Chris Nolan

Three Months Early, First Review For ‘The Dark Knight’ Surfaces Online

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:05:10 -0400

CHICAGO – With today being April 9, 2008 and with “The Dark Knight” scheduled to open on July 18, 2008, the difference between the two dates, of course, is more than three months. Even so, the first review for the monolithically anticipated film has just hit the Web in Portuguese.

Contributor Alexandre Winck for the respected Batman site Batman-on-Film.com reports that the review comes from a “well-known blog in Brazil” that’s part of the “largest media corporation” there, which is known as Globo. Winck says the author is a “respected journalist”. While the translation into English is a bit rough, you’ll get the gist. The following information may contain spoilers.

Director Chris Nolan on the set of “The Dark Knight”.
Photo credit: Released by the New York Times on March 9, 2008

My secret agent between the Armani suits saw a super private session for “The Dark Knight” and came out drooling. It will be a great success, he guarantees.

The gadgets – especially the [Batpod], [which is] responsible for an acclaimed action sequence – are crazy and Heath Ledger might receive a deserved [award?] for his Joker. [He is] a mixture of a fool/clown, schizophrenic, sadistic and crazy.

The guy delivered, got himself into the role and it’s unrecognizable. There will be no other Joker after him.

Many great scenes. Impeccable effects. Music and sounds pretty loud, but helping the story. They have a heartbeat they use in a sensational way [that helps to anticipate] the next scene [as] a psychological trigger [like in “Jaws”].

The cast is awesome. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman [steal] scenes in which all are present. Maggie Gyllenhaal [is] fantastic replacing Katie Holmes and Aaron Eckhart [is] a great surprise as the politician with a heart of gold whose personality changes after a horrible accident.

Another surprise is Eric Roberts as the mobster he knows so well how to do. Christian Bale [is] solid as ever [and] cool since Bruce Wayne is a rich playboy and Batman is the opposite. The film plays a lot with this duality. All the characters are complex, [have] ambiguities [and are] very interesting and delicate.

The humor … is totally dark. The movie is very dark and, in this version, a little too long. [It] will blow [everyone] away.

Due to its sensitivity, part of the next sentence is whited out in case you don’t want to read it. If you do, select it with your mouse.

Another scene … with Ledger [as] the Joker playing dead inside a body bag caused adverse reactions in the audience for obvious reasons. It will possibly be cut.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Despite Heath Ledger’s Death, Warner Bros. Presses on With Joker’s Viral Marketing For ‘The Dark Knight’

HollywoodChicago.com — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:34:35 -0500

CHICAGO – Once the swarm of sorrow hit the world on Jan. 22, 2008 following news of Heath Ledger’s death, questions soon ensued about its impact on Chris Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” and Terry Gilliam’s “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus”.

While the status of “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” is entirely in limbo, “The Dark Knight” had completed filming and is in post-production. Still, followers wondered how Warner Bros. would tactfully react with its viral marketing and how it would advertise Ledger’s dark and crazed Joker character.

HollywoodChicago.com just received an answer: the show is going on. Our repeatedly reliable source (who was awarded the cell phone-embedded cake in Chicago from a WhySoSerious.com viral marketing effort) is back with new news from moments ago:

A WhySoSerious.com viral marketing movie
poster for “The Dark Knight”.
Image credit: IMDB

Good evening, Adam!

Chicago Joker phone here. I just got a text at 10:49 p.m. on the cake phone that said $30 was added to my account and the phone is now good until March 29, 2008.

After looking at the account information [from] the phone [that] was initially received in [Dec. 2007], I found the phones were set to expire tomorrow (Jan. 30, 2008). With the addition of the extra minutes, this means the viral campaign lives on despite the untimely death of Heath Ledger (may he rest in peace).

I have looked on message boards and several of the other cities have also confirmed that their phones have received extensions until the end of March.

I applaud Warner Bros. for continuing the marketing campaign and not letting the fans down. We all have the greatest respect for Mr. Ledger and I believe we all know how to separate the Joker character from Heath. I cannot wait for the next viral [campaign] to start. I will keep you updated as always. Thanks!

~ Vlkers54

3:25 p.m. update on Jan. 30, 2008: The source above just wrote back with another update. This information is from another informed Superhero! Hype message board member known as ianskyvox.

I just did a little bit of research [that] may shed some light on the scenario. Apparently whenever you add credit to pay-as-you-go phones with Verizon (such as these) the amount you add is good for two months.

Since we got the phones [on Dec. 4, 2007], they probably activated the accounts in late [Nov. 2007] so they could be shipped out and put in the cakes. Two months after that would be today (Jan. 29, 2008). Since the accounts were renewed today [on Jan. 29, 2008], they expire again on March 29, 2008 (in exactly two months).

There’s a possibility this is what was actually going to happen all along even if we hadn’t tragically lost our clown prince. This could even go on for months and months on end. [We could receive] another message on March 29, 2008 saying the accounts have been renewed again.

Our last [text] before this did say: “It’s time to be patient.”

Vlkers54 added: “It seems they might not have had a plan until after Jan. 30, 2008 to begin with. We will have to just be patient as [the Joker] has instructed us to be.”

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

‘The Dark Knight’ Delivers Sensory Orgasm in IMAX Prologue Before ‘I Am Legend’

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:23:29 -0500

I went to screen “I Am Legend” on Wednesday to experience “The Dark Knight”.

That statement doesn’t speak grimly about my feelings for Will Smith. I was looking forward to learning his legend and I’m glad I did. The night at Chicago’s Navy Pier IMAX, though, went to its first six minutes with the Joker as the star.

A production still from “The Dark Knight” prologue.
Photo credit: Warner Bros.
Before I skipped the capacity crowd awaiting entrance into the theater, I stopped to listen to people’s pre-conceived motivations for spending a chilly Wednesday evening at the movies.

People weren’t there because it was free. More important, many people weren’t talking about “I Am Legend”. The buzz king went to Nolan & Co. A few people even went so far as to say they’d consume “The Dark Knight” prologue and skip out immediately thereafter.

I spoke to the publicist running the screening moments before heading in. He was in a panic.

He just got off the phone from New York because “the prologue wasn’t going to show,” he said. At the mere quiet mention of the notion, the few critics who heard it threw their hands in the air in disgust.

I’m paraphrasing, but the publicist immediately retorted: “Don’t worry. It’ll be there now. I made sure of it.” Their nerves were calmed and I now felt vindicated after having to miss last week’s sneak peak of the prologue following yet another “The Dark Knight” viral game.

We were first treated to a trailer for “The Spiderwick Chronicles”.

The next trailer – for a film documenting a rock star – was relatively unimpressive and forgettable. Then a sweeping shot of downtown Gotham ushered in “The Dark Knight” prologue and the theater erupted in applause.

You immediately felt the difference between a typical trailer preceding the big event as this prologue is a short film in its own right. Its design is to introduce the Joker as the crazed fiend he is. He’s indeed feared, he’s indeed demented and he indeed delivers on the frenetic hype.

The story leading up to his unmasking deliberately makes his revelation deliciously climatic. You love to hate Heath and feel no remorse loving him all the while.

For this Chicagoan who has been covering the ins and outs of the film as it has taken over our Windy City, the prologue feels much like home. I’d be watching and instantly recall reporting on that courthouse and stepping foot on those very floors when I was beckoned there for jury duty.

A cameo by William Fichtner (“Go,” “Armageddon,” “Contact”) as a Gotham National Bank manager proves even in just a glimpse the power of this cast from roles as big as Heath Ledger as the Joker and Christian Bale as Batman all the way down to this small bank manager who dominates a memorable scene.

William Fichtner in “The Perfect Storm”.
Photo credit: Warner Bros.
Director Chris Nolan will be remembered as an innovator who made the premeditated choice to work with director of photography Wally Pfister and IMAX technicians to mark the first time in Hollywood history the larger and heavier IMAX cameras were used to film select sequences.

Rather than succumbing to the quality degradation inherent in converting traditional 35-millimeter film to the largesse of IMAX, Nolan filmed directly using the 60-millimeter, sensually orgasmic format. The wait was worth the remuneration and serves as yet another telltale sign that “The Dark Knight” will be the film of 2008.

Warner Bros. Formally Announces ‘The Dark Knight’ Prologue Before ‘I Am Legend’ in IMAX

HollywoodChicago.com — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:44:58 -0500

We already knew about this, of course, but Warner Bros. on Wednesday released its official announcement that “The Dark Knight” prologue will be featured in its entirety before “I Am Legend” in IMAX.

Both are Warner Bros. films. “I Am Legend” opens in theaters everywhere on Dec. 14. The first showing in Chicago will be at the Navy Pier IMAX screen (700 E. Grand Ave.) at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 14. “The Dark Knight” is slated to open everywhere on July 18, 2008.

A description of the prologue surfaced on Dec. 3. The prologue will be in IMAX 2D. Wednesday’s formal announcement was made by Warner Bros. president of domestic distribution Dan Fellman.

The following information was sent to me in a statement:

The release of the opening six minutes of the movie marks the world premiere of the first footage ever shot with extremely high-resolution IMAX cameras for a major motion-picture release.

In an unprecedented move, director Christopher Nolan employed IMAX cameras for a number of sequences in “The Dark Knight”.

In the statement, Nolan said the following on the news:

I’ve always found the IMAX format to be completely astounding in terms of the crispness and clarity of the image and sound as well as the sheer size and scope.

I knew that if you could shoot scenes of a feature film in that format – not just blow up a 35-millimeter film to fit those screens but actually to shoot with IMAX cameras – you could achieve an incredibly immersive experience.

No one had ever done it before, but with a lot of careful preparation by our director of photography (Wally Pfister) and the help of the IMAX technicians, the results are beyond our expectations.

When you watch the finished product, it’s like being on an amazing roller coaster. It’s literally larger than life.

Will Smith in “I Am Legend”.
Photo credit: IMDb
I also received this information on the topic on Dec. 10:

Beginning at 11 p.m. on Dec. 13 in the Navy Pier IMAX theater lobby, ticket-holding audience members will be invited to join in a variety of “I Am Legend”-themed games.

A series of “last-man standing” competitions will dare contestants to be the last one standing while hopping on one foot, in a hoola-hoop contest and in a battle of the wits [that tests] fans on their knowledge of Will Smith’s acting history.

Prizes will include film paraphernalia, IMAX tickets, concession-stand coupons and a few surprise items.

Though we already know it, the following plot information was included in the Dec. 12 statement:

“The Dark Knight” reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale who reprises the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne. In the new film, Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime.

With the help of lieutenant Jim Gordon and district attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the city streets.

The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as the Joker.

Still Image, New Details Surface on Straight-to-Video Batman Anime

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:14:46 -0500

If there’s anything we’ve come to expect from “The Dark Knight” and the franchise lately, it’s these two words: always more.

On Nov. 30, I mentioned that Wizard’s 2008 movie spectacular magazine was hitting comic stores on Dec. 5 and newsstands on Dec. 18. On Wednesday, we learned more about a straight-to-video Batman anime story and saw a new still image to tease it.

“The Dark Knight” anime.
Image credit: Wizard
Credit for this post comes first from Paul. His fan site referenced a JustPressPlay article where we learn the following:

Far from just a cheap tie-in, this looks like it’s actually going to be an animated series with weight.

These shorts stand alone on their own [and] take place in (direct Chris) Nolan’s Batman universe … between the first (“Batman Begins”) and second (“The Dark Knight”) movie.

Let’s take a look at the amazing players involved.

All six shorts are directed by the great animation god Bruce Timm (“Batman: Mask of the Phantasm,” “Batman: TAS,” “Batman Beyond” and “Justice League”).

The writers along with more information can be found here.

New Joker Photo; ‘The Dark Knight’ on The Today Show; Betty’s House of Pies; The Perfect Getaway; Church Site

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:15:01 -0500

Wizard on Friday released the cover of its upcoming 2008 movie spectacular magazine. The cover features a new look at Heath Ledger as the Joker in “The Dark Knight”.

The magazine, which will hit comic stores on Dec. 5 and newsstands on Dec. 18, features 13 pages of “The Dark Knight” coverage including the first official set visit and a Christian Bale profile.

In other Friday news, new footage on “The Dark Knight” from The Today Show surfaced on YouTube. The segment features an interview with Bale on his interpretation of Batman.

We also hear from Aaron Eckhart and Chris Nolan and see the new batsuit. The segment, which aired on Nov. 30, is embedded below.

Also, a new viral site called Betty’s House of Pies has just launched at BettysHouseOfPies.com with reservations@bettyshouseofpies.com and the phone number 866-237-6152 listed as well.

When you e-mail reservations@bettyshouseofpies.com, you receive this automatic response: “We don’t take reservations from e-mail anymore because nobody ever checked and people just got mad.”

After submitting a tip earlier at WeAreTheAnswer.org, I just received a threatening phone call from 000-000-0000. While I typed it as fast as possible, I couldn’t catch everything. This is what I did catch:

We heard about the message you left at the DA’s office. I know you have some big ideas about being a good citizen. No one likes a squeeler. You know nothing.

They’re out there putting their lives on the line so you can sleep OK … and you’re laying in your bed. Let’s see what happens the next time you need someone in blue.

Think about who they are. Check document LC6551. You know where to look.

An online search for LC6551 reveals these documents:

LC6551 .R39 2005
Ray, Angela G.
Lyceum and public culture in the nineteenth-century United States.
East Lansing: Michigan State University Press, c2005.

LC6551 .R54 2003
Rieser, Andrew Chamberlin.
Chautauqua moment: Protestants, progressives and the culture of modern liberalism.
New York: Columbia University Press, c2003.

LC6551 .T27 1997
Tapia, John E., 1950-
Circuit chautauqua: from rural education to popular entertainment in
early twentieth century America.
Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co., c1997.

The final 26 seconds of the message have just been recorded and posted to YouTube. This is courtesy of AXB Enterprises. Listen below.

Also, a site for St. Swithuns Catholic Church – the oldest Catholic church in Gotham – has launched at www.saintswithunschurch.org. I learned about this site from here.

Even more, yet another WhySoSerious.com page just emerged on Friday at www.whysoserious.com/theperfectgetaway using maps that span the various Gotham sites.

‘The Dark Knight’ Releases Behind-the-Scenes IMAX Featurette

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 10:02:21 -0500

Just in time to give thanks for Thanksgiving, “The Dark Knight” just released a new IMAX featurette that reveals fresh behind-the-scenes imagery.

Director Chris Nolan and director of photography Wally Pfister discuss why they decided to use IMAX cameras in select sequences.

They speak on the grandeur not only of the filming format but also of the heaviness of the camera itself and having to craft custom-built rigs to support them.

I’ve uploaded the IMAX featurette to YouTube and embedded it below.

Spy Photos Surface From ‘The Dark Knight’ Filming in Hong Kong

HollywoodChicago.com — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 11:54:37 -0500

As we know, “The Dark Knight” has moved its filming crew from Chicago to the hectic Hong Kong. On Friday afternoon, Ain’t It Cool News released a montage of grainy yet sufficient photos to capture the scene chaos.

In these 10 photos, we see Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox), Christian Bale (Bruce Wayne/Batman) and director Chris Nolan. Notice the particularly interesting photo with Bale as Wayne photographing someone himself.

What Do ‘The Dark Knight’ Fans Look Like as the Joker?

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:15:57 -0500

The viral marketing power of “The Dark Knight” has been throttled into overdrive this week as buzz-building site WhySoSerious.com has influenced fans across the U.S. to play along and dress up as the Joker.

At the conclusion of this week’s WhySoSerious.com challenge, which had enthusiasts roaming the streets of their cities to snap photos based on clues, a new viral marketing site was born: Rory’s Death Kiss.

As a reminder, Rory is the name of director Chris Nolan’s son and he has been using “Rory’s First Kiss” as the working title for the film.

RorysDeathKiss.com is asking people to dress up like the Joker and organize at the “most famous landmark in your city” (without getting arrested).

In the meantime, the Joker is either emerging as one of the most popular Halloween costumes or this specialized niche just can’t wait to replicate his evil ways.

I’ve cropped and am publishing below some of the best Joker costumes submitted to me and posted on various threads.

Teddy Moore in Chicago.
Name used with permission.

For fun, here’s someone dressed up as Poison Ivy.

Exclusive: Chicagoan Captures ‘The Dark Knight’ Video of Joker’s Semi Flip

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 14:22:56 -0400

At 11:53 p.m. on Thursday, a reader submitted to me an excellent “The Dark Knight” video clip that clearly shows the Joker’s semi truck flip, which was scooped on HollywoodChicago.com on July 24.

Click here to download the full video clip.
It’s said this is the first time this has ever been done on film. I’m being informed that the stunt is one of the largest in “The Dark Knight”. This post is an exclusive.

Here’s the scooper’s story and details about this first-time stunt.

I work for an investment bank in downtown Chicago. I had a great view of the filming action [on July 26], which was the Joker’s semi being flipped end over end.

Heath Ledger was on hand in full makeup – but not full wardrobe – and there were a ton of people working on the set. My view was much better than even Chris Nolan’s and I was able to get this video and pictures.

If you look beneath the truck in the pictures, you will see a black piston and then “teeth” on the front grill. The piston is what created the force to send the truck over and the teeth were used to dig into the asphalt to help flip it over.

The picture of the white helicopter shell is a prop. Apparently they blew up a helicopter [on the night of July 25] and did it again [on the night of July 26].

The helicopter was the starting point for the Joker’s semi. It was on fire when I left work after they flipped the truck.

As I was walking to the bus, I saw just the cab of the Joker’s truck with a bullet hole-filled windshield. It was attached to a tow truck rigged with lights and possible cameras.

1:14 a.m. update: These are the photos submitted to me from the same reader.

11:46 a.m. update: After I first posted video of this truck flip at 12:22 a.m. on July 27, FOX Chicago posted a video of the sequence from a different vantage point.

Consistent with how I’ve been describing the stunt on HollywoodChicago.com, they included this text:

[On the night of July 26,] crews did their biggest and most elaborate stunt yet as part of [“The Dark Knight”] being filmed now in Chicago. Keep watching after to see more behind-the-scenes footage.