The Dark Knight Rises will be released in just over a year, and I have mixed expectations. I know that it’s going to be brilliant/terrible, and that I’m excited/annoyed about it. I can safely say that it will be the best/second best/worst film in the trilogy/genre/world. So why am I dreading the 2012 Batman film? I’ve identified three reasons why I am not looking forward to it:
- Inception 2: With three of the cast of Inception on board, The Dark Knight Rises has been described as an Inception reunion. While I like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, I think Tom Hardy and Marion Cotillard were two of the most annoying things about that thoroughly annoying film.
- The Shadow Of Heath Ledger: Christopher Nolan is notoriously secretive,
and won’t reveal who the villain will be in the third film. (See update below.) But whoever it is, they won’t be as good as The Joker.
- Christian Bale’s Voice: We’ve seen The Fighter, so we know that Christian Bale can act. Really well. But, as Batman, he’s just going to do a stupid voice again. It was ridiculous in Batman Begins; it got even worse in The Dark Knight; and if it follows this trajectory, then The Dark Knight Rises is going to need subtitles.
Having said all that, there are two sides to this coin, much like Harvey Dent’s. So here are three reasons why it will be good:
- Gary Oldman Is Back: And he has “a lot to do.” Commissioner Gordon was the best thing about The Dark Knight … with the exception of Heath Ledger, obviously. As the excellent film critic Mark Kermode says, Gordon was utterly believable and a proper character.
- No 3D: Thanks to Christopher Nolan’s dislike of 3D, we won’t be forced to wear annoying glasses and watch a visually-inferior film with substance sacrificed for a gimmick.
- It’s The Last One: So even if it is dreadful, at least it’s all over.
So I really don’t know what to think yet. However, one thing is certain: The Dark Knight Rises will be great/awful. And we’ve got the bat out of the flat now, by the way.
(Guest Clacked by Daniel “Mini” Meier. UPDATE: I [Keith] am to blame for scheduling this without updating, as we were sent this guest post before it was known who the villains would be. Daniel’s not to blame for that.)
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.
I disagree. Tom Hardy was one of the best things about Inception.
the only time the voice annoyed me was when he was pinned down during the ferry scene in TDK. Other than that, its makes a shit ton of sense to do that voice. Do you really think lois lane or mary jane would’nt recognize clark and peter’s voice, respectively?
Unless you’ve been under a damn rock, you know who the villain is.
And if you don’t think Tom Hardy and Marion Cotillard are choice actors, then clearly, you haven’t seen Bronson, as far as Hardy’s acting capabilities go.
And judging from this article I’m sure you think James Cameron and Sam Worthington are both Gods of the Silver Screen……
Your comment deserves 5 stars. Exactly how I feel. Kudos.
Seriously… STFU. You are an absolute fucktard. Nolan is a fucking genious. The voice does make sense though I wish he left it like it was in Batman Begins. So semi agree with you on TDK. Though Bale is an amazing batman and bruce wayne. He plays the three personalites quite well. Private Bruce Wayne, Public Bruce Wayne, and Batman. DO yourself a favor and never comment on this topic again. You didnt even mention Michael Caine who is an amazing Alfred, IMAX, Catwoman or anything. And Bane is the Villan in case you really didn’t know. So STFU Scrub!
you’re an idiot and it’s obvious that you’re a marvel fanboy and hate Batman Nolan and Bale. Nolan is a great director and his Batman movies made other comicbook movies like a stupid joke especially marvel movies
totally agree. This writer is absolutly biased to marvel and doesnt know what the fuck he is talking about. you should learn more about film cuz you dont know shit.
What a pessimistic author. Yes the voice is annoying but it falls in line with Nolan’s realistic Batman universe. If Bruce Wayne were to speak to people like himself, they’d realize, “Holy shit, Bruce Wayne is Batman.” Why don’t you go just jerk it to some Spiderman instead of ragging on good film making?
Agreed! However, the one thing I can say about the voice that annoys me is that it is even used in front of people that KNOW he is batman (i.e. Rachael and Lucius). But other than that I wish that Superman had more of a secret identity than the glasses. And that Spiderman had a different voice as Spidey. Nolan is brilliant.
What an idiot. Why don’t you do everyone the courtesy of never writing an article again.
1. Tom Hardy will be playing Bane and will be the villain. A photo of him in character was released weeks ago and the announcement of the villain was widely covered by entertainment outlets. Are you also aware Catwoman is in it and will be played by Anne Hathaway? Because I’m getting the sense you really went into this half baked, which is never good with a film like this. Its like walking into a fire covered in gasoline and the end result is getting chewed out by angry fans as seen above.
2. You clearly did not enjoy Inception and I’ll allow that, but Tom Hardy was generally very well received for his performance in Inception and was a highlight of the film Rocknrolla as well. That is why he was cast. Cotillard is an Oscar winner and gives a great performance in Woody Allen’s current release “Midnight in Paris.” Maybe give a look into more of their other performances before you become frustrated by their casting.
3. I always thought Batman should mask his voice by speaking in a Cockney accent all the time, but I’m guessing that would annoy people even more.
I should explain that I wrote this before the announcement about Bane. I can also assure you that I am not a Marvel or James Cameron fanboy. And that I loved The Dark Knight. Other than that, carry on.
you hate on Inception. Stop talking. Boo.
I’m just dumbfounded that someone could think Inception was annoying.
I thought Nolan got the fuck snubbed out of him by not winning original screenplay and not even being considered for best director. WTF?
I mean don’t get me wrong, the King’s Speech was a great movie, but how original was that screenplay?
I really hope that the Academy’s voting finished 1)King’s Speech and 2) Inception, because that movie is smart as hell and incredible.
I also give credit to Colin Firth because that was some damn good acting, so I thought that . Black Swan was ok, liked that third best. I think people just couldn’t get over the Franco-Hard-Ons that 127 Hours gave them; thought it was over-rated. Talk about annoying voices – At some points in True Grit, you couldn’t fucking understand Jeff Bridges. Social Network? Defining my generation? Get that bullshit outta here! The Fighter could have been better but it should have been 4th behind Black Swan. And Toy Story 3? Yeah it was good but during the ending I was thinking “what the fuck, this is more depressing than fucking Titanic and half the people actually died.” Haven’t seen Kids are alright or winter’s bone.
The fact of the matter is that I will never ever get tired of watching Inception. I must say I am sorry for those who were “annoyed” by such a remarkable film.
FInally someone stands up for Inception. That movie was amazing. Everytime I watch it I learn something new.
and roflmfao about the Toy Story 3/Titanic comment. That was hilarious.
I completely agree with you guys. I believe that Christopher Nolan is the greatest director the world has seen, and Inception is quite possibly the best movie I have seen. It is the quintessence of perfection. In fact, if you want to order Inception from Amazon, check out my website: righteousrave.com. The Dark Knight Rises will be awesome!
Inception has gotten a lot of criticism in the past year, and, frankly, some of it is deserved. Don’t get me wrong … it was an incredible film, both visually and structurally thought provoking, and broke a lot of new ground.
But it was not a perfect film. It’s final act dragged on a bit too long, mainly because Cotillard’s character plain didn’t work for me. I loved the hell out of the movie the first time through, but with each re-watch, I found it less and less satisfying each time.
That being said, I think Hardy was outstanding, one of the three or four best things about the movie as a whole.
Blah: Can’t agree with your Oscar picks though. Social Network may or may have not defined your (or any other) generation, but it was far and away the best written dialogue of any movie I’ve seen in years. And I think the word you were looking for re: Toy Story 3 is “bittersweet” … Either way, that was a good flick, as well.
I too don’t believe that Inception was a perfect film. But I would say that 90-95% of the imperfections in the movie are aspects that were implied and therefore meant to be picked up.
As for TS3, I was hoping for something that wasn’t along the lines of “Toys get lost/misplaced/given away and must make their way home. It was a good movie, but I didn’t really see that as a kids movie, rather I think it appealed to adults more because of the melodrama.
And as for The Social Network – it was by no means a bad movie. I was expecting a little more. I thought it kind of ended abruptly. Sure the dialogue was good, but I think it just takes away from the whole film that it was based off of a book that was based on real events and people, that was written by screenwriters who were trying to make the best movie/dialogue possible. Still a great movie.
“I too don’t believe that Inception was a perfect film. But I would say that 90-95% of the imperfections in the movie are aspects that were implied and therefore meant to be picked up.”
I’m not sure I understand what mean here. The film was imperfect on purpose?
To each his/her own on Toy Story 3. The franchise had well established itself at that point, and told a story that was a natural evolution of what had come before. And the same with Social Network. I think that film was set, by its marketing, for many people to hate. I also recognize that there are a lot of people out there that don’t like Sorkin’s writing, because they don’t find it realistic. I’ll hold my tongue to that end, but either way, TSN was far away my favorite film of last year.
When did people become pro-Marvel, anti-DC and vice versa? I’ve read and watched both my whole life, and am wondering when people became so partisan that they have to choose one or the other. This writer may just be an idiot, or a troll, but it never occured to me that he was “pro-marvel” and therefore “anti-DC”.
That concept seems so ridiculous.
You are wrong in every account! Tom Hardy and Marrion Cottilard are two of the best actors in the business! Not to mention the cast as a whole is superb! Christopher Nolan is by far one of the greatest directors within Hollywood today. He is said to have “topped himself” with an “Extraordinary plot” with the creation of “The Dark Knight Rises”. This movie is bound to be amazing, regardless of your stupid claims! Even if it isn’t, Christopher Nolan will make it better than any of the other senseless superhero movies out today. You don’t know what you’re talking about… You should re-watch the movies before you predict the success of a movie…
It’s all a matter of opinions folks, he’s not damning the movie because he hasn’t seen the movie. You shouldn’t defend what is thus far indefensible (and isn’t under attack).
And the Bat voice in TDK was ridiculous IN MY OPINION.
If you watch the Dark Knight, THEN go back and rewatch Batman Begins, the silliness of TDK’s voice is abundantly clear.
If I have to defend anything in this post, it IS the assertion that the Bat Voice in The Dark Knight was overdone to the point that it sounded electronically manipulated (Batman uses autotune?). It was fine in the first film, as Katie pointed out, but it was taken just a bit too far in the second.
Tom Hardy and Marion Cotillard? Sorry, but I am totally on board with their casting. Just because you don’t like Inception doesn’t mean THEY are bad actors!
Chuck, I liked Inception (to, obviously, a point) but Cotillard has never done anything in any of her roles to get me to like her.
Not even as Edith Piaf, the role for which she won an Oscar???
Oh, if we’re using the Oscar’s as the beacon of all things quality, then I’ll deputize Shakespeare in Love into the discussion.
Not that I’ve seen that particular performance, but no, honestly, of the several things I’ve seen her in, I’m not a fan. Just personal opinion.
Just mentioning that she won an Oscar for the role, not that it’s always a true measure of quality. However, it was an amazing performance as she portrayed Piaf from young to old and the Oscar was well-deserved. I’ve only seen her in Inception since then, but I didn’t think she really had enough to do to really damn her and Nolan for her casting in this movie. I don’t think Nolan would cast someone if he didn’t think they were up to it (again, look at all the uproar over Ledger, until the movie came out … and then there’s Katie Holmes which throws a monkey wrench into my whole argument).
How the hell can you predict how successful a movie will be MORE THAN A YEAR FROM IT’S OFFICIAL RELEASE??? That does not make any sense. People were skeptical that Heath Ledger would make a good Joker, he was superb. Tom Hardy might surprise skeptics like you.
I predict the Avengers movie will do pretty well.
See, wasn’t that hard :P
. . . . .
*snort*
I disagree with pretty much everything this idiot said. And did he say that Inception was an annoying movie? Idiot.
I absolutely agree with all of my above friends. Guest is himself an idiot who thinks that inception is annoying and marion and hardy were annoying…. seriously Guest dude GET A FU*** life…… as for Chris Bale and his voice….. He is A FU**** GOD of awl actors….. No 1 comes close to him….. Tell me will Al Pacino and Bobby DeNiro change thier appearance for a movie….??? NO way!! But Chris can achieve anything wheter its American Psycho or Batman…. Hezzz Awsome and the voice is his innovation!!! and Plz dude Chris Nolan is the God of directors and surpasses Spielberg and Cameroon in evry way cuz he dsnt have a flop film in his credit yet….. So DUDE look before you leap and stop acting like a retard…. OK!!!!!
Erm, I guess you haven’t seen Raging Bull?
I disagree with this assertion that Bale’s Batman voice is bad. I think it’s great and this is just another example of people jumping on the band wagon of derision – picking away at something excellent when they could do no better themselves.
You are a very misinformed idiot with the stupidest opinion. Usually I’d say “hey everyone’s opinions are different” but yours is just ridiculous. Bale’s Batman voice is like that so that the fear and terror of batman can be brought out to the criminals. It is to display a terrifying image. Marion Cortillard and Tom Hardy are amazing actors and will be a great addition to “The Dark Knight Rises.” Maybe the villain will not top heath ledger yeah but you have to have an open mind. It’s not easy to find someone as talented and fit for a role. Don’t write an article ever again.
I’m a whiney Nolan Fan, he’s da’ bezt durector in tha’ world…
ka-durrh!!!
I do believe this was written to cause some tension. Anyone that knows film and talented directors/writers wouldn’t say such things. Unless, they’re young children going along with an idea based off of some movie made in the 80’s. I mean, really, who would have thought ledger would have played such a wicked role and take the show from the Batman in the previous show. With that said, I’m for certain Tom Hardy and Bale will set fire to silver screen. This is one of the most anticipated movies of all time and will leaves movie goers in awe.
~Revised Edit~
I do believe the article was written for a reaction, nothing more. It’s clear that Nolan’s work speaks for itself. I’m for certain Tom Hardy, Bale, and the rest of the cast will make the final chapter a memorable experience for everyone. It will be one of the greatest films of the 21st century.
Good Lord! Stop overreacting to this writer’s opinion.
I happen to love Batman and love Christopher Nolan’s films, but what kind of people are you, to respond with such vitriol to an obviously tongue-in-cheek article? Put down your pitchforks and have a civilized discussion.
FYI, a civilized discussion does not involve screaming, “You’re an idiot!” (Unless you’re five years old – in that case, scream away.)
Love,
A Christopher Nolan fan