Comments on: Heath as the Joker

By: George

George — Thu, 24 May 2007 08:27:14 +0000

Can’t say for sure, but if you’re Warners and you’re investing anywhere between 100-200 mil on a summer tentpole production (including marketing, prints, etc.), I think the filmmaker will undoubtedly have to make some compromises at the end of the day. Look at BATMAN BEGINS. Like Ben and I were discussing briefly the other day, its 3rd Act just FEELS like it was noted to death by the studio’s top brass (especially when you consider the first 2/3 of the film, and especially before you even see Bale in costume). Speculation, of course. But knowing Nolan’s approach from his previous films (and the brilliant PRESTIGE), I wouldn’t doubt this to be the case.
All that said, I’m the biggest nerd for Batman and I really can’t wait for this to hit. It’s got the potential, especially with Jonathan Nolan’s involvement.

By: Scott

Scott — Thu, 24 May 2007 06:01:08 +0000

Agreed. Context is everythang.
What does “total creative freedom” look like here?

By: George

George — Thu, 24 May 2007 03:01:40 +0000

I like it. But it’s also just a single image with zero context, so I can’t really say much more. I do think that if there’s one popular comic book hero that can go the “dark” route without being scoffed at as a 15 year old’s delusionary idea of maturity, it’s Batman. Thing is, you need two things: a) a screenwriter of immense talent and b) a studio that’s willing to give total creative freedom to its filmmakers. One of those two things isn’t a reality (despite whatever press you might hear to the contrary), especially when you have a brand that yields millions of dollars in ancillary products, mainly to kids.

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 23 May 2007 22:53:52 +0000

I don’t know. I’m a fan of so many aspects. Ledger, Nolan, the first flick. All signs point to LOVE. But something about it is just too “on the nose”. It feels very Hot Topic to me. Right now. Once there’s some context to it, that might make the difference.

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 23 May 2007 19:14:55 +0000

I get what you’re saying indeed. When I was a lad there was a collection of short stories that was published all about the Joker. I remember one that painted a picture of J that I would love to see here. He was terrifying, an insane genius that still had a wicked sense of humor. I need to find that book again and see if my memories are rose colored.

By: Darrell

Darrell — Wed, 23 May 2007 18:51:02 +0000

I am one of those "darker, darker!" fanboys, to the point that I end up pining for a Batman that's even darker than the Batman in the actual comics. I gotta admit, I really like what they seem to be implying about the Joker in the next film: Instead of him being the "CLOWN PRINCE Of Crime" he's going to be the "Clown Prince Of CRIME," if you get my drift. The guy is nuts, he should be scary. Nicholson was fun in the first Burton movie, but he wasn't really scary. I can even warm up to the idea of Heath "Brokeback" Ledger in the role as long as it's written and directed properly, and I trust Nolan. The guy hasn't done a bad film yet!