those deemed as filmmakers because they do on occasion, shoot a brick... Believe me...I know... :( ;)


    I really didn't have an opinion for those pics above because they were too attainable so early and they just don't seem very convincing (the wonders you can do with Photoshop nowadays) but I suck when it comes to quality photography anyway....
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    edited April 2007
    Of course it's natural (and human) to speculate and doubt what he powers that be are doing with our beloved icons...but it's soooo early in the process...and our reaction to the dodgy photo referenced above should be informed by that knowledge; that's all I'm saying.

    Honestly, I thought it looked like an obvious fake...but I share enough of your wariness that I allowed---for a moment---that it might be on the level (even though the guy in the photo looks nothing like Heath Ledger, IMO); after all, profound disappointments abound for the dedicated, Titanic True Believers...

    But...honestly...the Joker is not going to look like that alleged test photo...I know nothing...but I feel confident in this prediction.

    If I'm wrong...this time, I send you the PM...deal? :v {[]
    Check out my Amazon author page! Mark Loeffelholz
    "I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
    "Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    If I'm wrong...this time, I send you the PM...deal? :v {[]



    Deal. {[]
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • emtiememtiem SurreyPosts: 5,877MI6 Agent
    It's all got a bit weirdly dramatic, hasn't it? It's only a pic of a man in a film. (Quite a decent fake too!) :)

    Barry's got faith it'll be a good film, and who can blame him? He's optimistic, and with good reason; I don't think the issue needs much more exploration that that! :)

    Personally I didn't have much affection for 'Begins'; I found it a little dry with a very silly plot, and Batman himself was quite a hard character to sympathise with (I couldn't help thinking he should probably be getting some psychiatric help!); I've also lost faith in Nolan after the disappointment of the dumbed-down 'The Prestige', but 'Begins' was a good film, ideal for post-pub viewing, and I look forward to the next. New interpretations of old material are a good thing.
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