dark knight - GO WATCH IT NOW !

[SNAAKE]

one of the best movie Ive ever seen EVER. heath ledger's performance was godtier(comparable to denzel washington in training day). watched it last night and gonna watch it again later tonight. DN is the reason theaters exist.

[shmokes]

I have a baby with no easy access to a babysitter.  I'll have to wait for an opportunity, and my wife and I are huge Hellboy fans, so as good as this looks, Hellboy might come first.

[mccoy178]

I saw it last night and it was fantastic.

[AtomSmasher]

I have a baby with no easy access to a babysitter.  I'll have to wait for an opportunity, and my wife and I are huge Hellboy fans, so as good as this looks, Hellboy might come first.

I thought the second Hellboy was as good as the first one, but for me that is only an 8 out of 10, although they get an 11 for imagination and style.  They're movies that I really want to love, but I end up only liking them.

I think I'm going to try and see a 2pm showing of Dark Knight since it's hard for me to believe it will be sold out at that time, but if it is then I'll probably just wait until next week to see it.

[Ginsu Victim]

Going tonight at 8:00

We NEVER go opening night to anything these days.

This is the exception.

[RTSDaddy2]

Just saw it at 1:15 - god, what a movie. Best film I've seen all year. My Mom, who is nearing 67 this year, wanted to go with me, so we did this as a lunch & a movie thing, and she was just blown away by it (she loves Batman).

 

Whatever you do, DON'T miss this one.  I know people say that a lot, but this truly is an amazing film.

[AtomSmasher]

I just saw it and it really is a great movie.

I only have two complaints and only one has to do with the movie itself.  #1 Why do people bring their little kids (between 2 and 5) to see this movie?  There were 4 or 5 of them at the showing I went to and all of them were making noise.  #2 The sad turtle was a poor replacement choice for Katie Holmes character, although she's not in the movie enough to make much of a difference.

[Malenko]

sad penguin is magghie giggleyballs, jake's sister.

why would they CGI the joker at the end? he died after filming and even if he didnt, they dont film movies in chronological order

[SavannahLion]

We were debating to see DN last night at the six screen Drive In. Unfortunately, it was her turn to pick (technically it was still mine since she still owes me for missing the Simpsons in the theaters) so we watched Mama Mia! (double featured with The Incredible Hulk  ). For the first time that I can remember, five of the six screens only had,at the most, a dozen cars each. DN was packed to overflowing. Cars were parking in the nearest side lots, the driveway and in the ticket gates itself. People were parking their cars in an unused area of the drive in and walking into the DN lot. So many cars were tuned to the same station there wasn't any reason to bring your own radio. I'm pretty sure some kind of fire code was being broken that night.

Obviously, we went to see the wrong movie. I'll have to sneak back when I can.

... my wife and I are huge Hellboy fans, so as good as this looks, Hellboy might come first.

I bought the DVD on the advice of numerous people and I couldn't get into the film at all. At best, I ranked marginally better than something like Underworld, a really cool concept put through a meat grinder of a boring flick.

[Ginsu Victim]

Well, we went, and we were not let down. Heath Ledger was amazing.

Anyone complaining about the voice of Batman in this should go rewatch Batman Begins. THAT'S a bad voice.

[SavannahLion]

Aww you're so cute. You and your mom look like such a loving family together. 

[shmokes]

Maggie Gyllenhaal is twice as hot as Katie Holmes and a 1000 times better actress.  Katie Holmes was by far the worst thing about Batman Begins (though admittedly she was playing an obnoxious character with obnoxious lines . . .).

[SNAAKE]

Maggie Gyllenhaal is twice as hot as Katie Holmes

....

......


........

dont think anyone will EVER agree with you on that one. I laughed when christian bale had to make out with the sad turtle. that looked so wrong 

[Grasshopper]

Maggie Gyllenhaal is twice as hot as Katie Holmes.

I agree. (sorry SNAAKE). 

[AtomSmasher]

She was hot in Stranger then Fiction, but so incredibly fugly in Dark Knight.

[Ginsu Victim]

Just threw this together real quick

[AtomSmasher]

Harsh, man... harsh.  She's better looking than any of us...

She's definately not a natural beauty as she's downright frightening when the makeup and lighting isn't just right.  Here's a recent photo from USA Today (has all three girls from the latest comic book movies)

[Ginsu Victim]

Wow, that beats my pic.

[Malenko]

speak for yourself, I'm much better looking then her.


anyways, saw it, it was good solid flick, great story, a little long, the blue effect was a little annoying (and gave me a head ache). I didnt really see the point of the scarecrow cameo. NOT enough Joker.  still way better then the val kilmer and george clooney batmans

EDIT: forgot to mention, I liked Ironman better; but this movie was worth $8 and getting up early on a sunday

[RTSDaddy2]

I thought the Scarecrow was a great cameo - tied the movie to the first, and was a gentle reminder that this kook is still out running around Gotham.  That was the point of Batman Begins; all the loonies got let out and they NEVER did catch the Scarecrow in part 1 (he is hit by Katie Holmes character, and goes riding off into the drugged up fog).

If you're not familiar with Batman lore, Scarecrow is one of the creepiest villains he's faced, IMO.  Check out the Batman animated series, volume 4, for example, and watch "Over the Edge."  You will never see another animated superhero series go for all the gusto in such a big way.  That episode left me breathless.  Can't tell you anymore, because to do so would offer me a chance to include spoilers - and if you've never seen it, I'd really hate to do that.

By the way, the numbers are ridiculous for this thing: $67.85 mil the first day, $155.34 mil for the three day weekend.  Just blew the previous records all to pieces (and should have).

And one final thought - I like the huskier voiced Batman.  At least Bale understands that one must do everything they can to protect their true identity; the voice change I think is a great idea and works more oft than not.

[CCM]

Went to see it last night and loved it!!  It definitely lived up to all the hype.  Health did an incredible job!  Katie Holmes might be hotter, but she can't act for ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.  Maggie is 10 times the actress katie is.

[AcidArmitage]

i never noticed she looked like a sad turtle 

[tk_42_1]

Did anyone else sit all the way through the credits???  Me, my buddy and his kid did just to see if there was anything after them (a la Ironman.  also to wait for the crowds to thin out in the lobby.)  Right at the end of the credits the film started to get wobbly and then just after the Fictitious character and location disclaimer the film melted.  I've seen this happen in the past at other films but it was a perfect thing/timing for this one.

On a side note my buddy's kid asked "Why are we waiting?"  I said maybe Samuel L Jackson will have a cameo after the credits like Ironman.  My buddy responds "No, he's Marvel Universe, this is DC."  Classic comeback.

[Ginsu Victim]

There's nothing after the credits.
Also, my theater is all digital, so there's no film used.

[tk_42_1]

There's nothing after the credits.
Also, my theater is all digital, so there's no film used.

We talked about that after our showing and came to the conclusion that we would have probably seen a BSOD instead of the burnt film.   

[Ginsu Victim]

Carmike Cinema uses Texas Instruments' DLP techonology, so I would've probably seen this:

[rlemmon]

I loved it. I would have liked more joker action though. Heath was amazing!

[Ummon]

On a side note my buddy's kid asked "Why are we waiting?"  I said maybe Samuel L Jackson will have a cameo after the credits like Ironman.  My buddy responds "No, he's Marvel Universe, this is DC."  Classic comeback.

We didn't stay - I didn't even think to, nor did I at Iron Man, doh - and my friend wondered if there had been anything. I said I didn't think so. That it's a Marvel thing.

I just saw it and it really is a great movie.

I only have two complaints and only one has to do with the movie itself.  #1 Why do people bring their little kids (between 2 and 5) to see this movie?  There were 4 or 5 of them at the showing I went to and all of them were making noise. 

Maybe you didn't ask them to be quiet? We had some retarded-sounding guy that wouldn't shut up right before the movie. I didn't want to wait to see if he would, so I looked back and said, "Dude, shut the ---fudgesicle--- up." I don't know if it worked, but except for some laughs here and there during the movie he was quiet. I probably should've asked though.

Harsh, man... harsh.  She's better looking than any of us, but she's no Katie Holmes.

Speak for yourself. She did good, though.

speak for yourself, I'm much better looking then her.

Hahahahah. I thought it too before I read your post.

EDIT: forgot to mention, I liked Ironman better; but this movie was worth $8 and getting up early on a sunday

Well, you may've liked it better, but it was seriously nothing compared to The Dark Knight. TDK wasn't a superhero flick. It was above that.

I like the voice, too. I couldn't do it - at least not without it hurting. Scarecrow wants to be creepy - but really he's a momma's boy. The Joker.....whewwwww, he was REAL. The most interesting part of the story.

[AtomSmasher]

Maybe you didn't ask them to be quiet? We had some retarded-sounding guy that wouldn't shut up right before the movie. I didn't want to wait to see if he would, so I looked back and said, "Dude, shut the ---fudgesicle--- up." I don't know if it worked, but except for some laughs here and there during the movie he was quiet. I probably should've asked though.

Their parents were constantly telling them to be quiet, so I don't think me telling them would of helped.   The problem is that they shouldn't be bringing 2 year olds to an adult movie.

One thing that happened which was pretty funny (and annoying), a guys phone rang during the movie, he answered it and walks over to and opens the "exit" door which was right next to the screen so he could talk just outside the theater.  When he opened the door he let direct sunlight hit the screen washing it completely out and with it still partially washed out when he held the door open a crack so he could come back in.  Someone else walked over the door, tried to pull it shut but met with some resistance, so he pulls really hard and gets it shut, locking out the guy on the phone.  The place has 12 screens, so he had a long walk all the way around to get back in, assuming he had his ticket stub with him 

All I can say is I can't wait for it to come out on dvd so I don't have to deal with idiots and a-holes ruining the movie.

[tk_42_1]

I can't wait for the DVD either.  Going to see a movie in the theater now-a-days you must expect some level of a-holes and idiots.  So I expected that. 

The main thing I want to see if how much did Chris Nolan let Heath Ledger Ad Lib.  I know that IMDB Trivia states the scene with the Joker clapping while in Jail (no spoiler, in all the commercials) was ad lib'd but there had to have been more.

[Ummon]

I can't wait for the DVD either.  Going to see a movie in the theater now-a-days you must expect some level of a-holes and idiots.  So I expected that. 

I'm telling you, find the equivalent of an Alamo Draft House in your area.  The difference was amazing.  Granted, they tapped me for a ton of money but it's amazing how well people behave when there's lots of staff around.

I've found that during the week, especially during the day, is best. People are often older - or just old - and are pretty mellow. Once, a while back, I saw a staffer come in to tell someone to get off their phone. But after seeing one of the LOTR movies with my dad, and kids behind us just not shutting their traps, I resolved not to allow such things anymore. Someone's going to be advised they need to fix something about their situation. Where it goes from there just depends. Of course, a catch-all could be bringing a squirt gun full of cat pee.

[mccoy178]

Of course, a catch-all could be bringing a squirt gun full of cat pee.

If that were the case, I'd also be looking out for you in the local bell tower.

[SithMaster]

Finally watched the movie at the 9:45pm showing last night (ended a few minutes ago) and all I can say is it's better than Begins and it was mostly enjoyable.  The magic trick was good but the Cloverfield type videos of him ruined his image of a mad man not to mention how horrible the interrogation scene was.  Overall the Joker was above average with moments of greatness along with the aforementioned moments of suckyness.  His plans were well thought out (which goes against his anarchist views kinda) and I had fun guessing how several of the people would die.

Now, Dent was my favorite part (my favorite villian) and they did a good job with his character up until the end.  I also think the cgi department dropped the ball with him.

Maybe I was spoiled by the Animated series when I was younger.  Maybe I had high hopes from everyone saying how great it was.  For me it was the little things that prevent me from agreeing that this movie is the most awesomest thing ever created by mankind.  How Batman finds the Joker at the end, the accountant, the lack of mafia screen time (though they may be just here for a build up to the next film so this issue may be mute), the Bat scouts, and the "He is our ray of hope" dialog.  Though I will say the series is finally headed in the right direction...somewhat.

I request that fanboys maintain their dignity by not resorting to name calling and simply reply to each of my complaints with perhaps insight into why they did certain things.  Thank you.

[Ummon]

  The magic trick was good but the Cloverfield type videos of him ruined his image of a mad man not to mention how horrible the interrogation scene was. 

I don't understand this statment. (I didn't see Cloverfield.) What?

Overall the Joker was above average with moments of greatness along with the aforementioned moments of suckyness.  His plans were well thought out (which goes against his anarchist views kinda) and I had fun guessing how several of the people would die.

I think this is an misunderstanding of the term anarchy. It's similar with words like 'random' and 'chaos/chaotic', as these words mean that you can't predict conditions or results; they don't mean there isn't structure to events.

Now, Dent was my favorite part (my favorite villian) and they did a good job with his character up until the end.  I also think the cgi department dropped the ball with him.

Explain.

Maybe I was spoiled by the Animated series when I was younger.  Maybe I had high hopes from everyone saying how great it was.  For me it was the little things that prevent me from agreeing that this movie is the most awesomest thing ever created by mankind.  How Batman finds the Joker at the end, the accountant, the lack of mafia screen time (though they may be just here for a build up to the next film so this issue may be mute), the Bat scouts, and the "He is our ray of hope" dialog.

What?  (Take your pick of the points above.)

[SithMaster]

Okay some spoilers.

SPOILERS




When the joker made the video of him yelling at the fake batman.  He kept shaking the camera and at the end of it he looked into it and then turned it off.  Based on the trailers for cloverfield I've seen it was similar to that.  I just didn't like it and thought they could have done a better job with that scene (though I'm not sure if they had to do that due to real life circumstances).  I really don't understand why the cop was inside the interrogation room with the Joker.  Why didn't they move him into a cell?  It might have prevented something like a cop being taken hostage from happening.

Dent died.  Or I think he did based on the memorial at the end and his lack of breathing after he fell.  Now he might be alright and just in Arkham Asylum but that would mean every cop who was surrounding the warehouse Gordon and his family were in could know  he is still alive.  He has to be dead unless they have some well thought out plan for keeping him alive with only Batman and Gordon knowing.

My other problem with Dent was the cgi but I might be mistaken on that.  When I saw it there was a very obvious looking line going down part of his face after he got burned.  Everywhere else the skin was burnt naturally (it blended together) except for this one part.  I'm looking at some pics of him after the fire and I don't see that anymore.  It was late so I might have imagined it though I'll look into that some more.

I really thought using the sonar cell phone trick across an entire city was lame.  I was hoping for more of a put the clues together to find him type of gimmick instead of the I'll use this really elaborate method.

The accountant that found out about the plans for the batmobile seemed out of place.  It was as if they just needed another crafty plan for the Joker instead of letting there being no obvious evidence leading him back to Wayne Enterprises.  Really why would he leave a set of plans back at the office?

The mafia concern should actually be ignored.  It's just that in the previous movie there wasn't this great mafia threat (though I could be mistaken) and suddenly they are here and they just let the Joker loose.  I guess they were there as a excuse for the Joker to rampage around Gotham.

The Batman impersonators were odd.  I guess its plausible that admirers would want to join the fight.  Actually I just remembered the Sons of Batman so I'll drop this point too.

No misunderstanding of the term at all.  He was hired to kill the Batman, but then goes and says he needs him to feel complete.  Isn't that going against the desire to break the status quo?  He went through the movie trying to get people to change their positions and here he is doing the same, which goes in with being random I suppose.

What?  (Take your pick of the points above.)

Which points?

I learned something today.  I shouldn't be making posts late at night when I'm tired.  I also shouldn't post my opinions on the internet.

Now then how does everyone think the Batman will get back in the good graces of the public?  I'm really surprised he took the heat for the cop killings since he is against murder.  Why couldn't they just put the blame on the mob?

Also some possible villains for the sequel?  Ra's al Ghul had family and he apparently can use the lazarus pit so perhaps they bring him back.  That could also pave the way for a new love interest for Bruce.

[Ginsu Victim]

You act like Cloverfield invented the video camera. They weren't even the first to shoot that way, and I don't see a connection to the scene other than a video camera.

[SithMaster]

You act like Cloverfield invented the video camera. They weren't even the first to shoot that way, and I don't see a connection to the scene other than a video camera.

If you say so.  I'm saying it reminded me of that and it didn't make the Joker look like a crazy guy, just someone who was trying to use a camera.  If they showed him cutting up the guy instead it would have been better.

[HaRuMaN]

Watched it yesterday, loved it...

I want to go see it again.  I really liked Ledger as the Joker.

[Dartful Dodger]

The movie was great.  I would have liked more Two Face action, but I wasn't disappointed.

He was hired to kill the Batman, but then goes and says he needs him to feel complete.  Isn't that going against the desire to break the status quo?  He went through the movie trying to get people to change their positions and here he is doing the same, which goes in with being random I suppose.

"some men just want to watch the world burn"

The point of the Joker was he doesn't desire anything.  He went through the movie changing the reasons for his crimes as often as he changed the reasons for his scars.

The best movie quote:
Do you know how I got these scars?
No, but I know how you got these!

[CCM]

You act like Cloverfield invented the video camera. They weren't even the first to shoot that way, and I don't see a connection to the scene other than a video camera.

If you say so.  I'm saying it reminded me of that and it didn't make the Joker look like a crazy guy, just someone who was trying to use a camera.  If they showed him cutting up the guy instead it would have been better.

I'm not grasping what you expected out of that scene..  It was a hostage video shot using a camcorder...  would you have expected the Joker to have a TV studio with state-of-the-art equipment to film it?

Also, it was PG-13, so I'm pretty sure they couldn't have shown him cutting the guy up...

[Ginsu Victim]

You act like Cloverfield invented the video camera. They weren't even the first to shoot that way, and I don't see a connection to the scene other than a video camera.

If you say so.  I'm saying it reminded me of that and it didn't make the Joker look like a crazy guy, just someone who was trying to use a camera.  If they showed him cutting up the guy instead it would have been better.

You know, you don't have to see violence to convey craziness or a sense of menace. Go watch Geraldo's interview with Charles Manson from the eighties.

[shardian]

You know, you don't have to see violence to convey craziness or a sense of menace. Go watch Geraldo's interview with Charles Manson from the eighties.

Very good point. A good example of this was the season finale of the Terminator TV show last year. You only had a view from the bottom of the pool of FBI agents getting thrown in, and it was WAY better than if they choreographed a whole massive violent fight sequence.

[Ginsu Victim]

I'm a big fan of filling in the blanks with my own imagination. Look at the scene in Reservoir Dogs where the cop Marvin Nash gets his ear cut off. It's so much better that you don't see it happen. The Blair Witch Project is another where what you don't see is far worse than what's shown. (This is not a Blair Witch topic, so the haters need not respond.)

[RTSDaddy2]

We (family) were just talking about Ras al Guhl again last night as a possible returning villain for part 3.  Personally I'd like to see them introduce the Lazarus pit, but might be too big a stretch  for people who don't know Batman lore.

I don't think Dent's dead. I think they took Two-Face to Arkham, then had a memorial for the end of Harvey's  (normal Dent, if you will) life if you will.  Remember, only Gordon's family, Gordon, and Batman, were left alive that know that Two-Face is the former DA at the moment.

For myself, I'd like to see them resign Eckhart and let him have his turn.  I thought he made a heck of a Two-Face, and the effects were near perfect for me.  A far cry better than Tommy Lee Jones forgettable turn in Batman Forever.

Speaking of which, we all know Jim Carrey can do serious work - who'd like to see him return as a more sinister Riddler?  I'd be up for it - I always thought his Riddler in  Batman Forever was pretty good.

[Dartful Dodger]

I like how they didn't show the face of Gordon's daughter.

It's as though they didn't want you to know what Batgirl's was going to look like until after they've casted her.

Having Carey play a sinister version of his Riddler role would be cool and it would seem like they were played by two different people.  Instead of how Eddie Murphy plays a dozen people in the same movie that all act like Eddie Murphy. 

the problem is if they hired Jim Carey, Batman 3 would only make a 9.999bazillion dollars in profit instead of 10bazilion dollars.

[HaRuMaN]

Very good point. A good example of this was the season finale of the Terminator TV show last year. You only had a view from the bottom of the pool of FBI agents getting thrown in, and it was WAY better than if they choreographed a whole massive violent fight sequence.

This is true.  That was an awesome scene, very well done.

[Ginsu Victim]

I like how they didn't show the face of Gordon's daughter.

It's as though they didn't want you to know what Batgirl's was going to look like until after they've casted her.

Glad I'm not the only one who noticed this. She also isn't credited on IMDb either.

[Ginsu Victim]

Eckhart's already said he's excited to work on the next film, so read into that what you will...

[FrizzleFried]

I am not a big Batman fan by ant stretch.... 7/10 at best.

[shardian]

Jim Carrey redoing his Riddler would be bad-ass. I doubt they would ever cast that though because they are trying to distance themselves from the older movies as much as possible.

As to who I would pick to play the Riddler? I would without a doubt cast the guy who stars in Burn Notice.

[Ginsu Victim]

Jeffrey Donovan? Good call. I thought the Riddler wouldn't work in the new style, but wow....excellent choice.

I like him on Burn Notice, and enjoyed his work in Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows.

[SithMaster]

I don't think Dent's dead. I think they took Two-Face to Arkham, then had a memorial for the end of Harvey's  (normal Dent, if you will) life if you will.  Remember, only Gordon's family, Gordon, and Batman, were left alive that know that Two-Face is the former DA at the moment.

The thing is someone will recognize his right half when they see him.  He would have to be in solitary with no one visiting him to maintain the cover up which I wouldn't see as a viable plan.  Now if he was sent out of town/country then the chances are better for his "death."

[CCM]

Jim Carrey redoing his Riddler would BE THE WORST THING EVER!!

I fixed that for you....

[Daniel270]

Jumping the gun a little bit... but  Kane Hodder as Bane

[Ginsu Victim]

Bane was a terrible character, even in the comics. He doesn't belong in any movie.

"Let's break Batman's back and have a movie without much Batman.....that'll be a great idea..."

[Ummon]

First off, I'll say again, this wasn't a comic book or superhero movie. Batman just happened to be in it. And following on that, to be of the same quality/not be goofy or fantastic like the Tim Burton Batman universe (though I think the original is still awesome, just different) the new villians will have to be as non-nonsensical as these two were. As for Two-face, I thought he'd be dead, but if Eckhart said that then I guess not. I guess they could do it, but off the top of my head it seems to me it will mean an even darker drama than this one was, socially speaking.

@Sithmaster: my last 'what?' was referring to the animated series. (I don't like these WB-type drawing and animation styles, so I haven't seen it.) What about it?

Also, I don't think the Joker is into detailed violence. He's into disruption, with a tinge of human suffering.

[SithMaster]

@Sithmaster: my last 'what?' was referring to the animated series. (I don't like these WB-type drawing and animation styles, so I haven't seen it.) What about it?

Also, I don't think the Joker is into detailed violence. He's into disruption, with a tinge of human suffering.

Ah, I didn't know you haven't seen the Animated Series.  It was different is all.

Bane was a terrible character, even in the comics. He doesn't belong in any movie.

"Let's break Batman's back and have a movie without much Batman.....that'll be a great idea..."

It would pave the way for Batgirl to swoop in and save the day er night er Knight from death.

[Ginsu Victim]

Too bad she was so young in this. I'd rather the Joker shot and paralyzed her.

[SNAAKE]

The movie was great.  I would have liked more Two Face action, but I wasn't disappointed.

know what they say. "less is more". 2face was pretty awesome but yeah you have a point. the movie could have been little longer with more 2face action.

[ark_ader]

The movie was great.  I would have liked more Two Face action, but I wasn't disappointed.

know what they say. "less is more". 2face was pretty awesome but yeah you have a point. the movie could have been little longer with more 2face action.

That would destroy the whole point of two face.  His brief entrance made a point, which was demonstrated throughout the film.  I don't know how it made the 12A certificate.

I liked the disappearing pen trick the joker did.

That tickled me a bit.

Ledger was great. 

Shame the guy took the cowards way out, but there you go. 

Art did not reflect life in this case.   

[Ummon]

Ledger was great. 

Shame the guy took the cowards way out, but there you go. 

Art did not reflect life in this case.  

I don't know where you come off with that.....

The movie was great.  I would have liked more Two Face action, but I wasn't disappointed.

know what they say. "less is more". 2face was pretty awesome but yeah you have a point. the movie could have been little longer with more 2face action.

I dunno. I was about played out before the end of the Joker finale I think. And I think it was over two hours as it was. Regardless, wanting more of something, and the story needing it are two different things. I find it kinda funny how comic, etc enthusiasts are often in the former category. A story goes where it wants and you follow - not the other way around.

[Ginsu Victim]

Shame the guy took the cowards way out, but there you go. 

Art did not reflect life in this case.  

ACCIDENTAL overdose.

[ark_ader]

Shame the guy took the cowards way out, but there you go. 

Art did not reflect life in this case.  

ACCIDENTAL overdose.

When was the last time you heard of anyone accidentally overdose on oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine?

I'm scratching my head on this one, and it isn't a case for Head & Shoulders. 

[Grasshopper]

Shame the guy took the cowards way out, but there you go. 

Even if it had been suicide (which it almost certainly wasn't) I never understand why people describe suicide as cowardly. It just doesn't make any sense.

Arguably it's misguided but it takes a lot of guts to kill yourself. Most of us have a very strong innate fear of death and it takes a lot of willpower to overcome that.

[ark_ader]

Shame the guy took the cowards way out, but there you go. 

Even if it had been suicide (which it almost certainly wasn't) I never understand why people describe suicide as cowardly. It just doesn't make any sense.

Arguably it's misguided but it takes a lot of guts to kill yourself. Most of us have a very strong innate fear of death and it takes a lot of willpower to overcome that.

I'm sorry mate but your comments do not make any sense.   Like the comment: "Even if it had been suicide (which it almost certainly wasn't)".  That proved you knew very little on the subject matter.

I am speaking about an actor who was celebrated and respected in the acting field.  We can look at overdoses that were  non accidental like Marilyn Monroe, or Judy Garland, (or even Elvis if you look at it this way) as they knew full well what they were doing, but also had a mental issue like depression being the ticket out.

Now there is pain, all different kinds of pain people suffer that can turn intentional suicide like Richard Farnsworth over a long period of time.  But Heath's pain was lack of sleep, and his schedule for films and life in general would probably put him into this bracket.  Or was it?  Hard to know when you were not there, but one can speculate.

Remember I had read up on this before posting, and got all the viewpoints.  I suggest you do the same.  Its very interesting reading.  Completely different to what I knew on the subject.

I think it is a waste to take your own life, and a terrible sin.  It doesn't  take much to take yourself out.  You just need the trigger.

But like I said in my previous post. 

Art does not reflect life.  Especially his.     

But his role in the Batman film, definitely, was brilliant.

[SithMaster]

Shame the guy took the cowards way out, but there you go. 

Even if it had been suicide (which it almost certainly wasn't) I never understand why people describe suicide as cowardly. It just doesn't make any sense.

I think people consider it cowardly since you are trying to escape your problems instead of dealing with them directly.  Personally I find it hard to believe he took all of the meds at once since its generally a bad idea to mix such things.

Shame the guy took the cowards way out, but there you go. 

Even if it had been suicide (which it almost certainly wasn't) I never understand why people describe suicide as cowardly. It just doesn't make any sense.

Arguably it's misguided but it takes a lot of guts to kill yourself. Most of us have a very strong innate fear of death and it takes a lot of willpower to overcome that.

Remember I had read up on this before posting, and got all the viewpoints.  I suggest you do the same.  Its very interesting reading.  Completely different to what I knew on the subject.

How is he supposed to know you read up on it?

[patrickl]

Remember I had read up on this before posting, and got all the viewpoints.  I suggest you do the same.  Its very interesting reading.  Completely different to what I knew on the subject.

You obviously didn't read up on the subject well enough because you missed the official coroners viewpoint who rules this an accidental overdose.

We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications

He used cough medicine, sleeping pills, painkillers and anti depressant (anxiety) drugs. Not something to kill yourself with on purpose, but a person with that kind of (mental and physical) problems might accidentally take too much of these medicines.

[ark_ader]

Just FYI, Elvis didn't overdose.  He passed out puking and drowned in his toilet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley

It appears he died of Combined Drug Intoxication.

Wow what a way to go.  Well at least he had help.

Try changing your mind to top yourself and backing out of that!   

[SNAAKE]

Shame the guy took the cowards way out, but there you go. 

Art did not reflect life in this case.  

ACCIDENTAL overdose.

and I heard it was ACCIDENTAL "combination"of some sort. totally COMPLETELY accidental. no "easy way out" or anything. he has no reason to kill himself. he is rich,famous,good looking(assuming..no homo),etc.

I went by his place around cooper square nyc to drop off flowers. r.i.p...

[shardian]

Painkillers, anti-depressants, Sleeping Pills, and booze. It was most likely an accident. He was not acting suicidal to anyone around him. He was complaining of not getting enough sleep though. He did not make any preparations or call out for help like most pill suicides do. He did not write a note, etc.

Sounds pretty accidental and tragic to me.

[Ginsu Victim]

I think he was just too out of it to know what all he had already taken.

[RyoriNoTetsujin]

To get back on Topic:

Regarding the deep, gravelly "Batman Voice." I've noticed a lot of people (not necessarily on this forum) complaining about it.  Did anyone stop to realize that maybe that wasn't Christian Bale's choice?  Isn't it conceivable that someone else (i.e. the director, the sound designers, the producers...) decided that Batman needed a "darker sound" than Bruce Wayne? 

All I'm saying is that digital editing is not limited to CGI visuals... and actors have absolutely ZERO control of the final product in film...

... I might also add that Heath Ledger's performance (which I loved, but don't get over-hyped about) is also subject to this point.  In film, what the audience sees is the result of many, many factors - number one being the Editor!  Almost all of cinemas greatest successes and titanic failures can be tied back directly to their editors.

[ark_ader]

To get back on Topic:

Regarding the deep, gravelly "Batman Voice." I've noticed a lot of people (not necessarily on this forum) complaining about it.  Did anyone stop to realize that maybe that wasn't Christian Bale's choice?  Isn't it conceivable that someone else (i.e. the director, the sound designers, the producers...) decided that Batman needed a "darker sound" than Bruce Wayne? 

All I'm saying is that digital editing is not limited to CGI visuals... and actors have absolutely ZERO control of the final product in film...

... I might also add that Heath Ledger's performance (which I loved, but don't get over-hyped about) is also subject to this point.  In film, what the audience sees is the result of many, many factors - number one being the Editor!  Almost all of cinemas greatest successes and titanic failures can be tied back directly to their editors.

The voice thing was also a mask.  It irked me too listening to it.

What kept leaping into my mind when I saw Bruce Wayne in that evening suit was American Psycho.

So is Batman a real American Psycho, and is that what we are ment to believe towards the end of the movie?  I know the comic books showed him as being unhinged.  Keaton played nutjobs and you could look at him and think he was capable.  The way I look at Bale indeed is in keeping with that type of character.

[Ummon]

Who cares who's voice it was?  It sounded stupid.

 

May you be tied up in a dirty basement and subjected to endless hours of Cannibal Corpse!  (Hahhahahah.) In any case, I think he did it, and it sounded fine.


ark_ader: that whole suicide tangent you spun is totally irrelevant to the thread and just a ridiculous topic.

As for Ledger, I think it was pretty simple: combination of chronic exhaustion, stress, and (even just one of those) medications and his heart just stopped. That he was taking all that stuff can be explained by the lack of sense many can have when they have a chronic problem that isn't easily sorted out. Actually, I was surprised no one mentioned the possibility of him cracking from being The Joker. I remember Charlize Theron in an interview relating how bad it was after playing her character in Monster.

[Ginsu Victim]

Actually, I was surprised no one mentioned the possibility of him cracking from being The Joker. I remember Charlize Theron in an interview relating how bad it was after playing her character in Monster.

This was suggested right after his death, actually. A lot was said during that time about possible causes.

[ark_ader]

Who cares who's voice it was?  It sounded stupid.

 

May you be tied up in a dirty basement and subjected to endless hours of Cannibal Corpse!  (Hahhahahah.) In any case, I think he did it, and it sounded fine.


ark_ader: that whole suicide tangent you spun is totally irrelevant to the thread and just a ridiculous topic.

As for Ledger, I think it was pretty simple: combination of chronic exhaustion, stress, and (even just one of those) medications and his heart just stopped. That he was taking all that stuff can be explained by the lack of sense many can have when they have a chronic problem that isn't easily sorted out. Actually, I was surprised no one mentioned the possibility of him cracking from being The Joker. I remember Charlize Theron in an interview relating how bad it was after playing her character in Monster.

Thanks 

[erictrumpet]

Haven't really been following this thread but wanted to chime in about this movie.
Saw it last night with the wife and we both liked it very much.
Some background: I hated Batman Begins, due to many factors including Katie Holmes (she is just awful) and Christian Bale's subtle yet ever-present lisp. But...
In Dark Knight thank goodness they booted Katie (the replacement actress was very good), and Bale has worked hard to have a lisp-free fake American accent. Although the lisp still showed up in some of the longer growly voice soliloquies as Batman. I think his raspy Bat-voice is silly.
Okay the movie:
Absolutely great until Twoface shows up. At that point, I was thinking "okay cool this sets up the villian for the next movie"... little did I know the movie was about to play out the whole Twoface thing for the next 45 minutes. The movie should have ended after the exploding barrels scene.
And the sonar cell phones thing was absurd. Especially in one shot, the image actually showed "SWAT" on the back of one of the cops! Hahaha!
Ledger's joker was awesome.
Okay back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Eric.

[danny_galaga]

ok, finally got a chance to see this. i needed to see it on the imax screen (im funny like that with blockbusters) and it kept getting sold out. went today 3:35pm session. so now ive read this thread.

Maggie Gyllenhaal is twice as hot as Katie Holmes

dont think anyone will EVER agree with you on that one. I laughed when christian bale had to make out with the sad turtle. that looked so wrong 

i agree with shmokes.

anyways, saw it, it was good solid flick, great story, a little long, the blue effect was a little annoying (and gave me a head ache).

EDIT: forgot to mention, I liked Ironman better; but this movie was worth $8 and getting up early on a sunday

what is this blue effect? also, i agree, i liked Ironman better

Just FYI, Elvis didn't overdose.  He passed out puking and drowned in his toilet.

thank you so much for that visual

To get back on Topic:

Regarding the deep, gravelly "Batman Voice." I've noticed a lot of people (not necessarily on this forum) complaining about it.

i found it annoying too. by the end some kids behind laughed every time he spoke, which also became annoying. it makes sense, since you need to disguise your voice as well as your face, but it was still annoying...

i think ill have to watch batman begins again, because i think i enjoyed that more than this one. but it has reminded me that i want to see 'the machinist' again. that was the first movie i saw with christian bale in it. i enjoyed gary oldmans part. he normally comes off a bit comical. ironic then that in a movie based on a comic book, he was quite sombre.

i think i would throw 3 bat boomerangs and a pen knife out of five. (yes, i enjoyed the last movie i saw, 'the bank job', more)

[shardian]

Apparently the irritation with the voice is wide-spread:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/08/04/mondaymoviebuzz.darkknight.ap/index.html

[ark_ader]

To a movie Producer and Director that could only sound as good news.

If something like that is irritating to a wide audience, then it means the movie is doing well and getting much needed advertisement.

Personally Heath's portrayal as Joker has something to do with it, way better than Nicholson, something I could not fault in Burton's movie.

I saw it again on Sunday.

Wish we had an Imax around here, that would be awesome to see on a huge screen.

[shardian]

Wish we had an Imax around here, that would be awesome to see on a huge screen.

We have an Imax here, but they only show the same 2-3 National Geographic 3D type films on it. Every Imax I have come across has been the same way. Where do you find these Imax places that show popular films?

[ark_ader]

Wish we had an Imax around here, that would be awesome to see on a huge screen.

We have an Imax here, but they only show the same 2-3 National Geographic 3D type films on it. Every Imax I have come across has been the same way. Where do you find these Imax places that show popular films?

The only ones I know are in Las Vegas, and I think the closest one to me here is in Manchester.

In Vegas they showed Attack of the Clones, Speed Racer, and I think Kung fu Panda.  When I saw AOTC the cinima was strict about leaving and going to the gents, etc.  No leaving while the movie is on, so you have to get popcorn drinks and yourself sorted before entering.  That was at Luxor. 

I can get claustrophobic and I like to walk outside, if the feeling hits, so Imax is definately a nono for those inclined, especially at Luxor.   At the Palms they were way cooler about it, so I don't know if it is cinema specific.  I know if Kill Bill 2 was on Imax and I couldn't leave ......  

[erictrumpet]

I dont like how movies have to be altered in length and aspect ratio for the IMAX format.
I saw Star Wars Episode 2 in a special IMAX release and it was pretty lame. They did cut out most of the goofy heavy handed love dialog though, thank goodness

Eric.

[danny_galaga]

Wish we had an Imax around here, that would be awesome to see on a huge screen.

We have an Imax here, but they only show the same 2-3 National Geographic 3D type films on it. Every Imax I have come across has been the same way. Where do you find these Imax places that show popular films?

i think ive mentioned it before but the one i go to doesnt show Imax films anymore. as Imax, the complex went broke some years ago and sat empty for a year or two until Cineplex did some sums and realised its better to charge $6 a ticket and have 200 people in a cinema, than to charge $14 and have 50. They bought the complex and have been doing great ever since. films like batman sell out at that price...

so i get to see blockbusters on an Imax sized screen for $6 

[shardian]

I finally saw this Yesterday.

First off, we rewatched Batman Begins on Saturday on our projector (for the theater experience). Contrary to my first viewing at the drive-in, I really liked this movie. I wanted to have  a clear viewing in mind for when we saw Dark Knight.

As for the Dark Knight, I bestow upon it the best compliment I can give a film:
Unlike most other films, I can honestly say that I saw no faults to the movie. It is as close to 'perfect' as a movie can be.

 The voice did not bother me - it was more irritating in Batman Begins. He was also obviously out of breath in the movie doing the voice, and it really does make sense that he would talk that way.

Heath Ledger was simply amazing as the Joker. There is no doubt in my mind he deserves a post-humous Oscar. If he were simply playing a deranged psycho that wore makeup instead of "The Joker(TM)", it wouldn't even be up for debate.

Oh, and the pencil trick? That was ---smurfing--- awesome! I knew at that point that Ledger definitely deserved all the praise he was given, even if I didn't see another second of the movie.

[ChadTower]

We have an Imax here, but they only show the same 2-3 National Geographic 3D type films on it. Every Imax I have come across has been the same way. Where do you find these Imax places that show popular films?

There are several around here... one in Providence, one in Boston proper, one northwest of boston, one south of Boston, and one west of Boston.  They all show popular films.  I've seen the last 3 Harry Potter movies there, the remaster of Beauty and the Beast, and a couple of others I can't remember right now.  The last Harry Potter even had the ending in 3D at the Imax (though the effect didn't really work that well for that particular movie).

[Malenko]

anyways, saw it, it was good solid flick, great story, a little long, the blue effect was a little annoying (and gave me a head ache).

EDIT: forgot to mention, I liked Ironman better; but this movie was worth $8 and getting up early on a sunday

what is this blue effect? also, i agree, i liked Ironman better

the sonar cell phone, when the whole screen was blue. I get a migraine just thinking about it.
you wanna see a flat out AWESOME christian bale movie?

The Prestige.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482571/
seriously underrated film. I bought it on accident and I LOVE IT. It has Michael Caine in it AND Hugh Jackman and without spoiling it, you'll want to watch it a second time, right after you watch it the first time.

[Ginsu Victim]

you wanna see a flat out AWESOME christian bale movie?

It's called Equilibrium. It has its flaws, but "awesome" describes most of the movie.

[HaRuMaN]

you wanna see a flat out AWESOME christian bale movie?

It's called Equilibrium. It has its flaws, but "awesome" describes most of the movie.

I just watched that the other day.  Not bad at all...

[patrickl]

you wanna see a flat out AWESOME christian bale movie?

It's called Equilibrium. It has its flaws, but "awesome" describes most of the movie.

I just watched that the other day.  Not bad at all...

El Maquinista is a pretty good movie too. That's the one where he lost a lot of weight.

BTW how is The Prestige an underrated movie? It's pretty well regarded all around.

[HaRuMaN]

Yeah, I have "The Machinist" on my Netflix list...

[shardian]

Since you brought up The Prestige, you also should note it was written and directed by the same guy doing the Batman movies - Christopher Nolan. He also did Memento, which is awesome. The guy is just a flat out talent all around.

[Grasshopper]

you wanna see a flat out AWESOME christian bale movie?

The Prestige.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482571/
seriously underrated film. I bought it on accident and I LOVE IT. It has Michael Caine in it AND Hugh Jackman and without spoiling it, you'll want to watch it a second time, right after you watch it the first time.

And also apparently David Bowie and Scarlett Johansson. That's a pretty strong cast.

Sounds interesting. I'll have to check it out.

[shardian]

Isn't that the one that's the ripoff of The Illusionist?   

The illusionist kind of sucked. It was okay and everything, but the end was a huge letdown.

And Jim, some people might take that post as trolling. Is it really worth going down that road?

[HaRuMaN]

3?  I just remember the two...

[CCM]

Oh c'mon.  There were like 3 movies about magic that year...

and there were like 3 superhero movies this year, what's your point?

[HaRuMaN]

Was there three or not?  I just remember the Illusionist and the Prestige.

[patrickl]

Either way, The Prestige is by far the best "magic movie" of the two (or three)

[HaRuMaN]

Either way, The Prestige is by far the best "magic movie" of the two (or three)

Agreed.

[Ummon]

They both were good. Just different stories. I didn't even recognize Bowie. He did good.