Opinion article: Why k4tz is pumped for TDKR

[Admin]

Director Christopher Nolan's epic Batman saga is going to conclude, and I'm psyched for the final installment, The Dark Knight Rises. If you know me, this comes as no surprise, seeing as I've been more than vocal about Bane being one of my favorite characters, as well as praising Nolan's efforts as a director.

I'll begin with the obvious elephant in the room---Bane's costume. This has generated a massive outcry, and an equally loud voice saying "well, I like Nolan so we'll see." Before instantly labeling that voice of cautious support as the mindset of a fanboy, realize Nolan has received such a large amount of faith due to his ability to impress time and time again when directing not only the Batman franchise, but also his numerous other films (The Prestige, Inception, Memento, etc). So far, Nolan has done an excellent job translating everything and everyone to the silver screen for a gritty and realistic take on the Batman universe. Yes, this costume is completely different than Bane's comic book look, but is a man running around in tights and a luchador wrestling mask what a modern villain would wear in that Universe? It doesn't seem too likely to me. The kevlar and basic attire is nothing worth ranting or raving over, but the very end of the teaser trailer revealed his shoulders and massive arms will be bare, so that's likely the closest we're going to get to Bane's comic book costume. But the trench coat? It matches the kevlar attire, but having that giant collar popped up-wards just looks off-putting to me. Thankfully, the rest of the on set pictures and footage reveal he isn't wearing it, so I doubt it'll be regular attire, like Joker's legendary purple trench coat. But, we also need to take into account these pictures don't have any of the elements of post production movie magic applied. Will cgi be used to touch up Bane a bit and make him appear to have a little more mass?

Another matter on everyone's mind is definitely Bane's mask. As far as I can tell, the mask (which reminds me of Scorpion's mouth plate) is used to inhale venom, the drug which enhances his strength and pain tolerance. As you can see in the picture above, he appears to have numerous valves and tubes attached. If you take a closer look, you'll also notice the scarred looking spine. Did he perhaps undergo an operation at a younger age and the mask is in fact connected to his head for use of venom? Was he raised by the League of Assassins (Liam Neeson has been spotted on set...perhaps a flashback origin for Bane) and they experimented on the man with venom to become their ultimate soldier? After all, Ra's al Ghul held a great deal of respect for Bane in the comics, and believed he was second to only Batman.

On set footage has also revealed a jail break scene. An explosion rips open a prison wall, allowing swarms of prisoners to escape, later fighting with police as Wayne and Bane battle in the hectic crowd. Are we looking at a plot that is somewhat inspire by Bane's highlight story, Knightfall? The second film built up Batman's reputation as an iconic figure that watches over and rules Gotham, forcing criminals to remain indoors at night. Has Bane come to defeat Batman and clutch control over Gotham, just like he wanted to in the comics? And this prison break is a ruse to wear the legendary hero down, before eventually attempting to break Batman, physically and emotionally?

And where does Catwoman fit into the mix? I assume as Gotham crumbles into chaos during the conflict, this gives Catwoman free reign to steal as she pleases. Naturally, she'll cross paths with Batman, conflict and eventually kissing in a tree (or in this case, a rooftop) shall ensue. I can't say I'm thrilled for her appearance, but we'll see how it turns out.

But this is merely my opinion and speculation on the upcoming blockbuster. How do you feel about the released information on The Dark Knight rises?

[Vance Astro]

Very Nice Article.I don't however share your same enthusiasm for Nolan's Batman series.I just hope TDKR is better than the last film.I also hope that Bane is characterized right.If he's just a unskilled brute i'm not going to enjoy it.

[Strafe Prower]

Very nicely done!

I agree.

[Admin]

Thank you both.

Vance, promotions appear to have Bane as the primary antagonist. It's unlikely Nolan would place a brute as the main villain. I'm sure Bane will pose a threat both physically and intellectually.

[NorCalCO]

Great article. I'm very excited for the film based on Batman Begins, TDK and Nolan's other work. I'm not worried too much about costumes etc. as this is a DC property and I don't read DC books. I'm just stoked for another great comic book movie, especially one that completes a trilogy where I have REALLY enjoyed the first two films.

[Admin]

Thanks for taking the time to read the article, Lee. Do you ever plan on checking out any DC titles or characters? I was Marvel focused for a long time, but there's a good deal of excellent DC material worth checking out.

[Dane]

Sweet article k4tzm4n1a.

I like the fact that even with all the on-set pics we've seen leaked there is still so much mystery surrounding the film that we can speculate till our hearts content.

[Admin]

Gracias, Dane!

[Dane]

De nada, Senor Katz

[Silver]

I personally never had any concerns over Bane. My concern is with Catwoman. She just does not seem to fit well with Nolan's interpretation of the Bat-universe.

I will hold off judgment until release though. Nolan has done a good job thus far.

[Morpheus]

I'm very curious about Catwoman, to the point I'm excited to see how Nolan will translate the character on celluloid.

As for the article, you know me to be a Bane supporter and while I'm not impressed by the design it's likely that it will grow on me within the context of the film itself, much like you pointed out. Curiously enough, his attire mostly reminds me of Crossbones thus far.

[InnerVenom123]

I love that off set pic, makes Bane look more intimidating than all the other ones where Batman is kicking his ass or patting him on the head (I had heard that the head-patting picture was Bale measuring where his head should be so the camera shot makes Bane look taller, might not be true, but that'd be awesome). I can't wait for TDKR.

And, frankly, that explanation of Catwoman makes it seem as if she's totally unnecessary.... I'm hoping she has more substance to her. Otherwise, why even bother? It's Nolan, though. So I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Also, I'm hoping for some dialogue between her and Batman about Rachel if she flirts.

"The last girl didn't end up so well."
"Died?"
"..."
"Relax. I have nine lives."

I'm corny. Shut the hell up.

[ckal]

Do you want to hear my opinion?


Btw, if you weren't referring to the videos I am, there are set videos that show Bane and Batman fighting each other.

[Admin]

I know you're skeptical, but yeah, ckal. The whole point of this thread is for opinions

And yeah, I remark on them fighting through the crowd (of police and prisoners) in the article.


IV, I'm sure Catwoman's role will be done well, I'm just not excited for it and believe it'll serve as the romantic aspect. Clearly, this article's emphasis is on sir Bane.

[ckal]

I'll post an opinion later, I'm about to go to the gym.

But you are referring to the ones where Bane and Batman are actually fighting each other, not just the crowd, right?

[Admin]

I've seen all of the uploaded videos. The jail break, Bane on the tumbler, the battle, etc.

[ckal]

super

[NorCalCO]

Aug 2, 2011 1:47:52 GMT -5 Admin said:

Thanks for taking the time to read the article, Lee. Do you ever plan on checking out any DC titles or characters? I was Marvel focused for a long time, but there's a good deal of excellent DC material worth checking out.

I honestly have nothing against DC and there are definitely some characters and titles over there that interest me. It really just boils down to money since I am already spending at least $100 just on Marvel books every month. I honestly don't want to get sucked in on a whole other Universe. Even if I did have more disposable income to spend on comics I'd probably get more Marvel titles as there are still a lot of them I'd like to be reading. For now I just have to get my DC fix from the movies based on their properties. I just hope the movies they put out in the future are better than Green Lantern. LOL!

[Admin]

Totally understandable.

But, the DCU reboot is a good jumping on point for new readers

[NorCalCO]

Aug 3, 2011 9:06:40 GMT -5 Admin said:

Totally understandable.

But, the DCU reboot is a good jumping on point for new readers

Don't think I didn't think about that. It's all about the self-control! LOL!