The New Batman Movie

[Morrus]

So, there have been a lot of spoilers, casting announcements, plot leaks and so forth about Batman: Intimidation Game. How do you think this movie is going to turn out?

I personally think it looks pretty good. Here's a compilation of some of the info we know so far:

Directed by: Christopher Nolan (Memento, Insomnia)
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Written by: Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer (Blade trilogy)
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Casting: Christian Bale (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Michael Caine (Alfred), Ken Watanabe (Ra's Al Ghul), Cillian Murphy (Jonathan Crane), Liam Neeson (Henri Ducard), Katie Holmes (Rachel), Morgan Freeman (Lucias Fox)
Possible Casting: Dennis Quaid (Commissioner Gordon), Guy Pearce (Harvey Dent), Larry Holden​

There's a whole bunch more information here.​

 

[Krug]

Apparently Cinescape reported that the title is going to be Batman Begins.

 

[WayneLigon]

I'll say cautiously optomistic, given that I've consciously stayed away from most spoilers. I haven't sought out script rumors, for example. Given the casting, I'm pleased at the moment. I'll wait, though, and reserve judgement until I'm coming out of the theater.

 

[Triumph]

I'll wait, though, and reserve judgement until I'm coming out of the theater.

I find your Pee Wee Herman reference extremely distasteful.

 

[RangerWickett]

I'm pretty sure he meant, "As I'm leaving the theater."

*rolls eyes*

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

I think I read in Empire, the British Film magazine, that the villain is NOT Ra's A Ghul, and the actor attached to that part will instead be playing one of Bruce's teacher. Which actually made me more confident in the film, as it's really picking up from the comics backstory.

Cautiously optimistic. It'll certainly be a better film than the Schumacher efforts.

 

[buzzard]

I find it curious that they are going with a unknown like Christian Bale as Batman. I think the only movie of his that I have seen is Reign of Fire, and I don't even remember who he was (then again that movie was pretty forgetable). However much of the supporting cast is impressive. I will certainly see it.

buzzard

 

[The Serge]

I find it curious that they are going with a unknown like Christian Bale as Batman. I think the only movie of his that I have seen is Reign of Fire, and I don't even remember who he was (then again that movie was pretty forgetable). However much of the supporting cast is impressive. I will certainly see it.

buzzard

I think casting Bale is one of their best decisions to date. Rather than cluttering the screen with big names -- like Jim Carry or Arnold -- we're going with lesser known actors (aside from Freeman and Quaid) in the major roles. IIRC, that's one of the reasons why most hold Reeves' Superman up in such high regard; Reeves wasn't well known at the time and that made him fresh... and malleable to playing the role properly.

Bale was also in American Psycho (in which he played the lead role) and Shaft. He has a fantastic physique and he's very good looking; to date, we've really only gotten actors who were okay (Clooney and Keaton) to good looking in the face to play the title role, but did little to convey a sense of physicality necessary for the role. Also, I think that Bale also has an aura of menance that none of the previous actors had. He looks like he'll snap you in half just by looking at you.

But, I'm cautiously anticipating this. I was never a fan of Blade, so I'm afraid of what the writer may do. Also, I would have preferred a grimmer, darker Gotham. I do think it's a good idea to introduce a lesser known villain though. To comic fans, particulary DC fans, Ra's Al Ghul is a major, yet under-utilized, villain; but, beyond comics, few are aware of him. Making him a part of Batman's past will also address how he knows who Bruce Wayne is. Hopefully, we'll see some cameos from future villains like The Penguin and The Joker (like an underboss and hitman for Falcone respectively).

 

[VorpalBunny]

I'm cautiously optimistic. The casting seems good, I respect the diirector's past work and Ra's al Ghul has always been my favorite Batman villain. Hopefully they'll treat him right. Interesting that there's no mention of Talia though.

 

[Klaus]

I am looking forward to this very much!

I think shooting for Gotham City in London will bring a sense of... darkness... that the city lacked in the previous franchise (even with Tim Burton, it was always too theatrical).

The casting looks great, and I hope Christian Bale dyes his hair black for the movie (it helps to further bring him closer to comics, and differentiate from Keaton, Clooney and Kilmer).

And I SO hope the Joker is a failed comedian who loses his wife and kid (Killing Joke) instead of being a crazy hitman (Mask of the Phantasm, Tim Burton's Batman).

And I want to see the new bat-suit and batmobile!