The Dark Knight (film)

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Current event marker This article or section contains information about one or more scheduled or expected films. The content may change as the film's release approaches and more information becomes available. Upcoming film
The Dark Knight
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Produced by Emma Thomas
Charles Roven
Christopher Nolan
Written by Screenplay:
Jonathan Nolan
Christopher Nolan
Story:
David S. Goyer
Christopher Nolan
Characters:
Bill Finger
Bob Kane
Jerry Robinson
Starring Christian Bale
Heath Ledger
Gary Oldman
Aaron Eckhart
Michael Caine
Morgan Freeman
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Music by Hans Zimmer
James Newton Howard
Cinematography Wally Pfister
Distributed by Warner Bros.
Release date(s) July 18, 2008
Language English
Budget $200 million (expected)[1]
Preceded by Batman Begins
All Movie Guide profile
IMDb profile

The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film based on the fictional DC Comics character Batman. The film is the sequel to the 2005 release, Batman Begins, which rebooted the Batman franchise after an eight-year hiatus. Christopher Nolan, director of Batman Begins, continues as the director of the sequel, which stars Christian Bale again as Batman and Heath Ledger opposite Bale as the Joker. The Dark Knight has a tentative release date of July 18, 2008.[2]

Contents

[edit] Premise

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

In a June 2005 interview with Premiere magazine, Batman Begins screenwriter David S. Goyer said The Dark Knight "would have Batman (Christian Bale) enlisting the aid of Gordon (Gary Oldman) and Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) in bringing down the Joker (Heath Ledger), but not killing him".[3]

Spoilers end here.

[edit] Cast and characters

In July 2006, Warner Bros. Pictures announced that Christian Bale would reprise his role as Batman with Heath Ledger opposite Bale as the Joker.[4] Before Ledger was confirmed as the Joker, actors Paul Bettany,[5] Lachy Hulme,[6] Adrien Brody,[7] and Robin Williams[8] had publicly expressed interest in the role. In October 2006, Nolan revealed that Harvey Dent would make an appearance in The Dark Knight, though the character had yet to be cast at the time.[9] Actors Liev Schreiber,[10] Josh Lucas,[11] and Ryan Phillippe[12] had expressed interest in portraying Dent before Aaron Eckhart was cast in February 2007.[13]

Cillian Murphy, who portrayed the Scarecrow in Batman Begins, said in an August 2005 interview that he was interested in returning, as he is contracted for possible sequels, but he did not know if he will reprise his role.[14] As of March 2007, Murphy was unsure if he would return.[15]

In August 2005, producer Charles Roven said that Katie Holmes, who portrayed Rachel Dawes in the film, was signed on for the sequel.[16] In an October 2006 interview, Nolan said that he hoped that Katie Holmes would come back, and the director indicated that he would contact other Batman Begins characters to return for The Dark Knight after he finished the script.[17] In January 2007, Holmes had turned down an offer to reprise her role as Rachel Dawes due to scheduling conflicts.[18] On March 8, 2007, Maggie Gyllenhaal was in final talks for the role of Rachel Dawes in The Dark Knight.[19]

Nolan explained that as long as he is directing, he is not including Robin in the franchise because Christian Bale was still portraying a "young Batman", which meant Robin was "still in a crib somewhere".[20] In addition, Nolan considered the Penguin difficult to portray on film, explaining, "There are certain characters that are easier to mesh with the more real take on Batman we're doing."[21]

[edit] Production

On July 31, 2006, Warner Bros. Pictures officially announced the initiation of production for the sequel, titled The Dark Knight.[4] The title makes The Dark Knight the first live-action Batman film without the word Batman in its title. Christian Bale noted, "This take on Batman of mine and Chris' is very different from any of the others and everything else always had Batman in the title."[22]

Christopher Nolan's brother Jonathan Nolan wrote the screenplay, which was based on a story co-written by Christopher Nolan and screenwriter David S. Goyer.[23] In September 2006, Christopher Nolan was revising his brother's script,[24] and by October, Jonathan Nolan was revising the returned draft.[25] Christian Bale, who had yet to read the script by October, said of Nolan, "I've got total trust in him, and I have no problem reading the script a week before we start."[26] Nolan provided Heath Ledger with a look at the secretive script, but did not allow the actor to leave his home with a copy.[27]

In October 2006, film location manager Robin Higgs visited Liverpool to scout locations, mainly along the city's waterfront, for filming The Dark Knight. Other scouted locations included Yorkshire, Glasgow, and parts of London.[28] Warner Bros. chose Chicago as a filming location with a plan to film there for 13 weeks,[29] due to Nolan having had a "truly remarkable experience" filming there for part of Batman Begins.[25] According to actor Michael Caine, the film will also be shot in London, Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Hong Kong.[30] Hong Kong's walled city of Kowloon had been an influence on the Narrows in Batman Begins.[31]

Production on The Dark Knight began on January 11, 2007.[32] Producer Charles Roven originally stated in August 2006 that principal photography would begin in March 2007,[33] but filming was pushed back to start in April.[34] It began at Leavesden Studios[35] and will continue to take place in Chicago from mid-June to September under the fake working title of Rory's First Kiss.[36]

[edit] Themes

Christopher Nolan described the sequel's theme as escalation, continuing how Batman Begins ended, with "things having to get worse before they get better".[37] Nolan indicated that The Dark Knight would also continue the themes that Batman Begins had, such as justice vs. revenge and Bruce Wayne's father issues.[38] However, Nolan hoped to "attempt to do something very different in the sequel" from Batman Begins since Batman's origin story was now re-established.[39] Nolan said, "[Bruce Wayne achieved] a certain sense of purpose or a certain resignation, in terms of how his life is going to wind up being dedicated to this — which is something that we begin with." The director added, "...the world itself responds to our actions in ways we don’t anticipate."[40]

The Dark Knight's interpretation of the Joker will be based primarily on the character's first two appearances in the Batman comics, as well as Alan Moore's one-shot comic book Batman: The Killing Joke.[37] The Killing Joke was the material given to Heath Ledger in order to prepare for his role,[41] and Jerry Robinson, one of the co-creators of the basic concept for the Joker in the comics, is involved with the film to consult on how to portray the film's Joker.[42] Heath Ledger described his role as the Joker as "more nuanced and dark and more along the lines of a Clockwork Orange kind of feel. Which is... what the comic book was after: less about his laugh and more about his eyes".[43] The comic Batman #1, referenced in part by Nolan, details the Joker as having "burning, hate-filled eyes", tying into Ledger's description.[44]

Actor Aaron Eckhart described his character Harvey Dent as coming from the same world as Batman, but simultaneously being apart from it. "I'm looking for the tension between the two, the similarities between the two. I want to find what's similar to Batman and then find what's opposite to him," Eckhart said.[45] Eckhart will research his approach to the complicated role by studying other personalities.[46]

[edit] Film score

In an October 2006 interview, Hans Zimmer, who composed the Batman Begins score with James Newton Howard, said that he would be scoring The Dark Knight.[47] Zimmer said that he would have Howard return to pair up for The Dark Knight as they did for Batman Begins. Zimmer also said that the main Batman theme was purposely introduced at the end of Batman Begins and would flesh out in the sequel as the character develops.[48]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Peter Mitchell. "Ledger keeps Batman secrets", Herald Sun, 2006-10-17. Retrieved on October 26, 2006.
  2. ^ "The Dark Knight Release Date", SuperHeroHype.com, 2006-11-16. Retrieved on November 16, 2006.
  3. ^ "Premiere Features Batman Begins", SuperHeroHype.com, 2005-05-09. Retrieved on November 2, 2006.
  4. ^ a b Warner Bros. Pictures. "Batman Sequel Title & Casting Confirmed!", ComingSoon.net, 2006-07-31. Retrieved on July 31, 2006.
  5. ^ Kellvin Chavez. "Bettany Talks Batman Begins Sequel!", Latino Review, 2006-01-28. Retrieved on July 31, 2006.
  6. ^ Mark Beall. "Lachy Hulme Talks Joker", Cinematical, 2006-05-30. Retrieved on July 31, 2006.
  7. ^ Stax. "That Joker Adrien Brody", IGN, 2006-01-09. Retrieved on July 31, 2006.
  8. ^ Jeff Otto. "Robin Williams, Joker?", IGN, 2006-06-26. Retrieved on July 31, 2006.
  9. ^ Stax. "Exclusive: Nolan's Dark Knight Revelations", IGN, 2006-10-03. Retrieved on October 3, 2006.
  10. ^ Kellvin Chavez. "Video Interview: Schreiber & Stiles On The Omen!", Latino Review, 2005-05-31. Retrieved on August 15, 2006.
  11. ^ Larry Carroll. "Movie File: Brad Pitt, Chevy Chase, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Josh Lucas & More", MTV, 2006-04-21. Retrieved on July 31, 2006.
  12. ^ Stax. "Phillippe Talks Two-Face", IGN, 2007-02-02. Retrieved on February 2, 2007.
  13. ^ Dave McNary. "Eckhart set as Two-Face", Variety, 2007-02-15. Retrieved on February 15, 2007.
  14. ^ Jeff Otto. "Scarecrow in Batman 2?", IGN, 2005-08-06. Retrieved on July 31, 2006.
  15. ^ Edward Douglas. "Cillian Murphy Talks Sunshine", Comingsoon.net, 2007-03-08. Retrieved on March 8, 2007.
  16. ^ "Batman Begins sequel is moving along", Cinescape, 2005-08-10. Retrieved on August 4, 2006.
  17. ^ Bob Strauss. "The chemistry behind making of "The Prestige"", Pasadena Star-News, 2006-10-21. Retrieved on October 25, 2006.
  18. ^ Kate Kelly. "Recasting Mrs. Cruise", Wall Street Journal, 2007-01-26. Retrieved on January 26, 2007.
  19. ^ Pamela McClintock. "Gyllenhaal joining Batman sequel", Variety, 2007-03-08. Retrieved on March 8, 2007.
  20. ^ "Nolan on Robin in Batman Sequels", SuperHeroHype.com, 2005-06-23. Retrieved on July 31, 2006.
  21. ^ Matthew Belloni. "Q+A: Christopher Nolan", Esquire, November 2006. Retrieved on October 13, 2006.
  22. ^ Stax. "Dark Knight Talks Dark Knight", IGN, 2006-08-04. Retrieved on October 3, 2006.
  23. ^ Stax. "Nolans Talk Dark Knight", IGN, 2006-09-25. Retrieved on October 3, 2006.
  24. ^ Jonah Weiland. "1-on-1: David Goyer Talks "Blade" The TV Series", Comic Book Resources, 2006-09-06. Retrieved on September 10, 2006.
  25. ^ a b Cindy Pearlman. "Caped Crusader may alight here next year", Chicago Sun-Times, 2006-10-25. Retrieved on October 25, 2006.
  26. ^ Heather Newgen, Edward Douglas. "Bale Doesn't Talk About The Dark Knight", SuperHeroHype.com, 2006-10-15. Retrieved on October 15, 2006.
  27. ^ "Heath Ledger Knows Little About 'Batman Begins' Sequel", Starpulse, 2006-11-09. Retrieved on November 9, 2006.
  28. ^ Catherine Jones. "Batman film may swoop into Liverpool", icLiverpool, 2006-10-13. Retrieved on October 13, 2006.
  29. ^ Terry Armour. "Quiet on the set? Not in this town", Chicago Tribune, 2007-01-28. Retrieved on January 30, 2007.
  30. ^ Army Archerd. "Don't Call it a Remake", Army Archerd, 2007-01-04. Retrieved on January 10, 2007.
  31. ^ Jeff Otto. "Interview: Christopher Nolan", IGN, 2005-06-05. Retrieved on January 10, 2007.
  32. ^ "This Week In Production Weekly - 544 - January 11, 2007 (115 listings)", Production Weekly, 2007-01-10. Retrieved on January 24, 2007.
  33. ^ Heather Newgen. "Producer Chuck Roven on The Dark Knight", SuperHeroHype.com, 2006-08-12. Retrieved on August 23, 2006.
  34. ^ Rob Lowman. "TRICKS OF THE TRADE (second article)", LA Daily News, 2007-02-19. Retrieved on February 20, 2007.
  35. ^ "What is Currently Filming in the East of England?", Screeneast.co.uk, 2007-03-27. Retrieved on April 4, 2007.
  36. ^ "Upcoming Filming", City of Chicago. Retrieved on March 26, 2007.
  37. ^ a b Josh Horowitz. "Exclusive! Dirt on The Dark Knight!", Better Than Fudge, 2006-08-23. Retrieved on August 23, 2006.
  38. ^ Stax. "Exclusive: Nolan's Dark Knight Revelations", IGN, 2006-10-03. Retrieved on October 23, 2006.
  39. ^ Robert Sanchez. "Chris Nolan on The Dark Knight Casting Rumors", IESB.net, 2006-08-29. Retrieved on October 13, 2006.
  40. ^ Mike Russell. "That Old Bat Magic", In Focus, October 2006. Retrieved on March 22, 2007.
  41. ^ Daniel Robert Epstein. "Heath Ledger Talks Joker", Newsarama, 2006-11-07. Retrieved on November 8, 2006.
  42. ^ "Updates On The Dark Knight Plus Our Own Exclusive On The Involvement Of Joker Creator Jerry Robinson In The Batman Sequel!", InsomniacMania.com, 2006-08-24. Retrieved on August 28, 2006.
  43. ^ Peter Howell. "Ledger finds balance at own pace", Toronto Star, 2006-09-08. Retrieved on October 3, 2006.
  44. ^ Stax. "Dark Knight Detective Work", IGN, 2006-09-29. Retrieved on October 5, 2006.
  45. ^ Shawn Adler. "Batman Villain Two-Face Speaks: Eckhart Reveals 'Dark Knight' Details", MTV, 2007-02-25. Retrieved on February 27, 2007.
  46. ^ "'Sunshine' sparkles at Spirit Awards", USA Today, 2007-02-25. Retrieved on March 24, 2007.
  47. ^ Dan Goldwasser. "Breaking the Rules with Hans Zimmer, Part 2", SoundtrackNet, 2006-10-07. Retrieved on October 7, 2006.
  48. ^ Dan Goldwasser. "Breaking the Rules with Hans Zimmer, Part 3", SoundtrackNet, 2006-11-02. Retrieved on November 3, 2006.

[edit] External links


The Films of Christopher Nolan
Following (1998) • Memento (2000) • Insomnia (2002) • Batman Begins (2005) • The Prestige (2006) • The Dark Knight (2008)
 v • d • e Batman in popular media
Actors: Lewis Wilson • Robert Lowery • Adam West • Olan Soule • Michael Keaton • Kevin Conroy • Val Kilmer • George Clooney • Rino Romano • Christian Bale • Casts
Live-action television: Batman • Legends of the Superheroes • Birds of Prey • Return to the Batcave
Film: Batman (1943) • Batman and Robin (1949) • Batman (1966) • Batman (1989) • Batman Returns • Batman Forever • Batman & Robin • Batman Begins • The Dark Knight
Animation: Batman/Superman Hour • New Adventures of Batman • Batman: The Animated Series/New Batman Adventures • Mask of the Phantasm • SubZero • Batman Beyond • Return of the Joker • Mystery of the Batwoman • The Batman • The Batman vs. Dracula
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