Official "Batman Begins" Movie News Thread, Part 3 (Possible Spoilers)

[Marvel_Knight]

Is this debate over now? SJJ has her perception and DD_2K3 has his (I got those right, right?). So now let us talk about how Begins will/won't be true to the comics, will/won't be better than Burton's, it will/won't be the best comic book film, the suit/trailer does/doesn't please us, speculate what we'll get in the full trailer, sequels, the story, actor's performance, how the public will recieve BB, what Six Flags will do to celebrate BB, the toyline, video game, fastfood tie-in, soundtrack, nitpick, and other topics I should not post to make this longer/forgot.

I'll get the ball rollin', what are you looking forward to seeing in the next trailer?

If the debate's not done, please continue.

Edit by Bird Boy: We're in part three! Here's what's happened:

http://www.batmanbegins.com/ - Trailer Released, plus many pictures!
A New Shot of the Suit (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v252/spider-hunter91/bale.jpg)

[Daredevil_2003]

Is this debate over now? SJJ has her perception and DD_2K3 has his (I got those right, right?). So now let us talk about how Begins will/won't be true to the comics, will/won't be better than Burton's, it will/won't be the best comic book film, the suit/trailer does/doesn't please us, speculate what we'll get in the full trailer, sequels, the story, actor's performance, how the public will recieve BB, what Six Flags will do to celebrate BB, the toyline, video game, fastfood tie-in, soundtrack, nitpick, and other topics I should not post to make this longer/forgot.

I'll get the ball rollin', what are you looking forward to seeing in the next trailer?

If the debate's not done, please continue.Umm...haven't we kind of been doing that all along? :confused: lol

EDIT: SJJ is a female? Hmm...I was under the impression she was a he, no offense if you are a girl, SJJ. I just always assumed you to be a guy.

EDIT 2: Ok, I just checked his profile and he's a definitely a guy, unless she likes putting pictures of young men in her profile. :p Well, I'm off to bed now, cya later, gents.

[Marvel_Knight]

Oops.:o I was under the impression taht SJJ was a girl when I read some posts about Bird Boy. Sorry SJJ.:o

[BeastBoyWonder]

Oops.:o I was under the impression taht SJJ was a girl when I read some posts about Bird Boy. Sorry SJJ.:o

SJJ's not a girl? :confused:

Anyway, I watched the teaser a couple more times, and yeah, its pretty boring.

[James]

Oops.:o I was under the impression taht SJJ was a girl when I read some posts about Bird Boy. Sorry SJJ.:o
Nope, like Inque before me, I masquerade under a female avatar but am actually a girl in a guys body... according to Sparks.com whose test guaranteed it could guess me gender but ended up predicting with 86% certainty I was a girl. Well, I was impressed. I wish the had put money on it. Funny how our avatars throw people off... even though we don't actually hide our gender in our profiles (anyone who reads DKA will also know that I'm certainly an odd girl if I go by the name James..).

Is the debate over? Who knows. I imagine it will just evolve as the trailers continue.

Again it's not my personal view of Batman I'm grumbling about. It's that I think armour Batman is such a small facet of the Batman mythos but that's to the old films it's now accepted as one the only version a film can pull off. My point is that the more mainstream Batman identity has been ignored as a possibility by both fans and movie alike. I'm just so few support that concept and are happy to except a re-tread of the old Batman visuals when more mainstream facets of the Batman persona could have been explored.

Certainly I think this film is doing just that with the Bruce Wayne persona - this seems to be a far more mainstream form of Wayne which is akin to the comics. While the old movies presented an aspect of the character, they didn't capture the heart of what the comic is about. This looks closer to the marker. I suppose I hoped for the same to be done with the Batman character.

I'm so chuffed I've managed not only to suffocate the thread with my points but also turn it into a thread about me rather than Batman.. can one ask for anything better than that? :P Back to you guys.

[Jaguar]

'm so chuffed I've managed not only to suffocate the thread with my points but also turn it into a thread about me rather than Batman Maybe...you ARE Batman! :p

The pictures on the site were...disappointing. The trailer was different (not a bad different, but not the best different), the suit is different, and the movie, all and all, will be...different. I had never seen anything of Nolan's but just from the little bit I could gather from the trailer, it seems like his whole "ground-in-realism" feel is going to work. I thought Bale's voice worked pretty good as well.

[SilverKnight]

We interrupt this thread to bring you this special news bulletin...

SJJ, they think you're a girl. >snickers< Oh, that's great. Wait 'til the others hear about this. :D

>ahem< We now return you to your regularly scheduled program.

[Salvor]

haha of course SJJ is a girl... named Jamesie... you should see her naked, she's got that gorgeous hairy texture to her skin :D

ANYWAY to get back on-topic, I love the teaser. Nice creshendo, terrific creepy music, some interesting shots... it served its purpose, ie tease me! And looking at those pictures and that last shot of Batman, I can't help noticing how similar Bale's Batman looks to Tim Sale's Batman... can't wait to see this movie!

[DarkAngel]

It's that I think armour Batman is such a small facet of the Batman mythos but that's to the old films it's now accepted as one the only version a film can pull off. My point is that the more mainstream Batman identity has been ignored as a possibility by both fans and movie alike. I'm just so few support that concept and are happy to except a re-tread of the old Batman visuals when more mainstream facets of the Batman persona could have been explored.I think you're right. With four movies featuring armor, I've gotten accustomed to thinking about Batman on film that way. on an unconscious level, I think I just accepted it. With all the pages of discussion on this, I've been forced to think about it and I agree. It's not quite the Batman of the comics, the Batman we've been following in the comics all these years.

Like you, I'm used to Bruce being able to shrug off what he's wearing with the costume underneath, ready to jump into action. One of my favorite moments from the comics was from Knightfall, when Bane confronted Bruce at the mansion. After they exchanged words, Bruce threw off his robe, reached back and pulled on the cowl. In a moment, he was ready for action. He couldn't really do that with the "Begins" costume, could he? He'd have to ask Bane to wait a moment while he suited up.

I don't mind the suit offering protection, but I would want it to be slim enough that Bruce could wear it under anything else. Maybe that could still be pulled off, though I don't know where he'd put the cowl. It seems like its rigid.

As for the question of laziness, I'm still not sure. I know you've waved aside the realism aspect, but I think for many it applies, including Nolan. Someone posted a link to an interview with Goyer. Here's something he said:


Goyer was asked what he tried to avoid.
Goyer: We didn't have a list of what aren't we going to do, we just approached everything from the standpoint of...fortunately Batman and Chris had talked about this in the press before...Batman is the most realistic in some ways of all the costumed superheroes and he doesn't have any super powers, and he employs high technology, training and things like that. But the thing that is cool about Batman is that when you are a kid growing up and imaging yourself being him, I mean if you had access to that money and that technology you could be him, it would be unlikely, but you could. You could never be the Hulk or you could never be the Thing or Superman or anything like that. We just approached everything from the standpoint of realism, if he was going to wear a suit, what would he need to do in it? What would the suit require? If he was going to be using a batmobile why would he use it and what would be required of the batmobile, so everything was approached from the standpoint of realism, that was just our rule, so when we were working on the story it was all based on either existing technology, our general rule was technology that is going to sort of be shown in the marketplace in the next ten years or so, stuff that was being developed by the department of defense or existing programs.
So it seems realism is something that Nolan and Goyer are going for. I can't speak for everyone, but I know that for many, Batman is appealing because he is more realistic than other heroes. Any one of us could be Batman, however unlikely, because no powers are involved. Also, with comics or animated shows, we're willing to accept certain things. But when we see something live-action, we start asking questions we wouldn't have otherwise. With Spiderman, or another super-powered hero, its not a big issue because his powers are all the explanation we need. For Batman, there are no powers to justify some things. For instance, I don't think I could really accept Batman dodging bullets. To me, some kind of protection makes sense. I'm not saying this as justification for what they're doing. I still want a streamlined suit that he could wear under other clothes. And I want a cowl similar to the feel of Spidey's from the movie that Bruce could pull on and off with ease. But I don't see why there can't be protection as well. Realism can play a role. I don't mean in general, but specifically here with Batman given his lack of powers.

So maybe its WB and their fear of doing something different. But I think it is Nolan and that this is what he wants. Not necessarily a bad thing. I'm mixed on the suit, but I think it'll work. I liked the teaser and the different direction is seems to imply.

Oh, and I almost forgot about the website. I agree its disappointing. I highly doubt that the intent was to produce a gritty, sparse, austere site. Like SJJ said, the design (if one could call it that) does not appear professional.

[Damien]

To answer Marvel Knight's question, I look forward to seeing clear shots of the villains...or Batman, for that matter. I assumed the hooded figure in the teaser was Ra's al Ghul, but it could've been Ducard. Also, I've heard both sides of the Scarecrow story, and I'm anxious to know whether or not Crane gets into costume. And don't come to me trying to answer that by saying "I've read the script!" because I don't take any script seriously until I've seen the movie.

[Robin]

http://www.batmanbegins.com/ - Trailer Released, plus many pictures!
A New Shot of the Suit (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v252/spider-hunter91/bale.jpg) I like what I see here in both links. The trailer takes abit of an unexpected turn, deciding not to cash in on some flash Batman-in-costume superheroics. A bold choice I think. The costume looks great I think. Not what I was expecting but it looks just fine.

[Shaggy&Daphne]

I hope Christian Bale trips and falls on that overly large cape of his enough times during filming that he will become to sour and banged up to continue working on the movie, and then they will half to hold off on production and it will stall.:evil: That would be so groovy!:)

[James]

So maybe its WB and their fear of doing something different. But I think it is Nolan and that this is what he wants. Not necessarily a bad thing. I'm mixed on the suit, but I think it'll work. I liked the teaser and the different direction is seems to imply.

Interesting quote. It does make me a little more sympathetic, but at the same time I disagree with the perspective from a point of source issue. Yes, I appreciate their viewpoint, however it's absolutely no different to Burton's. I wish they had tried something new. If this had been the first time this angle had been approached rest assured I would have been far less vocal.

For me, Bruce does use his money, but not to make sure he's "protected". He uses it for mobility, decective and analytical devices, medical... I always felt that with Bruce there was something very pure. He uses equipment, but doesn't rely on it for the physical nature of his plight. Maybe it's the eastern training, but on the whole, IMO he really only uses equipment to achieve what the body cannot. Possibly why I feel this goes a little against ethos. Again, I will stress I'm not saying their opinion is wrong, but considering it's already been done, I would have thought they may have tried another - and there are other ways which would have been closer to the comic character.

Incidentally, it reminds me of the Batman Beyond arguments we used to have DA. With the issue of whether Terry was Batman on the basis that Batman doesn't need armour, rocket boots and technology. His skills are mental and physical while Terry's are "supported by the suit" (as some argued). Interesting that's never really been argued on the film front for this or the older films.



Oh, and I almost forgot about the website. I agree its disappointing. I highly doubt that the intent was to produce a gritty, sparse, austere site. Like SJJ said, the design (if one could call it that) does not appear professional.
LOL. It's nice to see you say that, I was beginning to think I was going insane...

- Jamielina the cross dressing woman.

[Daredevil_2003]

- Jamielina the cross dressing woman.LOL! http://www.drod.net/forum/emoticons/lmao.gif

[EJill34]

I hope Christian Bale trips and falls on that overly large cape of his enough times during filming that he will become to sour and banged up to continue working on the movie, and then they will half to hold off on production and it will stall.:evil: That would be so groovy!:)I hope you get off your Michael Keaton obsession and realize that Michael Keaton never was and will never be the best Batman. Compare Michael Keaton to any Batman from the comics or the most recent animated incarnations. I don't see a resemblance. Christian Bale looks much more like Bruce Wayne than Michael Keaton does. You can't argue with that. Michael Keaton didn't even play Bruce Wayne correctly (that's also the script's fault). In Batman and Batman Returns, Bruce Wayne was portrayed as some loner and not as the jetsetting playboy he's been portrayed as for years. Besides, if you don't like what you see in this movie, why ruin it for others? Just don't go to see it. I don't know how you can look down upon a live-action Batman movie that actually respects the source material, but somehow you do. Oh, and you previously said the trailer looked like a James Bond trailer, and it made you laugh. What part of it made you laugh, and how the hell does it look like a James Bond trailer?

One last thing. Why do you have hopes that physical pain will be inflicted upon Christian Bale? Did he do something similar to you? If he did, than you can wish as much damage upon him as you want.

[Phantasm]

GUYS.There's going to be something about Batmjan Begins on Access Hollywood tonight!;)

[Marvel_Knight]

Oh, and you previously said the trailer looked like a James Bond trailer, and it made you laugh. What part of it made you laugh, and how the hell does it look like a James Bond trailer?
Well Chris Nolan said this would be a Bond like movie. With Bruce around the world and such.

[EJill34]

Well Chris Nolan said this would be a Bond like movie. With Bruce around the world and such.
But I was talking about the trailer. The trailer plays out like a thriller movie, not a Bond film.

[TimTwoFace]

I hope Christian Bale trips and falls on that overly large cape of his enough times during filming that he will become to sour and banged up to continue working on the movie, and then they will half to hold off on production and it will stall.:evil: That would be so groovy!:)What the hell is your problem? Whether Keaton was great or not (and I liked him, too), there's no way he's ever going to be Batman again, now. He's too old, and doesn't even want to do the role any more.

By the way you're saying it, you're suggesting that if Keaton died, there should be no further Batman movies beyond that point because no one is worthy. That's just stupid and short-sighted.

Keaton was great but we've already had two Bat-actors since then, get used to it. Bale will likely have this role for two or three movies before the WB even considers getting someone else in the suit.

Deal with it.

-Tim

[Shaggy&Daphne]

I hope you get off your Michael Keaton obsession and realize that Michael Keaton never was and will never be the best Batman. Compare Michael Keaton to any Batman from the comics or the most recent animated incarnations. I don't see a resemblance. Christian Bale looks much more like Bruce Wayne than Michael Keaton does. You can't argue with that. Michael Keaton didn't even play Bruce Wayne correctly (that's also the script's fault). In Batman and Batman Returns, Bruce Wayne was portrayed as some loner and not as the jetsetting playboy he's been portrayed as for years. Besides, if you don't like what you see in this movie, why ruin it for others? Just don't go to see it. I don't know how you can look down upon a live-action Batman movie that actually respects the source material, but somehow you do. Oh, and you previously said the trailer looked like a James Bond trailer, and it made you laugh. What part of it made you laugh, and how the hell does it look like a James Bond trailer?

One last thing. Why do you have hopes that physical pain will be inflicted upon Christian Bale? Did he do something similar to you? If he did, than you can wish as much damage upon him as you want.
I'm not obsessed with Michael Keaton. Where did that come from? He just happens to be one of my favorite actors and the perfect man to play Batman. You continue to question my belief that Michael Keaton is the ideal Batman, which he is, and say that he didn't look or act anything like he did in the comics. One of the main reasons I thought he was perfect for the role was because he was not physically built the way the character was in the comics. The exact same reason you thought he was wrong for the role. Batman is an ordinary guy with no powers of any kind, therefore he should look like and ordinary guy as well, meaning that he should be an average height and be in good physical shape, but nothing more. No different than the average good-looking guy you pass on the street every day. That way, you're able to identify with the character so much more and it makes him seem so much more realistic and grounded in reality. At least that's the way I see it.

And as for my belief that Michael Keatons performance was incredible in both Batman and Batman Returns, I am not basing my opinion on how close his interpretation was to the character in the comics. I am basing it on Michael's own interpretation of the character and how he presented it to us on screen. It has nothing to do with the comics and should have no bearing on the quality of his performance. This is not a comic-book movie; it is a REAL movie that is based off of material from a comic-book.

[Kylewayne]

I saw the Batman Begins trailor two nights ago. I am pleased with it. I like Christian Bale's voice as Bruce Wayne! The only thing I was displeased with was the Batman costume. It looked more like one of those Batman halloween costumes than a movie costume. There are so many things I do not like about the costume:

the batsignal on his chest
the cape
I don't know but it doesn't wow me like the other batman costumes did in the past. I can live with it but doesn't mean I like it =P

PS: SJJ is a male, but do not tell Amazing Spidey that :D and Salvor is really my french gal pal that goes by the name Salvor . Her real name is Roma but she adds "in" at the end to fool you. she is one smart lady =D

[SilverKnight]

You continue to question my belief that Michael Keaton is the ideal Batman, which he is, and say that he didn't look or act anything like he did in the comics.Michael Keaton was a great Batman; the best of the bunch so far. However, while I respect your opinion, I humbly suggest that Michael Keaton has not been nor will ever be the ideal Batman. Ever. Even if he was, by chance, the ideal Batman back in the day, he'll never be the ideal Batman now. One; too old. Two; he hasn't wanted the role since the early 90's.

I can appreciate your zeal. But then, zeal is short for 'zealot', isn't it? :shrug:

[Marvel_Knight]

I saw the Batman Begins trailor two nights ago. I am pleased with it. I like Christian Bale's voice as Bruce Wayne! The only thing I was displeased with was the Batman costume. It looked more like one of those Batman halloween costumes than a movie costume. There are so many things I do not like about the costume:

the batsignal on his chest
the cape
I don't know but it doesn't wow me like the other batman costumes did in the past. I can live with it but doesn't mean I like it =P

PS: SJJ is a male, but do not tell Amazing Spidey that :D and Salvor is really my french gal pal that goes by the name Salvor . Her real name is Roma but she adds "in" at the end to fool you. she is one smart lady =DHuh, I find the cape really cool. Just long enough and looks cool. Did you see the Newsweek picture? The symbol's cool too. I know everybody has their opinion, I just want to find out what's wrong with them (for you)

PS: The world doesn't make sense anymore.

[EJill34]

I'm not obsessed with Michael Keaton. Where did that come from? He just happens to be one of my favorite actors and the perfect man to play Batman. You continue to question my belief that Michael Keaton is the ideal Batman, which he is, and say that he didn't look or act anything like he did in the comics. One of the main reasons I thought he was perfect for the role was because he was not physically built the way the character was in the comics. The exact same reason you thought he was wrong for the role. Batman is an ordinary guy with no powers of any kind, therefore he should look like and ordinary guy as well, meaning that he should be an average height and be in good physical shape, but nothing more. No different than the average good-looking guy you pass on the street every day. That way, you're able to identify with the character so much more and it makes him seem so much more realistic and grounded in reality. At least that's the way I see it.I don't think you understand that Batman epitomizes human achievement. He is the ultimate human and should not be portrayed otherwise. "Average guys" should not be able to defeat every single villain they comes up against. He spent years training to hone all his incredible skills. Oh yeah, he's also psychotic and driven. How is that ordinary or average?

And Bruce Wayne should be the most handsome man on the planet, not some "good-looking" guy you'd pass on the street.

[James]

I don't think you understand that Batman epitomizes human achievement. He is the ultimate human and should not be portrayed otherwise. "Average guys" should not be able to defeat every single villain they comes up against. He spent years training to hone all his incredible skills. Oh yeah, he's also psychotic and driven. How is that ordinary or average?
I think Shaggy&Daphne covered himself by saying he/she wasn't looking for a Batman that is close to it's comic book origin, but one that represents to him/her what elements make a good Batman - or a "realistic" one at best.

As with all "Batman", from current mainstream, to Arkham Asylum, to DKR, to BTAS, to Burton's Batman, all project a facet of Batman. I don't see Burton's Batman as being wrong - as I don't with this new film - in fact, I liked the aspects highlighted in Burton. It was a new take on Batsy and one within it's sphere - the fantasy of Burton - that worked. Burton's crew clearly chose Keaton to emphasise those elements of humanity which they see Batman epitomises. Those elements are not the good ones you correctly describe.

While he is has trained himself to a mental and physical perfection, escaping the fact that he looks after the people of Gotham from the criminal element, he's not quite right in the head. In most versions, he follows a promise which he has no resolution. He's caught in a quagmire of guilt for his parents death. He's mind is fixated on that one moment. His obsessive nature makes him a great detective, but also shows an unbalanced personality. These were the elements Burton wanted to capture and I think Keaton was perfect. I love that grin he has in Batman when he beckons Bob. The smile when confronting Jack. Perfect.

But again, just one facet. Films, being devoid of the ability to show much more than the aural and visual normally focus on one element of a character. They also have a limited time frame, so characters themselves are normally a little more limited.

I look forward to seeing what facets are projected in Bale's version of Wayne. I imagine it will live closer to the mainstream comic character which is good. Not that Burton's wasn't, but as I've said, we've been there and it's time for another perspective - hopefully one a little closer to the comics this time.


And Bruce Wayne should be the most handsome man on the planet, not some "good-looking" guy you'd pass on the street.
Well I think Keaton's pretty cool looking in a weird way. Got to dig those eyebrows. Pfieffer seemed to find him attractive enough to date. Keaton's never been short of a lady in Hollywood - I would say he has the charmer instinct.... And so far, for me, he's been the most believable Batman. We'll see if that changes.

[Baltofan]

I am looking forward to Batman Begins.

[Kylewayne]

I find the cape crappy looking, it's my right to think so. Why you may ask I find the cape bad looking. It's because it looks like it's made froom cheap material and honestly I do not think that cape can protect anyone from bullets or fire. It just looks bad to me. They could have done a lot better with the cape and quite frankly the whole batsuit.

[Borg4of3]

Well Chris Nolan said this would be a Bond like movie. With Bruce around the world and such.From what I've seen, Nolan said Bruce/Bats the character would play more Bond-ish, not the entire movie, so no reason for the trailer to play like it. At least you got a good laugh in :p


It's because it looks like it's made froom cheap material and honestly I do not think that cape can protect anyone from bullets or fire.I believe the cape is there for dramatic and illusiory effect rather than for protection, seeing as the suit itself provides all the protection he needs. On a related note, BOF also had a new quote about the cape that I didn't quite understand - that the cape "...has a surprising vulnerability in falling out of the sky." Any clue what that means?


Like you, I'm used to Bruce being able to shrug off what he's wearing with the costume underneath, ready to jump into action. One of my favorite moments from the comics was from Knightfall, when Bane confronted Bruce at the mansion. After they exchanged words, Bruce threw off his robe, reached back and pulled on the cowl. In a moment, he was ready for action. He couldn't really do that with the "Begins" costume, could he? He'd have to ask Bane to wait a moment while he suited up. That scene you mentioned would still be possible, and the armored suit doesn't change it at all. He could easily put on a robe as he walked up the stairs, with his cowl down, and then throw the robe off, put the cowl on, and start fighting. The robe just hung on him, so it wasn't like a shirt - and, on the whole Bruce pulling a Superman, I'm more used to seeing Alfred hand him a neatly folded suit, or Bats running to a nearby hidden storage center and changing there.

Or, for adaptation purposes, Bane could catch Bruce with the suit off, and fight Bruce in his very weakest possible state, which would fit the Bane's methods, and let all the girls oggle at a shirtless, sweaty Bale in the middle of battle.

I'm looking forward to the movie, and I'm pleased with what I've seen - even the Batmobile :p. On the trailer - I only wish that Quicktime had a 'Loop' option so I'd never have to stop listening to it :p Now, if only we could see the Scarecrow mask. The only description I've found on it was "really f'd up," :D

Oh, and the official site sucks, but it doesn't matter since I usually can just turn to this thread or www.Batman-on-Film.com (http://www.batman-on-film.com/) and catch all the big updates.

[James]

I believe the cape is there for dramatic and illusiory effect rather than for protection, seeing as the suit itself provides all the protection he needs. On a related note, BOF also had a new quote about the cape that I didn't quite understand - that the cape "...has a surprising vulnerability in falling out of the sky." Any clue what that means?
That goes beyond me. That it could get caught? No idea. :) Do agree with KW. The material with the rubber? It reminds me of those dreadful superhero dolls you'd get in the 80s and 90s. Plastic with a material cape. They looked awful. I don't see material and rubber going together well, they just make the other part look icky. Maybe the promised CG work will render something more special than I am imagining.



That scene you mentioned would still be possible, and the armored suit doesn't change it at all. He could easily put on a robe as he walked up the stairs, with his cowl down, and then throw the robe off, put the cowl on, and start fighting. The robe just hung on him, so it wasn't like a shirt - and, on the whole Bruce pulling a Superman, I'm more used to seeing Alfred hand him a neatly folded suit, or Bats running to a nearby hidden storage center and changing there.Anything is possible, but regardless any armour does lack the simplicity of his comic clothes. I recall as a kid enjoy the ripping up of the shirt. My most vivid recollection is a "Brave And The Bold" from the late 70s where Bruce is undercover. Once he's spotted the guy he's after he rips open his shirt and just gets to work. As for Alfred, I'd like to see him fold that get up into a suitcase... :p

I had the same grumble with the Burton films. I missed the flexibility of the Batsuit. It meant you never knew when it would be worn. When you know such a suit requires some sort of storage it makes the character less flexible. Fiction being fiction there are always ways round things - Iron Man used to have a special Briefcase which rather unrealistically managed to store his costume (I suppose no weirder than Barry Allen and his ring). I don't know. As they've said in DA's quote, they feel this is the direction they want to take the character - armour and tech. If you like that direction, then the suit looks pretty good. As I've said before I prefer something a little more comic orientated this time.



Or, for adaptation purposes, Bane could catch Bruce with the suit off, and fight Bruce in his very weakest possible state, which would fit the Bane's methods, and let all the girls oggle at a shirtless, sweaty Bale in the middle of battle.
Bale's shirtless body, or a batsuit... let me think.. my vote is for some coverage. Sorry girls...



Oh, and the official site sucks, but it doesn't matter since I usually can just turn to this thread or www.Batman-on-Film.com (http://www.batman-on-film.com/) and catch all the big updates.Now that's a compliment to the news bringers in this thread if I ever saw one..

[TimTwoFace]

I believe the cape is there for dramatic and illusiory effect rather than for protection, seeing as the suit itself provides all the protection he needs. On a related note, BOF also had a new quote about the cape that I didn't quite understand - that the cape "...has a surprising vulnerability in falling out of the sky." Any clue what that means?
No idea what that...means. Hmmm. The cape needn't be bullet-proof, either. In fact, I'd prefer it not - that'd just be too easy. Flame-retardant yes, gives him the ability to glide to an extent, yes, but predominantly, the cape is there for aestethics and that mysterious, menacing look.

Anyway, I've seen the cape, and the only thing I don't like about it thus far is how it's attached to the rest of the suit on Batman's shoulders. Those little clips don't look that great...but we'll see. When it's in action it might look much better.

Besides, all those Bat-fans wanted a DARK Batman movie, so DARK that you can't see a damned thing cuz the screen is so DARK that it's pitch black. (Sorry, I just hate the overuse of the "Dark" buzzword as a way to suggest that's the only ingredient you need to make a good Bat-movie.)

Generally I think it looks pretty good. In fact, the only time I ever noticed the cape issue at all was in the most recent batch of pics that came out a day or so before the trailer did.

I do remember the first shot I saw of the cape, however - the one showing Batman swooping down a stairwell with a red background (I believe) - it looked really sweet.

[Robin]

Now that's a compliment to the news bringers in this thread if I ever saw one.. Its true. That site is so barebones. I understand that the movie is still a year away from being released bu they should try and have a bit more content up there. But that Batman On Film site and here fill the void just as fine.

I can't stop watching the trailer either. There is something to it that has me excited. Maybe it's the thought of seeing a live-action Batman movie done right for the first time but that trailer just has a hold on me.

[Shaggy&Daphne]

Sorry, but Keaton comes off alot more convincing in the suit than Bale does.

http://www.moviegoods.com/Assets/product_images/1020/216228.1020.A.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v252/spider-hunter91/bale.jpg

[Clayface]

From SuperHeroHype (http://www.superherohype.com):


On his official website (http://www.rutgerhauer.org/filmography/batman.php), actor Rutger Hauer has posted a picture of himself as Richard Earl and actor Linus Roache as Thomas Wayne on the set of Batman Begins. Just click the link above and scroll down to see it. (and no, that's not a real poster for the film).

Here's the pic they're talking about:

http://www.rutgerhauer.org/filmography/images/batman01.jpg

And here's the kick-butt movie poster (too bad its not a "real" one):

http://www.rutgerhauer.org/filmography/images/batmanpt.jpg (http://www.rutgerhauer.org/filmography/images/batmanp.jpg)

[BatKid]

Sorry, but Keaton comes off alot more convincing in the suit than Bale does.


Bale doesn't look more intimidating in that pose on the right?

[James]

Its true. That site is so barebones. I understand that the movie is still a year away from being released bu they should try and have a bit more content up there. But that Batman On Film site and here fill the void just as fine.

The quibble comes from comparing other movie websites which are finished by now. No barebones. Most movie sites are never seen as "barebones". I really don't understand why Warners did this for such a major release - especially a film which is trying to make Batman credible once more. A dodgy website doesn't help them. Seriously dumbfounded. Maybe this will change soon, I really hope so. Same sort of atmosphere, but professionally done.


I can't stop watching the trailer either. There is something to it that has me excited. Maybe it's the thought of seeing a live-action Batman movie done right for the first time but that trailer just has a hold on me.

Poor old Burton! :p He did it right - for the time. Considering how bad superhero movies were at the time and just how the media, studios and public perceived Batman, he did a great job. Don't forget, this was a period where the likes of Arkham Asylum, DKR, Killing Joke, Death In The Family was making Batman a darker and more brooding unhinged character. One may disagree with that, but Burton reflected this move and just emphasised it a little more. It may jar a little more now, but at the time, it reflected the tone of the comics and broke the media's perception of Batman.

With not only Batman & Robin and now Catwoman to contend with, Nolan and co have just had their job of wiping the Bat slate clean a little harder.

As you know I don't think this is live action Batman done "right" by a long shot, but it is reflective of the comics as they are now to a large degree. That of course is welcome.

I really don't know yet if I will prefer him as Batman. He may look more generically handsome - as Wayne does, but whether he really kicks the film in the way Keaton did for me remains to be seen. I have high hopes, but I'll always rate Keaton. He did look unhinged. If I was a criminal, I would be worried if I saw those eyes - no matter how small the guy was.. ;)

[Eddie G.]

From SuperHeroHype (http://www.superherohype.com/):



Here's the pic they're talking about:

http://www.rutgerhauer.org/filmography/images/batman01.jpg

And here's the kick-butt movie poster (too bad its not a "real" one):

http://www.rutgerhauer.org/filmography/images/batmanpt.jpg (http://www.rutgerhauer.org/filmography/images/batmanp.jpg)Based on the current site and the teaser the posters probably won't be too flashy. I bet it will be just the logo and some cool little message like...

This summer
War is declared (or, the war begins)

or

This is the story of who he is,
and how he came to be.

or

Since the dawn of time men have done evil,
This summer,
Times up.

Frankly I have no problem with the site right now, it could be more but I like what they're going for. I hope by next year though that the site is as good as the X-men site before the movie came out. It would be cool if they had fake police reports on the Wayne's murder, and stuff like that.

[Marvel_Knight]

Well at the Liscensing Show they had a tagline that said, "It Begins 2005", great huh? That poster was made from the OnStar commercial.

The website is probably keeping up the mystery of the film. By the time the movie comes out, they'll have the trailers, interviews, screencaps, wallpaper, screensavers, posters, webisodes (yet nothing too spoilerish), message board, basically like the Spider-Man website now. BB will attract a whole new audience to the Dark Knight and many fans will go to the official site rather than sites like this. That's my guess.

[The Penguin]

While I think the argument that there should be more to the site at this point I feel it's not by amount of effort, but by design. I don't have much else to say on it at this point, but I bet a simple layout is what they want in these early stages. By at least early 2005 I bet we get the full layout with wallpapers, screensavers, a countdown clock—the whole nine yards.

[James]

While I think the argument that there should be more to the site at this point I feel it's not by amount of effort, but by design. I don't have much else to say on it at this point, but I bet a simple layout is what they want in these early stages. By at least early 2005 I bet we get the full layout with wallpapers, screensavers, a countdown clock—the whole nine yards.

I'm sure they will Pengy, the point being no major film has such a poorly outdated design for their website period. They do update sites, but as soon as the film becomes official, the website is basically finished so far as design stages go - then it's updated with the goodies as it gets closer.

Batfans should not have had to have seen a site in such a lacklustre state period. The layout and detail should have been done before hand.

I'm wondering if the reason is maybe that WB weren't going to issue an official website till later. Maybe then they found the need to officially release the pics someone on the WB website so someonein the office just did a basic html site with a quick render of the logo and a link to the pics... From that point, it's been slightly amended but never properly designed.

If they've had to sort out the trailer output, hopefully that means they have people with a little more experience to look after the site. Now the trailer is there I hope this mistake will be sorted out sooner rather than later.

It's too late to be upset about this I know, and just to remain positive, but when I first saw the site I was very disappointed at what effort had been put into my favourite comic compared to all the website premieres for the other superheroes.

[Patrick Bateman]

If Keaton looks better in the Batsuit it's because his Batsuit was better. Christian Bale looks more like every artist's version of Bruce Wayne than Michael Keaton could ever wish to, flat out. I don't even consider that an argument, I consider that fact. Yes, Keaton did a good job as the middle-aged, armor-plated, in no way physically intimidating gun-toting Batman. However, if they're trying to stay more true to the source for this movie, and they are and should, then someone like Bale is far more qualified, bottom line.

[James]

Some funky things happening here on this subject. Excuse this test post on this thread.

[Daredevil_2003]

Right. :shrug: :p Well, there's some footage of the Batmobile in action at the link below, but it appears to be offline, atm. :sad:

http://www.visital.com/random/batman.mov

[Daredevil_2003]

Here is a new, good link for this oh so badass footage. :D

http://www.silentcorner.com/video/batman.mov

[BatWill]

Here is a new, good link for this oh so badass footage. :D

http://www.silentcorner.com/video/batman.mov
WOW!! I couldnt believe this Batmobile would go that fast!!
it felt more like a tank to me but now....I can t wait for that movie I want it now!! thanks for the link

Will

[Nick K.]

Uhhh... it wasn't going that fast....

It looks okay. It's not bad. I hope it's improved for teh sequel, though.

[Knight]

Uhhh... it wasn't going that fast....

It looks okay. It's not bad. I hope it's improved for teh sequel, though.
I agree it doent look like it was doing over 60.

[Spider-Man]

The Batmobile doesn't look too bad. It sure was moving fast for a vehicle it's size and make. Something tells me it was only going that fast becuase of the policemen on its tail!

[Damien]

Not coming up for me. Does it look as ugly when it's moving?

[James]

Didn't look that fast, but fast enough.

What I will say for it, is it doesn't have that fibreglass fragile look Batmobiles tend to have... or any customised movie car. It does look very sturdy - surprisingly.

Not happy that it's so over tech (Batman's 60s tech obsession still lingers in the Batworld), I mean in the comics, it's not much more than an overglorified car to get from a-b. So it's a little out of sync with source and more in sync with TV/Cartoons and movie Batmans.

But as I said, looks study, not overly embarassing and looks like it runs at a speed which means they won't need to speed up footage or play clever edits to make it look fast.

[PaQ]

Not bad for the batmobile. It looks really solid, and it moved around pretty quickly and well in that footage.

Looks good, I wonder what that scene is for.

[Daredevil_2003]

The scene is a big chase with GCPD on Batman's tail. It's supposedly the biggest action piece in the film.The reason the Batmobile wasn't going that fast is because all but the last 5 seconds or so is just test runs and getting into position for the shoot. It really can haul some ass, guys. :D It's gonna be beautiful on the big screen, this footage is what won me over on the Tumbler.

[TimTwoFace]

Nothing WOW about that footage, but it's nice to see the car in action. Some close-up shots would be appreciated, but this just looks like a bunch of test footage. It's looking good though.

-Tim

[BatKid]

http://www.sanspo.com/geino/top/gt200408/image/04080303kenMT203802.jpg

http://www.sanspo.com/geino/top/gt200408/image/04080303kenMT204802.jpg

[Phantasm]

wow!
I'm loving this bale batman.He is so hot!:anime:

[Phantasm]

And even though the batmobile looks nothing like a batmobile, the chase scene seems awesome...and...I'm wondering if there are Mcdonald's in Gotham?!:p

[Daredevil_2003]

http://www.sanspo.com/geino/top/gt200408/image/04080303kenMT203802.jpg

http://www.sanspo.com/geino/top/gt200408/image/04080303kenMT204802.jpgWhy is R'as bald? :confused:

[BatKid]

I don't know if you'd want that answered. It involves a major spoiler in the movie.

[SilverKnight]

Sorry, but Keaton comes off alot more convincing in the suit than Bale does. [snip]Dude, the only one still arguing this is you, and you're not even doing it that well. You've said your piece; we know how you feel. Let it go, man. He's not coming back.

[Eddie G.]

Why is R'as bald? :confused:I've said this before to people, do not ask questions about Ra's in this movie. Just except this version of the character and I swear to you that you'll be happy in the end with how they present Ra's.

[Daredevil_2003]

I've said this before to people, do not ask questions about Ra's in this movie. Just except this version of the character and I swear to you that you'll be happy in the end with how they present Ra's.Guys, I read the script, I already know all of that, I just want to know why he's bald? PM me or use a spoiler tag or something for the other peeps. I dont know, maybe I missed something. But 'the twist' doesn't seem to explain why Watanabe is bald, unless his look in The Last Samurai is his real look because he's a victim of natural baldness. :o :p

[BatKid]

Oh, well in that case, it's not really explained. But I do have a guess on why that's the case.

MAJOR SPOILER:Since Ducard is the real Ra's, I think what Nolan and co. are trying to do is make both characters different in appearance so the audience wouldn't get suspicious early on. I mean, wouldn't you be a little wary if both the master and servant had the same goatee, hairstyle, etc?

[Simpler Simon]

Ra's looks more like a buddhist monk extra from an old episode of Kung Fu, but it still kinda works.

As for the batmobile's speed, you guys are aware that they adjust the frame speed when filming car chases, right? What's going 20mph in real life looks like it's doing 80 in theaters. The batmobile's actually doing pretty good speed in that raw footage.

[The Detective]

Hmmmmm Ras actually looks pretty good, they actually pulled off his trademark goatee look.

[Robin]

He looks good as Ra's. I was reading through my copy of Batman: Son of the Demon and on the cover art Ra's did look somewhat Asian. What are his origins in the comic. I don't know what they are in Batman Begins.

[TimTwoFace]

It's always been generally assumed that Ra's al Ghul has had an arabic background, likely because his name is actually arabic for "The Demon's Head". Though really, he could be from any part of the world and still work. British, French, Middle-Eastern, Oriental, African, Native American...his race isn't important, but it's his goals and ideals and character that is. I guess that's what makes him multi-faceted.

Hell, even the BTAS crews that are praised so highly didn't know for sure. He had the arabic name, yet a British accent.

-Tim

[Animelee]

He could be from the Kazakhstan area. The people there look like a mix of Iranian, Russian, and Mongolian people, since their skin adapted right in the middle of all the different climates that made Iranians, Russians, and Mongolians have lighter and darker skin. Of course, the Kazakhstanians retain the almond-shaped eye that the San Bushmen of Africa have; the same one the people of the Orient have retained, and West European, South Asian, and most of the Middle East have lost. Some of the Native Americans have lost the eye, and some have kept it.

Also, a lot of the people of Kazakhstan are Muslim, and speak Arabic.

Edit: Here's (http://www.csen.org/Kazakhs/kaz.man.html) the best picture I could find of a Kazakhstanian male.

[Robin]

I found some more pictures from Batman Begins at the Batman-On-Film site:

http://photos.imageevent.com/batmanonfilm/bofimagesbofimages/bale_roof_chicago.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/batmanonfilm/bofimagesbofimages/oldman_chicago1.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/batmanonfilm/bofimagesbofimages/bale_wall_chicago2.jpg


http://www.batman-on-film.com/b5news.html

[BatKid]

Click Here (http://abclocal.go.com/wls/news/080704_ns_batman.html) to see a news footage of what they filmed as seen above.

[DarkAngel]

Interesting quote. It does make me a little more sympathetic, but at the same time I disagree with the perspective from a point of source issue. Yes, I appreciate their viewpoint, however it's absolutely no different to Burton's. I wish they had tried something new. If this had been the first time this angle had been approached rest assured I would have been far less vocal.It's true that we're not seeing something completely different from Burton's suit. But having used an armored batsuit once, I don't think they should be discouraged from using one again. If Burton had used a suit that was authentic, and then Nolan went with the same approach, would that be problematic because its not new? I understand what you're saying. But although this costume might not be completely different from a visual perspective, I suspect it will be different in the way it's used and implemented into the story. Burton used the suit in one way and I think Nolan's going to go in another direction with the way the Batman story is presented. That's where the new angle is in this film.


I always felt that with Bruce there was something very pure. He uses equipment, but doesn't rely on it for the physical nature of his plight. Maybe it's the eastern training, but on the whole, IMO he really only uses equipment to achieve what the body cannot. I think the suit will still work in the regard. For instance, stopping bullets is something the body cannot achieve. That's where the protection the suit offers comes in. And I think he'll still have the mobility and the others things you mentioned.


Incidentally, it reminds me of the Batman Beyond arguments we used to have DA. With the issue of whether Terry was Batman on the basis that Batman doesn't need armour, rocket boots and technology. His skills are mental and physical while Terry's are "supported by the suit" (as some argued). Interesting that's never really been argued on the film front for this or the older films. My biggest issue was that many were unwilling to accept Terry as Batman simply because he wasn't Bruce. But I did think he was deserving of the role and that it was demonstrated that he was more than the suit. In "Begins", the suit isn't going to approach (at all, I would say) the BB suit. Bruce isn't going to be flying, turning invisible, have super-strength, or anything like that. I don't believe the suit will overshadow the man. It seems that he'll be able to withstand bullets, at least to a degree. And I'm guessing he won't be able to pull off the quick costume change. But other than that, I think we'll be seeing movements and actions that we're used to from the character.

[James]

It's true that we're not seeing something completely different from Burton's suit. But having used an armored batsuit once, I don't think they should be discouraged from using one again. If Burton had used a suit that was authentic, and then Nolan went with the same approach, would that be problematic because its not new? I understand what you're saying. But although this costume might not be completely different from a visual perspective, I suspect it will be different in the way it's used and implemented into the story. Burton used the suit in one way and I think Nolan's going to go in another direction with the way the Batman story is presented. That's where the new angle is in this film.

However both use it in a way which doesn't really adhere to mainstream comics. I don't mind alternative angles, but with so many ways to utilize Batman and the adopt a very similar "alternate" angle compared to mainstream Batman.

It's Nolan and WB's call. For a version that adheres more closely to the comic, I feel the suit betrays this attempt to nail that variant.



I think the suit will still work in the regard. For instance, stopping bullets is something the body cannot achieve. That's where the protection the suit offers comes in. And I think he'll still have the mobility and the others things you mentioned.

Someone who uses stealth and the night shouldn't be adapting a strategy to need to directly stop bullets. Again, I agree it's a fair take, but I don't think it conforms to Batman's comic ethos.

Mobility is lossed in anything cumbersome. It doesn't have to be heavy, but any armour will restrict a martial artist. It also will affect his ability to be naturally stealthy. As I said, he was trained in arts which didn't involve technology but relied on the power of mind and physical. I can't see him giving that up for technology and protection.. personally it doesn't sit right.


Mybiggest issue was that many were unwilling to accept Terry as Batman simply because he wasn't Bruce. But I did think he was deserving of the role and that it was demonstrated that he was more than the suit. In "Begins", the suit isn't going to approach (at all, I would say) the BB suit. Bruce isn't going to be flying, turning invisible, have super-strength, or anything like that. I don't believe the suit will overshadow the man. It seems that he'll be able to withstand bullets, at least to a degree. And I'm guessing he won't be able to pull off the quick costume change. But other than that, I think we'll be seeing movements and actions that we're used to from the character.

I agree on BB, but I don't think the film credits enough of the skill which makes Batman, Batman by making him so technology orientated.. well from what I've seen so far. :)

[shogunthethird]

if nothing else the suit certainly seems more ergonomic from a mobility perspective, I doubt Keaton, Kilmer or Clooney could even bend, let alone get into a deep knee stretch like Bale did in that batsuit (sure it's not as imposing as the Burton suits but then again sometimes simple designs can be creepier, look at the evolution of Timm's Batman

[James]

if nothing else the suit certainly seems more ergonomic from a mobility perspective, I doubt Keaton, Kilmer or Clooney could even bend, let alone get into a deep knee stretch like Bale did in that batsuit (sure it's not as imposing as the Burton suits but then again sometimes simple designs can be creepier, look at the evolution of Timm's Batman


But that's all it is, an evolution of a predone suit, not a new beginning. I am agree I'm glad this appears to have a lot more flexibility - I was always disappointed as a young 'un how rigid that suit was - especially the neck line. I recall that part in "Batman" when Bats is cornered by Gordon's men in Axis and he swings around and sees he's trapped. Poor guy looked so restricted. Spin to left, spin to right, arch upwards to look at skylight without snapping back (sans Bane - that would be embarassing...). So it is an improvement on Burton's no doubt, but still too similar for my total approval.

[Robin]

Spin to left, spin to right, arch upwards to look at skylight without snapping back (sans Bane - that would be embarassing...). So it is an improvement on Burton's no doubt, but still too similar for my total approval. I remember in the first Batman when he looks up to the catwalk when he's with Vicki Vale how he had to bend his whole body to do that. That looked pretty bad. I can't see that happening with this suit.

There are more pictures online at Superhero Hype:

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=3865205
http://superherohype.com/batman/index.php?id=1849

[Shaggy&Daphne]

I remember in the first Batman when he looks up to the catwalk when he's with Vicki Vale how he had to bend his whole body to do that. That looked pretty bad. I can't see that happening with this suit.

There are more pictures online at Superhero Hype:

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=3865205
http://superherohype.com/batman/index.php?id=1849

Get over it already! It was 15 years ago, so let it go!

[Robin]

Get over it already! It was 15 years ago, so let it go! Seeing as how alot of this thread has been about comparing the new Batman movie, comparing and exploring the Batman costumes, looking for what has been changed, improved, I think I am more than entitled to mention that moment. It clearly showed one of the limitations of the suit from the 1989 Batman movie.

[Failure]

Get over it already! It was 15 years ago, so let it go!

Ironic that the guy who keeps espousing "Michael Keaton" over and all over again would tell someone to "let it go."

[James]

I couldn't see quite what the hype was at the forum those pics were posted. It seemed as if these were an average bunch and gave us little more than what we've seen or knew before. A little disturbed that even in blurry vision the different in material between suit and cape is clearly visable. Maybe they'll change that in post....

Signal looked fine. The police cars looked like, erm, police cars and Oldman did look good.

Nothing knew - I thought that at least the whole first page of members must have popped when they saw those pics. They seemed... like they had some sort of hype frenzy.. Lord knows how they will cope with seeing the actual film.. ;)

[TimTwoFace]

Those recent pics didn't really do anything for me. They're all grainy and blurry and stuff - you didn't get any clear shot of Batman, that's for sure. Oldman as Gordon still looks awesome, and the Batsignal looks snazzy - a very old-school style of the Bat-signal that takes up such a small part of the floodlight surface. It reminds me a bit of Bob Kane's original inspiration for the Bat-signal, the movie entitled "The Bat" (from 1926, I think). Either way, looks good.

And the police cars are...just police cars. Should I bother getting picky about them reading "GPD" instead of "GCPD"?

-Tim

[James]

Those recent pics didn't really do anything for me. They're all grainy and blurry and stuff - you didn't get any clear shot of Batman, that's for sure. Oldman as Gordon still looks awesome, and the Batsignal looks snazzy - a very old-school style of the Bat-signal that takes up such a small part of the floodlight surface. It reminds me a bit of Bob Kane's original inspiration for the Bat-signal, the movie entitled "The Bat" (from 1926, I think). Either way, looks good.

And the police cars are...just police cars. Should I bother getting picky about them reading "GPD" instead of "GCPD"?

-Tim
Hadn't noticed the cars.. odd mistake to make.. :p I liked the signal and it's retro look, sort of fits the BY1 theme.

[BatKid]

Nothing knew - I thought that at least the whole first page of members must have popped when they saw those pics. They seemed... like they had some sort of hype frenzy.. Lord knows how they will cope with seeing the actual film.. ;)

It's called the Hype! forums for a reason. ;)









Even though I'm a member there, I still don't get why they're so excited everytime something pops up. :sweat:

[BatKid]

Credit to mwilczko from the hype forums:

http://img29.exs.cx/img29/8418/batman2009.jpg

http://img29.exs.cx/img29/4648/batman2012.jpg

FYI, this is the very last scene of the movie. :)

Edit by Bird Boy: Changed to links for screen-streching and for spoilers.

[PaQ]

Well i liked the bat signal from the previous pictures, and this latest two look interesting, like Bats is going to jump or pushed someone off.. I'm not sure. One thing I'm liking from all these pictures, is that most of it is during the night time.. Gives me hope for at least dark movie.. literally.. :p

[TimTwoFace]

I can't wait to see what role that giant inflatable balloon will play in the movie! :D

-Tim
("He stole my balloons!")

[BatKid]

CLICK HERE (http://www.aintitcoolnews.com/display.cgi?id=18120) for the interview. Goyer refers to the script leak, the teaser trailer being released (which was not supposed to fyi) and some other tidbits on the film.

[James]

Interesting article, I didn't like the suggestive tone the interviewer was pushing that "Internet fans are mean to films.. poor you lot..". I think fans are just more wise to the film industry now. We have more films, more details about them and how films are made generally. The industry isn't a close guarded secret anymore.

Furthermore, we are used to hype. We know they only show and say the positive before a film. It's business. Nothing wrong in it, but it means people are now educated to be more skeptical and a little more judging. We've also read a great deal on films, we see how what's said prior is interestingly not quite as cosy and positive as what's said by crew after a release. "Yeah, we knew we were going to have a problem showing X right, but the effects company went bust and actor X refused to do X".. You don't get the honest comments till after.

Again, it's business. That's how the industry works, but I don't think they should expect fans just to lap up what they are told and what they are shown. It's advertising - everyone should be wary of any production. Even with the best people, things can mess up, things go wrong, interference dilutes script/action.

I don't like the way the interview paints fans or how the interview loads questions to support the idea that internet fans are just a load of critical anal idiots who judge before they see.

We know the industry, and surprisingly, rarely are fan concerns ever that far out. I don't like interviews which just confirms what the creative crew must feel (and I would too if I was close to a project and it was my baby).

Final point: We know that everything leading up to the film is promotion. Everything said will be "great". We have eyes, and not everything is perfect so don't undermine the intelligence of your fan base. We all look forward to it, it's just our experience of the industry has made us more wary of any promotional material, just by the very nature of it.

[Daredevil_2003]

And the police cars are...just police cars. Should I bother getting picky about them reading "GPD" instead of "GCPD"?

-TimSure, I know I do, those little things just annoy me to no end. It's Gotham City, not just Gotham. Like NYC, you can call it just New York, but the official name is New York City. Besides, GCPD sounds better than GPD for some reason. :shrug:

[Eddie G.]

Sure, I know I do, those little things just annoy me to no end. It's Gotham City, not just Gotham. Like NYC, you can call it just New York, but the official name is New York City. Besides, GCPD sounds better than GPD for some reason. :shrug:In New York the police are called the NYPD.

[Daredevil_2003]

In New York the police are called the NYPD.I know, but that's because NYCPD is too much of a mouthful. IIRC, when the department is mentioned with it's full name it's the 'New York City Police Department'. Now Gotham City is only 2 words as opposed to 3, so therefore you can have the 4 letter abbreviation of GCPD that rolls off the tongue all nice like. Besides, like I said before, GPD just doesn't sound right. Call me crazy, and I probably am, but that's just the way I've always seen it. :shrug:

[TimTwoFace]

I'm sure I'll be able to get used to the GPD thing in time, but it'll take a while, because we're all so used to "GCPD" on the animated series and in the comics.

-Tim

[BatKid]

Wizard World (http://www.wizarduniverse.com/conventions/chicago/WZ20040814-gl.cfm):


People will be talking about this one for months folks. Fans of Hal Jordan had reason to celebrate, but fans of the much anticipated Batman Begins movie, set to be released for summer 2005, really had a reason as a never before seen film montage and trailer from Batman Begins debuted.

Screenwriter David Goyer was joined by director Chris Nolan (Memento) as DC's publisher Paul Levitz revealed the exclusive, never before seen footage (which by the way will not be seen again for a few months at least) of the new upcoming Bat-flick. For the few hundred folks who managed to attend this once in a lifetime panel, they were treated to not only breathtaking glimpses of Batman training in the Himalayan mountains, but a rare look at one of the villains of the movie, the Scarecrow!

Also seen was the Batmobile, in action for the first time, as Christian Bale told Morgan Freeman (after trying out a different colored version of the automobile) "Does it come in black?" The scene following had the ultra-sleak Batmobile lumbering through a dark alleyway on its way to a crime scene presumably. Goyer and Nolan added the design for the Batmobile was chosen not because of what it looked like, but for what it could do. Nolan was always amazed that Batman had this vehicle but never really utilized it in any film, so a thrilling car chase scene is something fans can look forward to.

The montage included a seen of him suiting up in gear and terrorizing thugs on a heist. Lights exploded throughout the warehouse and the climax of the piece was when one of the crooks screamed, "Where are you??." Batman appeared behind him, upside down and with a chilling voice, "Right here!" before lifting him off the ground and into the ceiling.

Fans let out a joyous applause for the footage (and believe me when i say it's the coolest and most realistic looking Batman I've ever seen!) putting to rest any doubts the audience may have had. Goyer also made a promise to the crowd: "No Bat-nipples."

Before the Batman panel, Dan Didio hosted the Green Lantern: Rebirth panel with Geoff Johns, Ethan Van Sciver (The Flash: Iron Heights) and Carlos Pacheco (Superman/Batman) with Editor Peter Tomasi to let fans in on what they have in store for GL.

Johns prmoised the feel of the book would return to, "a more iconic, bright, heroic" tone with Hal returning to the Ring. He also assured fans of the return of the Green Lantern Corps. One fan asked whether they were just discounting Hal's past (he went insane and became a killer back in the original story that put Kyle Rayner in the costume in the first place). Geoff told them that everything woul be taken into account and nothing would be discounted.

:eek: :eek: :eek:

[Daredevil_2003]

Wizard World (http://www.wizarduniverse.com/conventions/chicago/WZ20040814-gl.cfm):



:eek: :eek: :eek:Please tell me that footage is online somewhere?!?!?! :eek:

[James]

What a horrendously fawning article. The power of both publicity and appeasement. The good fortune that Nolan has here is that regardless how great this film turns out to be, it will never be as bad as Batman & Robin. With that basis for comparison I don't think he can really do no wrong. I'm sure he'll do most right, but articles like this seem to throw objectivity to the wind. So nothing new in this article for me except..... :)

Green Lantern: Rebirth.. I didn't realise Hal was on his way back.. I question the reason why... I wish comics could keep with their choices and not keep back peddling... I'm assuming that with the prospect of a Green Lantern film, Hal is considered to be the prime candidate for any script... are the two connected? Only time will tell. :)

[BatKid]

Friend that went just told me that they didn't allow anyone videotaping it or taking pictures. AARRRGHHH!!! :mad:

[Shaggy&Daphne]

I think that they should rethink the title for this movie. Lately I've been seeing the TV spots for the movie Excersist: The Beginning, which is obviously a prequal to the original "Excersist" from 1972. This had led me to ponder about how the public will perceive Batman Begins, being that this film is an origin story that will literally start from the very beginning telling the origin of the Bruce Wyne character in great detail and how he became Batman. This could very well possibly lead the public into thinking that Batman Begins is a prequal to the original "Batman" from 1989. It is something to think about, considering that title of the prequal to Excersist is very similair. The title "Begins" can be very miss leading and it is a popular title used for prequals.

[BatKid]

Just a heads up that there are 2 more articles concerning the events at Wizard World:

Newsarama (http://newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16558)
Comic Book Resources (http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=4081)

I HIGHLY recommend you read it (especially the Newsarama link) because you can see how close of a collaboration DC and Nolan/Goyer had together. Every detail about the film was clearly thought out and there's an explanation for everything that they have done. A very informative read and it makes me appreciate the crew even more.

[Marvel_Knight]

Dom you tight security, DOM YOU! We got S-M2 footage last year, PLEASE GIVE US THIS LORD!

http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/sad/1/sad02.gif

[BatKid]

CLICK HERE (http://homepage.mac.com/lectoid/.cv/lectoid/Public/batman.WMV-link.WMV) to see footage of Batman (in the final suit) standing on a rooftop.

[Marvel_Knight]

BatKid, that is so incredibly awesome!!!:eek: :D Thanx!

[BatKid]

I can't take credit for that. A poster at the Hype! named lectoid filmed it, so congrats to him for getting it online.

BTW, how cool was that silhouette of the cape on the other building? :D

[Marvel_Knight]

I mean't for linking it. That cape shot was really cool.

Was lectoid the bald dude?

[BatKid]

LOL, no he was the one saying "Holy *****! It's ****ing Batman!"

[Damien]

Read those footage articles a couple days ago. They describe the Scarecrow as "realistic". What's that supposed to mean?

Waiting for this footage to load. I hope it's awesome.

[Jeffrey]

So, can somebody explain me why Ra's Al Ghul's daughter Talia won't be in this?

[ClockStomper]

The geeks filming it were annoying. It was like they were mentally whacking off to see Batman. Only Robin and Joel Schumacher allowed to do that for real.

[DarkAngel]

So, can somebody explain me why Ra's Al Ghul's daughter Talia won't be in this?That's the only thing that really disappoints me about "Begins". I can't understand how they could do a Ra's story without featuring Talia.

[BatKid]

It's rumored Ra's will be back for a sequel, so that's when you'll see Talia. Besides, there are already enough characters in this film. Adding another one and trying to develop her would be just overload.

[Dogbert]

It's rumored Ra's will be back for a sequel
Noooooooooo! Will we ever get to see the near apocalypse of 2009 in the DCAU?

[Marvel_Knight]

The "Begins" sequel is set for 2008 so we might see him in the DCAU. I don't see how Ra's would fit (don't read if you really don't want to be spoiled) if The Joker is indeed going to be the villian. They can't have another villian working for Ra's, not to mention the "twist".

[BatKid]

Oh, my bad...I should've been clearer. When I said sequel, I meant a film after the first....not necessarily the second. He could be in the second, but more likely than not, it'll be a very small scene. I'd say somewhere around the 3rd or 4th is where Ra's will come back.

[Robin]

How could you not get chills watching that video? Yes, those guys were annoying, but seeing Batman posing like that, cape bellowing and his chest insignia proud and clear, I got goosebumps.

[James]

How could you not get chills watching that video? Yes, those guys were annoying, but seeing Batman posing like that, cape bellowing and his chest insignia proud and clear, I got goosebumps.
Because the cape looked really awful and the costume really, erm costumey? Take the magic away from the camera (lights, direction, contrast) and most costumes don't look particularly wonderful. I'm sure it will look 20 times better on film, but in the clip it just looked like a fan costume... the clip didn't stimulate me. The buildings looked impressive though, that came through without the magic of cinema... an element that was distinctly lacking from these airhead amateurs.... they gave Batman fans a baaaaad name. :)

[TimTwoFace]

So, can somebody explain me why Ra's Al Ghul's daughter Talia won't be in this?
Because she's unnecessary, that's why. As Batkid said, there's already enough characters in this film, any more would be an overload. I've been fortunate enough to see a version of the final script and every character included has a very distinct and important purpose as far as forwarding the action of the movie. If Talia were added, she'd just be an extra body there that would obviously just be there to appease us comic book geeks.

It is possible to have a story featuring Ra's without Talia, and vice versa. I'd like to think they are seperable and don't need the other in order to work in a story.

Talia will be around in the future, I'm sure, but for now, I'm glad she's been kept out. The fact that Ra's has a daughter could be a twist that non-comic fans would likely not see coming in a future installment, should Ra's ever come back.

-Tim

[Robin]

I won't mind Talia not being in this movie. We already do have Katie Holme's character and throwing in anyone else would add to more to an already loaded movie. Besides there are future installments where she could be featured or mentioned. There could even be a throwaway mention to her in this movie. They are tackling alot with Batman's character in this movie and adding more might overstuff the film.

[DarkAngel]

I won't mind Talia not being in this movie. We already do have Katie Holme's character and throwing in anyone else would add to more to an already loaded movie. Besides there are future installments where she could be featured or mentioned. There could even be a throwaway mention to her in this movie. They are tackling alot with Batman's character in this movie and adding more might overstuff the film.Well, I wouldn't want Talia to be just thrown in. I just wish she'd been incorporated into the story instead of the Katie Holmes character. That in place of whatever subplot she's involved in, we would have gotten a Talia plotline instead. But if Katie's characters fits in well with the story, that's great.

[Spider-Man]

There are a couple new pictures up for Batman Begins from some foreign magazine:

http://www.score.fr/images/couv.27Grand.jpg

and

http://www.score.fr/sommaire/som19.jpg

[Jeffrey]

That can't be a real photo of Bale in the Bat suit, can it? It looks too much like they just cut and paste the suit on a pic of Bale. Too shiny and CGI-ish.

[Phantasm]

That can't be a real photo of Bale in the Bat suit, can it? It looks too much like they just cut and paste the suit on a pic of Bale. Too shiny and CGI-ish.
True.

[Damien]

It doesn't even look like Bale. Look at the mouth, lips, shape of the chin. I have to admit, though, I like the glossed look. Better than that costume shop rental look we've been seein'.

[Spider-Man]

From Superhero Hype:

Dan Goldwasser at SoundtrackNet (http://www.soundtrack.net/news/article/?id=535) has confirmed who is scoring Warner Bros.' Batman Begins...

With the rumor mill buzzing today, SoundtrackNet has confirmed that Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard are planning to collaborate on Batman Begins. Initially mentioned on James Newton Howard's unofficial website, the news was confirmed to us by Howard's office this morning.

[Raissa]

Bale Lifts Batman's Cowl:

http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/art-main.html?2004-09/15/13.00.film (http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/art-main.html?2004-09/15/13.00.film)

[Damien]

Awesome. Like Keaton, he'll be doing different voices for Bruce Wayne and Batman. That's yet another thing I missed when I saw Batman and Robin.

Zimmer. Not my first choice (didn't really have one), but I won't judge until I hear it. As long as the main theme is distinguishable, I'm happy. What has Howard done?

[BatKid]

Bale was born for this role. That article justifies it.

[Patrick Bateman]

From Superhero Hype:

Dan Goldwasser at SoundtrackNet (http://www.soundtrack.net/news/article/?id=535) has confirmed who is scoring Warner Bros.' Batman Begins...

With the rumor mill buzzing today, SoundtrackNet has confirmed that Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard are planning to collaborate on Batman Begins. Initially mentioned on James Newton Howard's unofficial website, the news was confirmed to us by Howard's office this morning.Hans Zimmer? This score will be awesome, oh yes. :cool:

[TimTwoFace]

This news on the scoring sounds good to me.

Hans Zimmer is definitely solid, and one of my personal favourites, so that's no problem with me. As for James Newton Howard, he did the following:

Collateral (2004)
The Village (2004)
Hidalgo (2004)
Signs (2002)
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
Unbreakable (2000)
The Sixth Sense (1999)

...etc, etc, etc. It looks like this guy has done the music to all of M. Night Shyamalan's movies, and that's a solid choice any day. :)

-Tim

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Clipped from the SciFi Wire interview with Christian Bale (http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/art-main.html?2004-09/15/13.00.film), where talks about stepping into the cowl:


Bale even uses one voice for Wayne and a different, coarser baritone for the caped crusader, who comes into being after Wayne vows to avenge the murders of his parents.
Boy, I haven't seen an acting take THAT original since...um, 1992, when I saw Batman the Animated Series for the first time.

On the "glass half full" side, though, that this is another indicator that they'll end up looking more like the Timm Animated Age than Tim Burton or that new cartoon when they re-invent the wheel this time around.

-- Ed/Ace

[Harley_Quinn]

Man, we've never seen or heard that! (sarcasm dripping)

[Lunchbox]

We haven't...in the movies. God, sometimes you people are more pretentious than a Wilco album.

[SilverKnight]

I see nothing but good news in that line. I'm very curious to see how Bale pulls off the Dark Knight. ...Please be well, please be well...>crosses fingers<

By the way, why is this is the DCAF? Shouldn't this be on the Entertainment Board? (And who the hell is Wilco?)

[Lunchbox]

(And who the hell is Wilco?)
Don't worry, you're not missing much.

[Phantasm]

Bale seems like a friendly person...but he uses 'you know' a lot!:p :anime:

And he certainly seems VERY serious about his performance as Batman too...which of course gets me all excited!

[b.t.]

Howdy,

Clipped from the SciFi Wire interview with Christian Bale (http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/art-main.html?2004-09/15/13.00.film), where talks about stepping into the cowl:


Boy, I haven't seen an acting take THAT original since...um, 1992, when I saw Batman the Animated Series for the first time.


um, didn't michael keaton do the very same thing? not to take anything away from kevin conroy or anything.....

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

I guess this is what I get for trying to be snarky/funny without using a smiley...:p. Just in case it wasn't clear, I was aiming for humor up there. Looks like I missed by about a country mile.

BTW, it's also not clear from my very out-of-context quote, but the statement isn't something Bale said himself. I wasn't meaning to slam Bale at all, but the writer who seems to think this whole "two voices" thing is something new to Batman adaptations.


um, didn't michael keaton do the very same thing? not to take anything away from kevin conroy or anything.....
If Michael Keaton tried using two different voices for Batman, I have to admit I never noticed. Must have been paying too much attention to Anton Furst's designs, Jack as the Joker, Kim Basinger, and the car :).

-- Ed/Ace

[Wayman Tisdale]

um, didn't michael keaton do the very same thing? not to take anything away from kevin conroy or anything.....YES he did, but it was much more subtle and not as pronounced as Conroy's difference in Bats to Bruce. In fact in the earlier BTAS eps I found Conroy's voice to be too nasally shrill as Bruce Wayne and so much so that he almost sounded dare I say gay to me. In the later seasons it almost seemed as if even Bruce Wayne himself got a touch grittier inflection wise which I was happy to see.

Michael Keaton in general didn't have that much speaking lines as Batman OR Bruce. In fact the other day I was talking to a friend about Tim Burton and Johnny Depp's tag team legacy and we couldn't decide who had more speaking lines Edward Scissorhands or Batman? We also surmised that if Johnny Depp was a litttle older or Burton had done Batman later on in his career it would've been Johnny Depp that would probably have played Batman. Now THAT would've been interesting seeing Depp's take on the Bat.

[TimTwoFace]

Great news, great topic, but since it's fully about BATMAN BEGINS, it's gonna be moved over to the Entertainment Board. :)

Thread Moved

-Tim

PS - Keaton did have different Batman/Bruce voices. It was subtle, but you could tell. It wasn't like pulling a Clark Kent when both voices were the same at all times. Man, those glasses DO hide a lot.

[The Penguin]

Great news, great topic, but since it's fully about BATMAN BEGINS, it's gonna be moved over to the Entertainment Board. :)

Thread MovedAnd thread merged with the Batman Begins thread where this topic has already been brought up.

[BatKid]

From BOF (http://www.batman-on-film.com):


The thirty inch plasma screen flickered to life and we were treated to a scene between Christian Bale's Batman and Gary Oldman's Sgt. Gordon. This was a live feed from the film camera to the room where we were housed.

The action, which was not part of the script that was leaked several months ago, was of a scene where Batman throws the keys to the Batmobile to Gordon with the intent that he should drive it. The first thing that hit me was Christian Bale. He looked huge, far more intimidating than any Batman of the past and his voice sent shivers down my spine, it was almost a growl, reminiscent of a very pissed off Clint Eastwood.

This was just the start of an amazing day in which I and a dozen of select journalists were treated to a tour of the amazing 60 foot tall sets, including an exact replica of the Arkham Asylum exterior and the Narrows, which were described to me by Nathan Crowley (Production Designer) as the American version of the slums of Kowloon, Hong Kong.

The day also included a tour of the Batmobile, which I was fortunate enough to climb on and interviews with Chris Nolan (Director), Nolan's wife Emma Thomas (Producer), Larry Franco (Producer), Nathan Crowley (Production Designer) and of course cast members Christian Bale (Batman/Bruce Wayne) and Gary Oldman (Sgt. Gordon. Lastly we were shown around the Batsuit workshop and informed of the advancements that had been made in the Costume FX Department by Day Murch (Key Costume FX).

I was amazed at the atmosphere on set, I felt like I was walking onto the set of a small short film rather than a Hollywood blockbuster. The feeling was very relaxed and although shooting was on day 126 of 128 and was winding down, everyone's energy level seemed to be very high.

There is no doubt in my mind, with everything I witnessed on the day that this truly will be the most respectful version of the character ever committed to film. The level of professionalism and obvious love of the character was very evident and was summed up perfectly by Christian Bale when discussing how he researched the role.

"I looked at 'Batman: Year One,' 'The Long Halloween' and I saw that they were superb and hadn't realised before that (he) was that interesting of a character because I think that all that I'd seen before was that the villains were fascinating in Batman always, and suddenly I was reading these and it was like he's by far the most interesting of them (characters)"

Extended articles on all key parts of the day will follow in the next couple of months, so stay tuned.

[BatKid]

http://photos.imageevent.com/batmanonfilm/bofimagesbofimages/beginsposter-pjw2.jpg

And yes, that's a new pic of Batman. Good to see he looks awesome in that pissed off look. :D

[TimTwoFace]

Lookin' snazzy. That's fan-made, right? Either way, I like it. Still trying to get used to the shorter Bat-ears, though. That's one thing about the Burton/Schumacher costumes that I always thought was pretty spot-on.

-Tim

[Damien]

I like the shorter ears, and the poster, fan-made or not, is cool, but that mask, chest...he just looks...too big. BatKid's subtle changes to the suit on that one picture have spoiled me.
In fact, it's just the mask. Makes it look like his head is bigger than it is.

[TimTwoFace]

Yeah, the mask does look a little big, but maybe it just appears that way because Batsy's bowing his head a wee bit. I've seen other shots of the mask and it's looked absolutely fine to me.

-Tim

[BatKid]

BatKid's subtle changes to the suit on that one picture have spoiled me.

What picture?

[Robin]

Some artwork for Batman Begins is online. It looks different than the pictures we have seen but it still looks nice. I think it is merchandising art for the movie which makes sense. Apparently toys for the movie will be out before the end of the year.

http://www.popfunk.com/products.asp?catID=14&subCatID=33

[Knight]

That does look really nice.

[TimTwoFace]

I likee - though I'd like to see some merchandise, too.

-Tim

[Patrick Bateman]

I don't see anything...

[TimTwoFace]

Weird...they must have taken down the pic since last night. Very weird indeed.

-Tim

[Silly McGooses]

For those with Comcast Digital Cable, you can see the Begins Trailer on demand for free now.

[TimTwoFace]

...by the trailer you still mean the teaser trailer that's been out for a while, right?

-Tim

[Silly McGooses]

Unfortunately, yes, but it's better than watching it online with a framerate of one per two seconds.

[Borg4of3]

A lot can happen in a week - Most notably, back on Batman-On-Film (http://www.batman-on-film.com/b5news.html), the Harvey Dent rumors are in full swing, and we get an already freaky early illustration of one character I've been dying to see: The Scarecrow (http://photos.imageevent.com/batmanonfilm/bofimagesbofimages/smscarecrow1.jpg)

Its not what I thought it'd be, but its a ton more simpler, and a lot creepier - looks mannequinnish in its pale, artificial look, and mixing the WW2 gas mask into the design is fitting. I love what they've said about how this would be how he'd be seen only from the view of his fear-gassed victims. Can't wait to see real images of the final costume.

[Knight]

The Scarecrow really looks creepy I like that.

[Wing Zero]

Seems like the scarecrow might not look like that art concept even though it looks really cool.

ttp://filmforce.ign.com/batman/articles/554/554965p1.html (http://filmforce.ign.com/batman/articles/554/554965p1.html)

[TimTwoFace]

Well that computer-generated mask looks hokey, but I like the general idea - that is, if they follow the Tim Sale look of the Scarecrow (at least for the mask) that you'd see in THE LONG HALLOWEEN or DARK VICTORY. I'm sure it'll look fine - but right now, that pic looks like a cross between Freddy Cruegger and Indiana Jones. :p

I also hope this Harvey Dent rumor is true - that is definitely a subplot that could keep the new series going for a few installments. As for who the main villain of the sequel will be, I still think that the Joker would make the most sense (given how this story wraps up), but Harvey Dent should be one of the major roles in that one, as well.

Consider me pumped. Only 8 months or so to go!

-Tim

[Damien]

I like the gas mask look. Creepy. When I read that the real thing isn't even close to that, I was discouraged...until I read what the real deal was. Can't wait to see him either way.

[BatKid]

Dr. Thomas Wayne

http://batmanbegins.warnerbros.com/images/11.jpg

Carmine "The Roman" Falcone

http://batmanbegins.warnerbros.com/images/12.jpg

Ra's Al Ghul

http://batmanbegins.warnerbros.com/images/10.jpg

[Phantasm]

Wow! This is SO awesome!
I didn't except Falcone...

[Robin]

The more pictures I see, the more excited I get over the movie. Granted these pictures aren't spectacular action stills, but just seeing the talent involved simply blows me away!

[TimTwoFace]

Obviously, the one that's supposed to look really impressive and unique here is Ra's al Ghul, and I'm diggin' it. The other two look fine, too - I guess. They're playing rather unimportant roles (as far as visuals go), so many people could fit a look that is suitable.

I swear though, the guy playing Falcone (Tom Wilkinson) looks SO familiar. Where have I seen him before? *RUNS OFF TO IMDB.com TO CHECK IT OUT*

In the Bedroom, Rush Hour, and...the Full Monty! Whoa, it IS that guy! Wicked. :D

-Tim

[Phantasm]

uummm is it just me or Mr. Wayne seems to a rather naive air about him...he doesn't have that noble, wise, important man look to him...and he's too young and immature?!

[BatKid]

The reason he's young is because there will be flashbacks before the Waynes were killed, and this is one of them.

[Damien]

I thought the Roman was a tall skinny guy with one of those really thin mustaches. Now I have to go check out who I'm thinking of.
And am I the only one who doesn't dig Ra's al Ghul's look? It may work for the movie, but just seeing it offhand doesn't sit well with me.
How long on that Scarecrow picture?

[BatKid]

Without spoiling anything, trust me when I say that the Ra's you all know from the comics WILL have his traditional look. :)

As for the Scarecrow pics, there are a few updates coming up on the site in a few days, so look out for it then.

[Damien]

If you're referring to something I read in one of your spoilers, I won't trust it, or anything else, until I see the film. Nothing against you.
Thanks for the tip on the Scarecrow. I've been wanting to see him in action since the last Batman flick. Can't wait to see the final product.

[BatKid]

If you're referring to something I read in one of your spoilers, I won't trust it, or anything else, until I see the film. Nothing against you.

None taken. Whatever is in the script is not all final anyway.


As for the pic updates, it was specified it would be Crane that would be shown. Whether or not this means we'll see Scarecrow remains to be seen. I recommend you sign up to their newsletter at the official site. Members will exclusively recieve pics on the 25th.

[BatKid]

Well, it wasn't supposed to leak this early, but since it has...

http://img6.exs.cx/img6/9607/batmanbaleredone.jpg

[Robin]

That is a great picture, Batkid! I really like how this is shaping up. That's a great pose and a nice look at the costume. I like how the light makes the bat-insignia on the chest brighter than the rest of the costume. The cape looks fine although it's hard to tell if it'll have that trademark Batman-look to it, with the pointy edges (I can't think of the right name). The cowl look abit big, but ultra sharp. I'm really liking this costume. I'd like to see it in action.

[Phantasm]

I LOVE the costume so far...but it looks...stiff!

[BatKid]

The scallops (pointy edges on cape) will be there. As for the length, Nolan strictly wanted that to be big, like in the comics, to have that majestic effect.

And I wouldn't worry about the costume being stiff. Nolan specifically addressed that issue as he saw those problems with the previous films.

[langden alger]

ya know i could really deal with the rest of that outfit if it just had a different ab sculpt and belt...i'm not liking the "tech belt" and armor looking abs...makes him just look way too much like a giant action figure or a power ranger...human looking abs and the soft pouch belt would have completly sold me on this otherwise great new suit.

[TimTwoFace]

I like it a lot - the only thing I need to get used is how the cape is attached to the cowl on Batman's shoulders. I guess I'm just used to the cape and cowl to being one solid piece (as in the movies thus far) rather than two seperate parts of the costume. I'll probably look good on screen in the end, but it'll take some getting used to.

-Tim

[Damien]

The pose looks a little cheesy, and from that angle, the emblem isn't as raised as I had hoped, but hey, it's cool.

I guess I'm just used to the cape and cowl to being one solid piece (as in the movies thus far) rather than two seperate parts of the costume.They always looked separate to me, especially when they show it piece by piece in Batman Returns. But I could be wrong. In fact, indeed I probably am.
Anyway, that still doesn't look like Bale's chin to me for some reason.

[BatKid]

Yeah, I noticed that about his chin. But you know, I think it can be a good thing. Why? It makes the distinction between Bruce and Bats that much more different. I don't know what it is that changes his look, but whatever it is...it's working.

[DarkAngel]

Well, it wasn't supposed to leak this early, but since it has...I like it. It doesn't look as bulky as I thought it was going to be.

[Wing Zero]

I think the suit looks great. It actually conveys the flexibility of the new suit even though I know it already is better than the older versions. I'm also liking the cowl a lot more from this side shot, the ears don't look quite as tiny as I thought. Now if we could only see the cape clearly :p

[silverwings]

Wow. The suit looks amazing. I really can't wait for this movie.

Also, while browsing Yahoo! movies, I came across this photo:
http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808490910&cf=pg&photoid=535456&intl=us

Yeah, like I said, I really can't wait for this movie. :anime:

[Simpler Simon]

So is all of that molded (like the original Batsuits), or is Bale's physique actually accounting for some of that muscular bulk?

[Knight]

Wow. The suit looks amazing. I really can't wait for this movie.

Also, while browsing Yahoo! movies, I came across this photo:
http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808490910&cf=pg&photoid=535456&intl=us

Yeah, like I said, I really can't wait for this movie. :anime:
Yeah that's months old it has already been seen.

Anyway I dont think I really get excited for this movie until I see a good trailer.

[Justice League 2000]

the suit looks good :) Batman begins is going to be a good movie.

[BatKid]

So is all of that molded (like the original Batsuits), or is Bale's physique actually accounting for some of that muscular bulk?

It's both. The suit is a mold, but Bale out of that suit really is that size.

[Phantasm]

It's both. The suit is a mold, but Bale out of that suit really is that size.
:anime: :D
OOOkkaayyy....Bale IS well built then...perfect for batman...
And I'm also loving his chin at least it isn't POINTY!

[TimTwoFace]

Actually, I thought that Bale's chin looked a bit pointy...but it still looks fine to me. Hey, no one's chin is gonna be perfectly square like the BTAS version - that's simply unnatural. :p

Lookin' good, regardless. Show me a full trailer and I'll be thrilled.

-Tim

[Patrick Bateman]

I like it for the most part. The only thing that really gripes me is how the cape doesn't match the cowl, gloves, and boots. It's way darker, and that looks... really odd.

[James]

It's both. The suit is a mold, but Bale out of that suit really is that size.
Not in the pics I've seen. He's average build. Not that I have a prob with that (afterall I loved Keaton and Batman was hardly meant to be the size of a doormouse..)

As for the suit.... like with BY1 I'm not liking the cape and the suit in the slightest. Still looking forward to the movie - not seeing anything new in these pics accept new postures so nothing "wow". :)

[BatKid]

Not in the pics I've seen. He's average build. Not that I have a prob with that (afterall I loved Keaton and Batman was hardly meant to be the size of a doormouse..)

Have you seen him in Equilibrium or American Psycho? He was much more than average in either of those films. Besides, there's nothing about the suit that looks overly big, just a very fit physique.

Bale has said he has trained for this role much more than any other because he knows the sheer dedication Bruce had in the comics, and he wanted to match that. And no, I don't have a link...too lazy to find it. :o

[Robin]

When are the next wave of images supposed to hit? And when are we going to get pictures that are more than just actor headshots? While I really appreciate seeing all the characters in this I really want to see some more images. I can remember being in awe when seeing that huge picture of Batman jumping down, encased in black, with his cape spread wide open. I want to see more pictures that match that.

[BatKid]

The character headshots come on the 25th. As for promo shots like the recent Batman one, the truth is no one knows. All the promo shots so far have come without warning.

I think it's best that way anyway. If they announced a specific date it'd make my days that much longer. :yawn:

[Robin]

The character headshots come on the 25th. As for promo shots like the recent Batman one, the truth is no one knows. All the promo shots so far have come without warning.
I guess taking us by surpriseis the good way to go. I just hope to see something more elaborate than headshots in the near future. I can't believe how close this movie is though. June!

[TimTwoFace]

Yep, June 17th! That's...uhhh...just under 8 months from now. :)

I've been waiting since 1997 for a new Batman movie (which was due out in 1999) - a GOOD one, at that. Finally, our wishes will be granted.

Question - aside from Star Wars Episode 3, what other big movies are out next summer competing with Batman? I know that Ep 3 is out about four weeks before Batman so it won't be in DIRECT, IMMEDIATE competition, but still...

I can't wait, man.

-Tim

[James]

Have you seen him in Equilibrium or American Psycho?
Yes and yes.


He was much more than average in either of those films. Besides, there's nothing about the suit that looks overly big, just a very fit physique.

An average movie build does not make superhero build. The build you see in the costume no way compares to the build of an average build man. When I say average I mean in movie comparison from weedy, to average to Rambo. Bale is not built like the suit, that's my point, and the shots I've seen of him to not point towards a comic Batman build as some have implied from seeing the rubber Batsuit. Again, not knocking him - I like his build. Just throwing some ice water over the excited fans before they start believing what they want to see rather than what is evident.

Well, in all fairness evident to me. We only have a few screens so everything we say is more subjective to opinion and speculation than fact. Not till we see him move/walk/talk will we get a better idea.

Against a background would have been nice - something we can throw a comparison with too.



Bale has said he has trained for this role much more than any other because he knows the sheer dedication Bruce had in the comics, and he wanted to match that. And no, I don't have a link...too lazy to find it. :o
I would think it unlikely Bale could match the intensity and build of comic Bruce. In fact I think few can. What he wanted and what he is - from the shots I've seen of him are two different things. Again, I must stress before the hounds descend on me and I have to start chewing heads ;) I don't think this is bad. I like Bale's physique. It looks good enough for me. My point was, the suit does not reflect his shape. It ain't that tight. :p

[BatKid]

I would think it unlikely Bale could match the intensity and build of comic Bruce. In fact I think few can. What he wanted and what he is - from the shots I've seen of him are two different things. Again, I must stress before the hounds descend on me and I have to start chewing heads ;) I don't think this is bad. I like Bale's physique. It looks good enough for me. My point was, the suit does not reflect his shape. It ain't that tight. :pThe man went from like 210 to 125 lbs. just to fit his last movie role. He ate an apple in the morning, and a cracker (yea, ONE cracker) for LUNCH. That was it for the whole day. This went on throughout filming and he was dangerously close to seriously harming himself. You don't call that intense? :p

And yeah, I agree with you, he's not 'comic book build' big. But I honestly didn't want that in the first place. Being that big in real life means you're not as fast or flexible compared to someone that is "slim and trim". And of course, that doesn't fit with Batman as he's anything but.

So basically, if Batman were to exist, Bale's build is as realistic as it gets to the comics without being implausible imo.

[Justice League 2000]

Batman Begins is going to be a hit movie?

[Justice League 2000]

I mean Batman Begins is going to be a hit movie.

[Robin]

Wow SJJ! You sure are being hard on this movie! :)

So Monday is when the next wave of photos is coming out. I'm interested to see what Katie Holmes will look like in the feature. Hopefuly they can make her look a bit more mature to fit her role better.

You know, I think I may go watch the teaser trailer again...

[BatKid]

Heh, I forget news gets around late here. I see there's no Scarecrow sketches yet based on the Comic Con footage, so here's a new batch:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/mercureyx/smscarecrow_sketch21.jpg

http://coolius.8m.com/images/scmasks.jpg

[BatKid]

And here's the news report that went along with it...



Yes, he IS quite disturbing!
Author: Jett
Thursday, October 21, 2004, 6:45 AM, 4:16 PM CST: As I said earlier today, I was able to get a look at The Scarecrow. Now, I'm pretty much sure that what I saw was what we'll see from a gassed victim's POV, and it seems some F/X and perhaps CGI will be added when we see him on the big screen. But I wanted you BOF'ers to get a small look at it, so Paul J. Wares whipped up an "artist rendering" of what Dr. Crane looks like. Out of respect to those who don't want to know and for the film itself, I've edited the drawing to show only a part of The Scarecrow. The pictures that the drawing is based on ARE NOT going to show up on the official site (http://www.batmanbegins.com/). In fact, it will most likely be Dr. Crane, and not The Scarecrow that shows up over there as rumored, or so I've heard-- --


http://photos.imageevent.com/batmanonfilm/bofimagesbofimages/scarecrow_sketch_eyes2.jpg (http://photos.imageevent.com/batmanonfilm/bofimagesbofimages/smscarecrow_sketch2.jpg)

BTW, the breathing apparatus is not visible and there is not a big hole or anything in the mouth area. It sort of looks like the face melted or something and is drawn down a bit--sort of skeleton-like particularly the nose. It is really freaking looking and should be scary as hell once the F/X are added in. Keep in mind that The Scarecrow will be depicted in various forms--in his real mask and in the different ways he looks to those he has gassed. Ray Bolger this is not....

Thanks to a couple of unrelated sources, I was able to get a peek at The Scarecrow! The descriptions from two BOF sources (October 7th and 8th) were pretty much spot on. I can't show the pictures at this time as I promised the sources that I would not. But I can describe it a bit for you all. It does look Leatherface-like and is sewn-up with big stitches at different spots all over the mask. The face/head area looks as if a human face had been melted and disfigured. It is also more form-fitting than one might imagine. It even has a few strands of hair on top and around the eyebrow area. It is downright frightening and disturbing and I can't wait to see how it looks on the big screen. Cillian Murphy is also wearing a suit and tie as previously described by a BOF source. With all of that said, the pictures do seem to confirm that the audience will see different POV's of The Scarecrow. The pics that I viewed, seem to be The Scarecrow his gassed victims will see. I believe that we will also see the mask without the affects of fear gas.

[TimTwoFace]

Lookin' creepy. Works for me. :)

For some reason it reminds me of Black Mask, circa "No Man's Land", too.

-Tim

[Damien]

So far, every rendition or design has been cool. Can't wait to see the real thing.

[BatKid]

Here's a new one:

http://coolius.8m.com/images/sc5.jpg

[BatKid]

New character pics...

http://img39.exs.cx/img39/8849/14285.jpg

http://img39.exs.cx/img39/2762/14286.jpg

http://img39.exs.cx/img39/4989/14287.jpg

[Robin]

New character pics...

http://img39.exs.cx/img39/8849/14285.jpg

http://img39.exs.cx/img39/2762/14286.jpg

http://img39.exs.cx/img39/4989/14287.jpg
I'm disappointed that Jonothan Crane picture is one we already saw. And as great as Katie Holmes is to look at, she looks too young to be a D.A..

[PaQ]

Wow. Those scarecrow sketches really do look disturbing.. Should bring an interesting twist to the character, just another thing to look forward to. Although the guy they chose to play Jonathan Crane, looks a bit weird to me. Maybe that's why they chose him. :p

[The Penguin]

New character pics...

http://img39.exs.cx/img39/8849/14285.jpgOkay so this guy is Smallville's first Morgan Edge, Rutger Hauer as Richard Earle right? Who is Earle again?

[TimTwoFace]

Uhhh...Richard Earle is the guy that was in charge of Wayne Enterprises after Thomas Wayne's passing, I believe - and he's the one Bruce is battling with to reclaim his father's company in this movie.

I, too, am disappointed that the pic of Crane wasn't new...but hey, what are ya gonna do?

The Katie Holmes one is nice to look at, as always. I think she'll be fine, because she's the assistant DA in this film; this will be further cemented if Harvey Dent has been in fact written into the movie after all. (All he got in the script I read before was a passing mention.)

...that shouldn't spoil anything.

-Tim

[Phantasm]

nice pics...i am so optimistic about the film...:)

[James]

Wow SJJ! You sure are being hard on this movie! :)

Batman is something I care. I'm also very much into design and films. So on both aspects I watch this film develop objectively rather than optimisitically. I'm sure it will be great, but for me they fluffed up on the costume and I'm not seeing anything that is making me squirm with excitement yet.

Still looking okay. It's the story, script and pacing which will make or break for me - not "cool" pics :P.

[Gentleman Ghost]

I wish WB would stop fooling around and get the official picture of the Scarecrow mask out. The sketches are very impressive, but I want to see the real deal.

[BatKid]

NEW PIC!

http://www.joblo.com/newsimages1/bale-costume-1.jpg

[Gentleman Ghost]

WOW! That is one sweet pic of the batsuit! I wish this movie would come out now!

[Phantasm]

I must say I love his look. Very forbiding expression he's wearing there.And that lil thing with his lips...similar to Batman's!

BUT not enough jaw that's showing.Which is a MINUS point.and umm...his hands look tiny! Not the long,elegant ones Batman's supposed to have...

[James]

I'll get battered as usual, but I hate it. I've seen enough now beyond blurred pics to say that.

The head is horribly thick and over moulded, I hate the way the neck joins onto the cape, again it feels thick and over sculpted. I hate the body sculpt - a simple sculpt would have been far better and I loathe the belt - emphasising tech over ingenuity. Finally the cape. The cape blows it massively for me. It just looks like one of the 80s action figures with the plastic body and cloth cape. Terrible.

The only things I do like are a) The actor, b) The Bat Insignia.

The rest is dreadful - won't stop it being a good movie, but the costume is as lazy, backward and uninspired as I said I thought it was all those months ago.

I hope I've given reason enough to my points - I know they'll offend a few people here which isn't the intention, but I'm sorry, I'm not getting this frenzy for the visuals for the movie you guys are getting.

I pray for the gift of lighting and good visual direction to give it a quiality which so far I feel it lacks.

[silverwings]

Now that is a costume. And *gasp* a mask that actually hides the identity of the wearer. I can't wait for this movie! :D

[TimTwoFace]

I generally like it, but I am still nit-picking at how the neck of the cowl and the cape connects to the rest of the suit around the shoulders. It looks kinda...cheap. The opening for the chin seems too narrow, but that'll be something I'll get used to in time.

Looking OK, but I'd rather see it in action to make a final judgement.

-Tim

[BatKid]

The less room for the mouth opening, the harder it is to figure out who's inside that mask. I also think it has a lot to do with Bale's pointy chin, which is not common with Batman's image. So they tried to hide a lot of that.

As for the neck, I must admit I was not pleased with that. They explained they did that to get a more "beastial" look to him. To add to the scare factor. Hope it works well.

And the cape, yea well...let's just say I hate it. :o

[Outlander00]

First impression of the costume?

Well... My first impression is... Batman & Robin!

Yes... I see the movie (or, more like it, the suit that was in the movie) that killed the franchise!

Now... I am not saying Begins will be that way (due to a proper actor and director at the helm), but I agree with my British friend in its deisgn. The cowl (especially in the neck region) is superficially thick and the cap is just blah. The belt and torso is just so reminiscent to Batman & Robin (though find the insignia acceptable) that... bah!

[The Master Con]

Finally a suit that looks as though it could be used in battle.

[Phantasm]

Doesn't anyone else notice his short, chubby hands?

[Wing Zero]

Well it looks great I guess....the cape really bothers me. :\ I wonder why they couldn't just make it match the actual suit instead of looking super black compared to the color of the rest of the batsuit. Granted Batman Begins will not suck just because of some suit disagreements we might have with it but oh well.

[Psilon]

I agree with SJJ and Outlander...it's crud.
I especially agree with SJJ about the belt.
The belt upgrade (or downgrade) from BTAS to TNBA was imo a definite improvement. The costume designers drew from the previous movies instead of the animated series or the comic book.

[Knight]

Whatever Batman photo everyone is talking about doesnt appear to be working now and I never saw it does anyone know where else it can be veiwed?

[Spider-Man]

This link should work for you:

http://www.joblo.com/newsimages1/bale-costume-1.jpg

http://www.joblo.com/newsimages1/bale-costume-1.jpg

Can't say I'm really crazy about it myself.

[James]

This link should work for you:

http://www.joblo.com/newsimages1/bale-costume-1.jpg (http://www.joblo.com/newsimages1/bale-costume-1.jpg)

Can't say I'm really crazy about it myself.
Yeah I'm having issues with it - the direct link doesn't always work, go to joblo.com and there is link on the main page.

[Knight]

This sucks. None of the images on that Joto page are working for me.I got boxes with x's in them all over the place when I go there. Oh well.

[langden alger]

i hate the 'techiness' of the suit and the general public is going to see this and immidiatley think this movie is a follow-up to the old shumacher movies...which might cause a problem....this was the oppurtunity to really give birth to a whole new style batman look and they threw that out the window for at least this first movie...

but storyline wise the suit serves it's purpose...this is a makeshift batman. from what i've read here and there, seems like bruce just grabs stuff and goes out in a fury to become batman so i guess he just took his old shadow warrior gloves and attached them to this tech army suit and painted everything black and instant bat..not the batman we know and love yet...so if i had to guess, i'd say for the next movie we'll see bruce actually having more time to plan out and custom the suit to his liking more which might give us the classic comic book style.

[Borg4of3]

Try copying and pasting the link straight into IE's addy bar - worked for me, at least.

I'm overall enjoying the look - its tough-looking, practical, and has a sleek, military feel to it. The muscular separations in the arms and legs are a clever way to break up the large amount of plain blackness, and the belt is looking like the next look the Army is going for their equipment, like the XM8. People say that thing looks like a toy, but I see it as something of the future, smoother, more efficient, more compact, more durable. I don't see the concerns with the cape - its almost always been a different color/tint than the costume, and the material just doesn't look cheap to me.

My concern is the cowl, still. The second to last picture, seeing it from the side, looked great, but this one, straight on front, looks fat on the sides and the nose looks jutted. I'm thinking its a thing that looks good at certain angles, and gross in others. Speaking of angles - in this last one, the shoulder things make him look regal - not a Batman trait, but it looks good.

[Knight]

Ok finally saw it.For some reason I thought it might have been a pick of Batman actually in action. Its just another of the standard Batman pose pics nothing special. The only complaints I have are that the cape and cowl dont match or even connect and that it doesnt appear to be a grey and black costume but rather all the same color (it looks the same to me anyway). I also dont like the seperation on the gloves. Those are my only real complaints.

[PaQ]

Seeing the latest picture of Batman, I am still liking how they decided to do the costume. It definitely looks like it'll be a lot easier for Bale to move around in it, and I like the design, it's a little bit different from any other costume which is something I like about it.

[Damien]

Yeah, the mask does look a little much, and I'd rather the emblem be stark black, but I feel a little better about the suit than I originally did. Sure it will look better in the theatre.

[The Master Con]

i hate the 'techiness' of the suit and the general public is going to see this and immidiatley think this movie is a follow-up to the old shumacher movies...which might cause a problem....
Oh cut me a break.

[The Penguin]

I'll get battered as usual, but I hate it. I've seen enough now beyond blurred pics to say that.

The head is horribly thick and over moulded, I hate the way the neck joins onto the cape, again it feels thick and over sculpted. I hate the body sculpt - a simple sculpt would have been far better and I loathe the belt - emphasising tech over ingenuity. Finally the cape. The cape blows it massively for me. It just looks like one of the 80s action figures with the plastic body and cloth cape. Terrible.

The only things I do like are a) The actor, b) The Bat Insignia.

The rest is dreadful - won't stop it being a good movie, but the costume is as lazy, backward and uninspired as I said I thought it was all those months ago.

I hope I've given reason enough to my points - I know they'll offend a few people here which isn't the intention, but I'm sorry, I'm not getting this frenzy for the visuals for the movie you guys are getting.

I pray for the gift of lighting and good visual direction to give it a quiality which so far I feel it lacks.You've caught a lot of flack (I think that's the word) for your comments about the suit SJJ, but with this most recent pick I agree with just about everything you've been saying! I will be surprised if I don't feel differently after seeing it "in action" so to speak, but I don't feel like this is what I've been waiting six-seven years for.

[James]

Oh cut me a break. Please back up your comments with a little more than that curt remark.

I think langden alger has a point, regardless of how well the film will be, the suit does harken back to the old franchise - and the last taste of that wasn't pleasant. People will remember that. If I was the promoters, I'd be very careful which pics I release to the press and try and keep it to ones which don't highlight how similar the suit is to the previous movies.

People do go by visuals to a certain degree and you want to do something which will distance yourself from past conceptions - which was why I was so genuinely surprised they went for this design. It does look so much like the old franchise and I think that was something to be avoided at all costs - especially when you are trying to remake the franchise into something with far more dignity and quality to "Batman & Robin". I don't think images like these will inspire a great deal of confidence and may in fact tingle some memories of past exploits.

I don't think this will damage the film in any massive way, but it doesn't advance it's public image either.

[langden alger]

thanx sjj for the support on my commment...i don't know what kind of response that was supposed to be either really...i don't think it's going to really hurt the success of the film overall either, but alot of people i talk to, including a friend of mine who are only familar with the jim carrey, george clooney era stuff are really shocked to hear me tell them that this will be a serious darker toned film. that's one of the top reasons, besides my own personal taste that i wanted a completley diff look for the suit.

[The Master Con]

Please back up your comments with a little more than that curt remark.Very well.

The whole basis of this argument is whether or not the film is true to the original vision. If Kane had created Batman with body armor this wouldn't be a problem in your eyes, correct? Now you mention a marketing standpoint. People aren't brainless nor are they stupid. When they watch a trailer they aren't trying to study and nitpick whether or not the costumes from this film and its prequels match up. If they did they would already be researching the film upon the internet and their concerns would have already been adressed. What the audience is watching is what's being said and the general mood of the trailer. Immediately during the first teaser trailer you had no idea what movie you were watching. There was no Danny Elfman theme, there was no batkicking. Only until you saw the Bat logo, which looks nothing like the predessures, did you realize what you were watching. Nolan and his marketing team that the main focus is to demonstrate to the audience that this a completely different film, with a much darker mood. No matter what footage the audience sees from the film they will pick up that this is not the same film that had the terminator running around with a freeze gun screaming "Cool Party."

As for the audience's exact reactions to the costume, the reaction will be more "that looks cool" as opposed to "that looks like Shumacher." For the general eye all the previous batman costumes look the same:

http://media.outnow.ch/Movies/Images/1989/Batman/dvd.film/29.jpg
http://i.imdb.com/mptv1.gif
http://media.outnow.ch/Movies/Images/1997/BatmanAndRobin/dvd.film/41.jpg
http://www.joblo.com/newsimages1/bale-costume-1.jpg

However people would notice as to whether or not Batman was wearing tights. A character such as spiderman can get away with that, especially since the films are campy and the tights somewhat goes along with the geekiness of Peter. But seeing a man who villains are supposed to fear running around in tights would not go over well with the public. If images are such a concern I know the first one that will pop into people's heads when they see Batman in tights:

http://members.aol.com/lannyl7/homepage/west.JPG

Also more to the point, I don't recall anyone ever complaining about the body armor in the previous films. Aside from the nipples and the neck movements, which both have been adressed, most people enjoyed the costumes and thought the armor looked "cool." Their many problem people had with the films was the story, not the costume. And people are smart enough to know one film from another.

[langden alger]

i'm not saying people are stupid and i'm not saying at all that people will actually scream shumackers name when they see that suit, but people still have memories of those movies in general, even if they bundle up returns, forever and batman and robin into one movie....and it gives ideas to people before going to see it. just a simple observation...and you don't have to go back to the damn adam west costume to get a cool comic accurate batman in 2004 with a monster budget..just take that new suit and make the slightest adjustments to it. no need to scrap it at all...just simply take the bells and whistles off, splash on the right colors and you have a great effective suit...you don't have to be ridiculous, just creative...i never said i hated body armor or technology, but you can have it and make it look good at the same time. just simplicity and creativity-great combo. and if this is what they're doing, like i also stated before, it's fine for the storyline for what it's trying to accheive... but again like i said it will be great to see the sequel feature bruce adjusting the suit to give it the more familar comic style look.

[James]

I think there is a slight issue.

When Batman came out in 89 it had a lot going against it because Batman WAS perceived by it's previous incarnation. The media's line was "No longer are we seeing Ka-POW! with Batman! This one is serious and dark!"

The general media perception was the 60s Batman, it took some media push to make sure people realised that Batman had grown up.

Now we have a different circumstance. Not half as bad. Less. Nevertheless, people see Batman from what they last saw him in.

Most don't watch cartoons or read comics. They see movies. Batman & Robin is still a laughing stock with people I've met, so I am surprised they didn't actively move the look away from the old franchise to prevent people making that connection.

I don't think it's a big issue, but I do think it's a problem with such a similar problem.

However I do appreciate you explaining your perspective Master Con. Thanks!

[BatKid]

If it's any consolation, Nolan has said during pre-production that he did try many variations of materials for the suit (including the tights). He decided that the look they went with was more suited for his movie and looked best. So, if the director sees the armor look to fit best, then I don't see a reason to doubt him, especially a director as talented as Nolan.

And I do think in the sequel, the costume will have a more traditional look, whether it be the design or color scheme. Just don't expect the armor to go away though. Something tells me that Nolan is saving up the true look for the next movie, so there's more room for improvement.

[DarkAngel]

Most don't watch cartoons or read comics. They see movies. Right. So I'm guessing for most, the costume won't be a problem. At least, not from an authenticity point of view. They won't be making comparisons with comics or cartoons, so I think the costume won't receive much of a critical eye. They'll see no nipples on the batsuit (and I'm assuming no butt shots) and greater flexibility and will be satisfied.


Batman & Robin is still a laughing stock with people I've met, so I am surprised they didn't actively move the look away from the old franchise to prevent people making that connection.True, but the reason the film got that response wasn't the costume. Every complaint I recall hearing was in regards to the script or direction. So I'm guessing when most see "Begins", they'll see something very different. I think all the perceived problem areas in B&R will be addressed.

[BatKid]

Yeah, the problem in B&R wasn't the suit, but the direction. BF also had the nipples, but that was considered an enjoyable batfilm (or not nearly as bad as B&R).

[TimTwoFace]

Yeah, the problem in B&R wasn't the suit, but the direction. BF also had the nipples, but that was considered an enjoyable batfilm (or not nearly as bad as B&R).
Yeah, it wasn't the nipples that killed the movie - but the gratuitous butt-shots, particularly in the opening scenes of B&R were just so cheesy that it was a perfect primer for what turned out to be a very cheesy movie.

I doubt this costume will make or break the movie - hell, I know it won't. My only concern is that when Bale's in action, the cowl looks like it might become detached from the rest of the suit. The other previous Bat-suits had the cape/cowl molded into one piece, or in B&R's case, it was linked to the Batsymbol on the chest. This one's decent, I can even get used to the mold for Bale's narrower face and all (can't fault him there), but the cape's attachments just look...ugh...so "cheap Halloween costume" to me.

-Tim

[James]

Yeah, the problem in B&R wasn't the suit, but the direction. BF also had the nipples, but that was considered an enjoyable batfilm (or not nearly as bad as B&R).
I understand what you are saying, but it's not that the costume was bad in B&R (not that I liked it), it's just the costume is similar in overall look and will remind people of the previous franchise, or in someway connect this to the old films. Considering the last film was the travesty and it's the last film in a franchise which the next is judged by, that's why the similarity to B&R is a problem, albeit a minor one.

I still don't believe this was the only or best method for the suit, regardless of Nolan's choice. I feel Nolan's choice was also to a degree affected by his take on Batman which is different to mine. If I was doing a Batman Begins, I would not emphasise the technolgy element - Batmobile, cave or suit, I would have gone sparten. I wouldn't have gone for tights, but I would have used this material but had it sculpted as body - like with Spiderman, I would have run with the greys rather than fast black. The belt would be more old school and the cape material made probably (having not seen the options of a similar composite as the old capes. I don't think a non material cape really works in this scenerio - especially with rubber, it just contrasts the material too much. The cowl I would have looked into blending darker direction and white CG'd slits. I do firmly believe that if Gollum can be done, white slits is indeed doable and if handled with subtley (eg, not always have them in play, don't have them glaring white all the time) I think that would have really broken this start from the old franchise.

But that's me. I think Nolan's direction in where he wants to take Bat's differs from me, that's cool, I'm sure he will do a great job, but I think the suit irks me because it go against how I percieve Batman as well as how effective I think works overall.

[matta2fatta]

i cant really tell but does batman have pupils?

my bad i think i see pupils but the outside the pupils thats got color kno what im sayin i dont think hes got none of those or am i seeing things

[Eddie G.]

i cant really tell but does batman have pupils?

my bad i think i see pupils but the outside the pupils thats got color kno what im sayin i dont think hes got none of those or am i seeing thingsYes and no. He actually does have pupils but it seems from some of the shots that we've seen that they'll be some illusions to making it look like he has none. I also hope they do what they did in the original Batman movie where they used lighting/shadows to make Batman's eyes just black voids.

[BatKid]

To the people wanting more traditional colors..I found this manip that's pretty convincing. Is this what you'd have wanted?

http://movingunits.com/batdink.jpg

[TimTwoFace]

Hey, nice manip. I have no problem with the colours of the actual suit, but this one looks even better in my opinion. :)

-Tim

[James]

Yes and no. He actually does have pupils but it seems from some of the shots that we've seen that they'll be some illusions to making it look like he has none. I also hope they do what they did in the original Batman movie where they used lighting/shadows to make Batman's eyes just black voids.
Absolutely. Lighting and direction is pivitol to any suit. Can make a good one look bad, a bad one look great. Clearly they aren't whiting the eyes - I certainly don't think if they had it should have been something which was in every shot, I think the lack of eyes in scenes - lost in the shadows - is as effective as any form of eye effects, be they natural like here or CG's.

Oh and I agree, the colour change in the manip makes the whole thing hold together far better visually IMO - regardless of it's closer relationship to the comics.

[Pyro]

I'm not digging this costume much. I prefer the more traditional superhero look. Sort of like a fabric. This one looks too... plasticky, like a toy. I was hoping with the new movie they would step away from that type of costume. I actually wish we could get white eyes for once. The whites are ubiquitous everywhere else, why not in the movies?

[Damien]

In one of the earlier pictures, the eyes were clearly white, but I guess that was just to tease. BatKid, to answer your question from earlier, that's the picture you edited that I absolutely love. I don't know how to post it, though. Anyway, this new picture is cool, except the mask still looks a little big. Once the movie starts, however, I doubt it will matter.

[BatKid]

BatKid, to answer your question from earlier, that's the picture you edited that I absolutely love. I don't know how to post it, though.
Heh, talk about a late response. As long as I didn't spoil anything for you about the story, I'm good. :D

[Spider-Man]

To the people wanting more traditional colors..I found this manip that's pretty convincing. Is this what you'd have wanted?

http://movingunits.com/batdink.jpgI really like this version of his costume. The final version they have isn't too bad but this one looks better. Once we see it in action I'm sure the suit will look better. Sometimes things look better when we see them in action and not in tired stills like the one above.

[Robin]

Superhero Hype! has learned that a new trailer for Warner Bros. Pictures' Batman Begins, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Christian Bale, will hit theaters with the studio's sequel "Ocean's Twelve" on December 10.

You can probably expect the trailer to come online earlier that week and it will most likely air on entertainment programs as well.

[Phantasm]

OMG REALLY?!!!!!!!!!WWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I AM SO BLOODY EXCITED!!!!!:anime: