Comments on: ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Won’t Reference The Joker At All, Plus More Revelations From Empire’s Extensive Feature

By: Christopherr Nolann

Christopherr Nolann — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:20:19 +0000

I think you just need to calm down. I couldn't even be bothered reading the rhubarb you wrote. He's just excited about his film. Everyone who creates something that they feel very proud of will almost always speak so fondly and highly of it. Just shut up, mate.

By: Adam

Adam — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:20:19 +0000

Why report Nolan's attempt to elevate himself to the level of Lang without comment? We are comparing Nolan, a director of comic book films, to Lang, a serious artist interested in illuminating the problems of society. One thing stands out: Lang's art was informed by his experience with the contradictions of Weimer Germany and the rising power of fascism. The original name of his truly epic police procedural, M, was Murderers Among Us, but the Nazis forced him to change it because of the thinly veiled critique of fascism. Where, in all of Nolan's work, do we see a coming to terms with the pressing issues of his day?

By: alex

alex — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:20:19 +0000

this, would be the movie event of the century

By: Milan

Milan — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:20:19 +0000

It would be interesting if it emulated the end of 'A Tale of Two Cities' in some capacity.

By: cirkusfolk

cirkusfolk — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:20:19 +0000

I love that Nolan himself is calling the film "an epic" an making some pretty bold statements regarding its scope. Like you mentioned, he's usually not one to toot his own horn despite having very good reason to do so considering his previous films. He never called The Dark Knight or Inception epic even though they were. By him saying this is his biggest picture yet gives me so much hope for the film. Although, I do recall an article after The Dark Knight came out that had him saying he couldn't possibly make a bigger film than it. He said a balloon can only be blown up so much and eventually the air has to come back out. This led me to believe he planned for the third batman to be smaller film but apparently he changed his mind. Again, a lot of filmmakers say pretty big things about the movies they jut made and are promoting, but I honestly think Nolan doesn't have to sell his movie and is just being genuine. Like when he said he believes they truly made te best conclusion they possibly could at the MTV awards. Can't wait!

By: ska-triumph

ska-triumph — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:20:19 +0000

Because of this, I may actually buy an EMPIRE issue for once. Also wondering when will I get Zimmer & Co's soundtrack/score release by this very site…?

By: Colon

Colon — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:20:19 +0000

Biggest thing since silent cinema? Mhm. Quite a statement. Maybe film history is his weak spot?

wor

By: MatchesMalone

MatchesMalone — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:20:19 +0000

I guess this could be taken as confirmation that Bruce Wayne will NOT be dying in this film:
"So if Chris came to me with a script and said, 'You know what? There is another story,' then I would love the challenge of making a fourth one work.'"

By: Chip

Chip — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:20:19 +0000

"Al Jonson"? Jeez.

By: rodie

rodie — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:20:19 +0000

I love that Nolan wants these films to stand on their own! I love that each one features a different look to Gotham and very different inspirations in terms of aesthetics and story.

That said, Batman Begins ends with a big reference to the Joker that was not technically necessary to the story of Begins, but is a great scene that adds to so much to the movie and points to the theme of escalation.

Also, The Dark Knight did include several subtle references to R'as and the events of Batman Begins:

1. Bruce quotes R'as to Alfred: "Criminals aren't complicated," or something to that effect…
2. Alfred mentions Wayne Manor needing to be rebuilt, which recalls R'as burning it down.
3. There is a new Wayne Tower, which recalls the train crashing into the old one and R'as' death.
4. And of course, Dr. Crane's appearance and arrest.

By: Chris138

Chris138 — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:20:19 +0000

In all fairness, The Dark Knight didn't mention Ra's al Ghul at all in The Dark Knight and nobody seemed to be bothered by that. The only connection that movie had to the first one was the Scarecrow's brief cameo in the beginning. Nolan seems to want these movies to work as stand alone features and have Bruce Wayne try and move on with each story, so it makes sense that he wouldn't be addressing the Joker here.

By: rodie

rodie — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:20:19 +0000

Look, I'm all for being reverent to Heath, and I'm not some Joker fanboy who is devastated that the Joker won't be seen or talked about in TDKR, but I really don't like Nolan's logic and reasoning behind outright not considering a reference or some form of appearance by the Joker in this film. It seems so un-Nolan-like. Of course its tragic on a personal level, but a storyteller of his order needs to be able to detach the actor from the character and at least creatively consider how a Joker reference or appearance in TDKR could have benefited the story he's trying to tell. Not even exploring that avenue (even if it leads to the same conclusion) is a mistake.