C
Crystaline
Guest
Christian Bale better do a good job. I've seen all the previous Batman movies and no one came close to Micheal Keaton.
Batman Begins #1: (SPOILERS) Look out Scarecrow and Ra's al Ghul!
O
orion_d13
Guest
Saw the movie tonight. Absolutely loved it. Amazing. Bale and Neeson, Caine, Freeman, and Oldman. Perfect cast.
One complaint that I keep hearing though that bothers me. I'm not sure why everyone feels the need to trash or diminish Katie Holmes acting in the movie. She did a decent job, not great, but the role didn't require that. I'm not even a KH fan, but she fit the role--idealistic young assistant D.A. who was a childhood friend/sweetheart of Bruce Wayne. She worked for me...and she was not at all distracting.
But yeah. Sorry, rant over. The movie was again, awesome. So seeing it again this weekend. I hope more people see the movie though and spread the good word. My theatre was about a little over half full...although it is a weekday.
One complaint that I keep hearing though that bothers me. I'm not sure why everyone feels the need to trash or diminish Katie Holmes acting in the movie. She did a decent job, not great, but the role didn't require that. I'm not even a KH fan, but she fit the role--idealistic young assistant D.A. who was a childhood friend/sweetheart of Bruce Wayne. She worked for me...and she was not at all distracting.
But yeah. Sorry, rant over. The movie was again, awesome. So seeing it again this weekend. I hope more people see the movie though and spread the good word. My theatre was about a little over half full...although it is a weekday.
S
slave4buffy
Guest
from batman-on-film.com...
A presentation tape? Misc. BEGINS bits
Thursday, March 18, 2004, 9:25 AM CST: This is NOT what I was refering to yesterday, but if you are interested, AICN has some details about a alleged "merchandising promo reel" for BATMAN BEGINS. This tape included interviews with Chris Nolan, David Goyer, and Charles Roven--as well as production designs for the Batmobile and Gotham City. Based on what I know of the script, this report sounds legit....As I have NO CONTROL on when it will actually go public, I'd suggest to keep checking....Our friend "M.B." is back with a few more Bat-rumors. While BOF stands behind the legitimacy of this scooper, take all all this as rumor right now--I wouldn't want anyone tripping out, staying up all night, and making threats of violence, etc.--over this info....
*The studio and filmakers are a bit concerned about the public's perception of the Bat-suit. Which may lead them to releasing a shot of it ala Tobey McGuire and SPIDERMAN soon. "Don't expect anything too bright probably just a shot of Batman in dark lighting, not revealing too much."
*Teaser posters. The Bat-signal over Gotham with "2005" within Bat-area of the light. A car wheel (The Batmobile) with the Bat-symbol as a spoke on the car and just "2005."
*Christian Bale is shaving his beard off by the end of next week for the next phase of production.
*The writer for the novelization of the film will be chosen soon. Several candidates have already met with the powers that be.
Thanks again to "M.B." for the info!
and now this poster which hasn't been confirmed yet but nobody is saying it's a fake or photoshop either...
something official is supposed to come out today too. Many speculate it's the website (batmanbegins.com) so keep your eyes peeled.
A presentation tape? Misc. BEGINS bits
Thursday, March 18, 2004, 9:25 AM CST: This is NOT what I was refering to yesterday, but if you are interested, AICN has some details about a alleged "merchandising promo reel" for BATMAN BEGINS. This tape included interviews with Chris Nolan, David Goyer, and Charles Roven--as well as production designs for the Batmobile and Gotham City. Based on what I know of the script, this report sounds legit....As I have NO CONTROL on when it will actually go public, I'd suggest to keep checking....Our friend "M.B." is back with a few more Bat-rumors. While BOF stands behind the legitimacy of this scooper, take all all this as rumor right now--I wouldn't want anyone tripping out, staying up all night, and making threats of violence, etc.--over this info....
*The studio and filmakers are a bit concerned about the public's perception of the Bat-suit. Which may lead them to releasing a shot of it ala Tobey McGuire and SPIDERMAN soon. "Don't expect anything too bright probably just a shot of Batman in dark lighting, not revealing too much."
*Teaser posters. The Bat-signal over Gotham with "2005" within Bat-area of the light. A car wheel (The Batmobile) with the Bat-symbol as a spoke on the car and just "2005."
*Christian Bale is shaving his beard off by the end of next week for the next phase of production.
*The writer for the novelization of the film will be chosen soon. Several candidates have already met with the powers that be.
Thanks again to "M.B." for the info!
and now this poster which hasn't been confirmed yet but nobody is saying it's a fake or photoshop either...
something official is supposed to come out today too. Many speculate it's the website (batmanbegins.com) so keep your eyes peeled.
S
slave4buffy
Guest
hey people. sorry i haven't updated in like forever lol but looks like you guys took care of it for me 
I've been very busy the past 3 months or so but hopefully, i can post a tad more often now.
say, does anybody know where i can find some batman begins avatars?
I've been very busy the past 3 months or so but hopefully, i can post a tad more often now.say, does anybody know where i can find some batman begins avatars?
S
S.A.S.H.A.
Guest
Sasha
S
slave4buffy
Guest
she sure is. she plays Rachel, a childhood love interest of Bruce Wayne/Batman and the assistant to the district attorney.
here's some updates gang:
ign filmforce has up a positive review of the script(a few minor spoilers)..
http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/496/496077p1.html?fromint=1
Sergeant Jim Gordon has recently been cast(since this is batman's early years, Gordon isn't the commish yet)..
IGN FilmForce Exclusive: Who Is Jim Gordon?
We know who has been cast in Batman Begins!
March 03, 2004 - IGN FilmForce can break the news as to who has been cast against type as Sergeant (later Lieutenant then Commissioner) Jim Gordon in Batman Begins: Gary Oldman!
That's right: honest cop Jim Gordon will be portrayed by the 46-year-old British thesp best known for playing Dracula, Dr. Smith, Mason Verger, Joe Orton, Sid Vicious, Pontius Pilate, Beethoven, Drexl Spivey, and Lee Harvey Oswald! He'll next be seen as Sirius Black in another Warner Brothers franchise pic, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Past rumored contenders for the role of Gordon included Chris Cooper, Dennis Quaid, and Kurt Russell.
Our sources advised us that Oldman's casting will hit the trades later tonight. (UPDATE: Sure enough, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed it as of 11PM EST.)
Batman Begins starts filming March 16th on location in Iceland, the U.K. and the United States. Christopher Nolan directs from a script by David Goyer.
The cast includes Christian Bale as Batman, Michael Caine as Alfred, Katie Holmes as Rachel Dodson, Liam Neeson as Ducard, Ken Watanabe as ra's al Ghul, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, Cillian Murphy as Jonathan Crane, and Larry Holden as D.A. Fisk.
So what do you think of Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon?
and for those wondering, i'll give you a synopsis of the movie as well as the cast so far...
"Batman Begins," director Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film, has commenced production in Iceland, with Gary Oldman joining the all-star cast. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.
In "Batman Begins," Oldman will play Lieutenant James Gordon, a detective on the Gotham police force. The film stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman; Michael Caine as his trusted butler Alfred; Katie Holmes as Rachel, a childhood friend of Wayne's; Liam Neeson as Wayne's mentor, Henri Ducard; Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, a former board member and sidelined employee of Wayne Enterprises; and Ken Watanabe as the villainous Ra's Al Ghul.
Directed by Christopher Nolan from a screenplay by David Goyer and Christopher Nolan, "Batman Begins" is produced by Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Larry Franco. The executive producers are Ben Melniker and Michael Uslan. The film is based on characters created by Bob Kane and published by DC Comics.
"Batman Begins" is scheduled to film in Iceland, London and Chicago.
The film, which explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham, will be released worldwide in Summer 2005 by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
and finally an early description of the batsuit from batman-on-film.com...
"The Batsuit is currently being made at a secret location in Hampshire and will be delivered to Shepperton late April. The other description online [from BOF--Jett] was probably the dummy cowl with the same surface material which is being used for camera testing only, this one may be in the Bob Kane 1930s design as a joke. The genuine suit appears to be in seperate sections at the costume designer's Hampshire workshop, although the only parts missing were the utility belt and boots which weren't visible when I took a peek.
The body and sections are dark grey and rippled somewhat to look like real skin, imagine how they portrayed Spawn and you get the right idea. The Batsymbol is across the chest armour and not in a yellow oval. The cowl and cape are black or dark blue, the cowl looks like the skin material too and is thinner and has realistic human features like cheekbones and forehead.
The ears are fairly long like in the previous movies and the design of the eyes and jaw cutaways are similar. Overall the suit doesnt look as exaggeratedly muscular as it was before and the rubber like material is thinner."
I'll keep you guys ever updated. if anybody is wondering who certain characters are or whatever, just post it in the thread and I(or another fan. i'm sure this thread is going to heat up sooner than later) will fill ya in.
here's some updates gang:
ign filmforce has up a positive review of the script(a few minor spoilers)..
http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/496/496077p1.html?fromint=1
Sergeant Jim Gordon has recently been cast(since this is batman's early years, Gordon isn't the commish yet)..
IGN FilmForce Exclusive: Who Is Jim Gordon?
We know who has been cast in Batman Begins!
March 03, 2004 - IGN FilmForce can break the news as to who has been cast against type as Sergeant (later Lieutenant then Commissioner) Jim Gordon in Batman Begins: Gary Oldman!
That's right: honest cop Jim Gordon will be portrayed by the 46-year-old British thesp best known for playing Dracula, Dr. Smith, Mason Verger, Joe Orton, Sid Vicious, Pontius Pilate, Beethoven, Drexl Spivey, and Lee Harvey Oswald! He'll next be seen as Sirius Black in another Warner Brothers franchise pic, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Past rumored contenders for the role of Gordon included Chris Cooper, Dennis Quaid, and Kurt Russell.
Our sources advised us that Oldman's casting will hit the trades later tonight. (UPDATE: Sure enough, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed it as of 11PM EST.)
Batman Begins starts filming March 16th on location in Iceland, the U.K. and the United States. Christopher Nolan directs from a script by David Goyer.
The cast includes Christian Bale as Batman, Michael Caine as Alfred, Katie Holmes as Rachel Dodson, Liam Neeson as Ducard, Ken Watanabe as ra's al Ghul, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, Cillian Murphy as Jonathan Crane, and Larry Holden as D.A. Fisk.
So what do you think of Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon?
and for those wondering, i'll give you a synopsis of the movie as well as the cast so far...
"Batman Begins," director Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film, has commenced production in Iceland, with Gary Oldman joining the all-star cast. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.
In "Batman Begins," Oldman will play Lieutenant James Gordon, a detective on the Gotham police force. The film stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman; Michael Caine as his trusted butler Alfred; Katie Holmes as Rachel, a childhood friend of Wayne's; Liam Neeson as Wayne's mentor, Henri Ducard; Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, a former board member and sidelined employee of Wayne Enterprises; and Ken Watanabe as the villainous Ra's Al Ghul.
Directed by Christopher Nolan from a screenplay by David Goyer and Christopher Nolan, "Batman Begins" is produced by Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Larry Franco. The executive producers are Ben Melniker and Michael Uslan. The film is based on characters created by Bob Kane and published by DC Comics.
"Batman Begins" is scheduled to film in Iceland, London and Chicago.
The film, which explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham, will be released worldwide in Summer 2005 by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
and finally an early description of the batsuit from batman-on-film.com...
"The Batsuit is currently being made at a secret location in Hampshire and will be delivered to Shepperton late April. The other description online [from BOF--Jett] was probably the dummy cowl with the same surface material which is being used for camera testing only, this one may be in the Bob Kane 1930s design as a joke. The genuine suit appears to be in seperate sections at the costume designer's Hampshire workshop, although the only parts missing were the utility belt and boots which weren't visible when I took a peek.
The body and sections are dark grey and rippled somewhat to look like real skin, imagine how they portrayed Spawn and you get the right idea. The Batsymbol is across the chest armour and not in a yellow oval. The cowl and cape are black or dark blue, the cowl looks like the skin material too and is thinner and has realistic human features like cheekbones and forehead.
The ears are fairly long like in the previous movies and the design of the eyes and jaw cutaways are similar. Overall the suit doesnt look as exaggeratedly muscular as it was before and the rubber like material is thinner."
I'll keep you guys ever updated. if anybody is wondering who certain characters are or whatever, just post it in the thread and I(or another fan. i'm sure this thread is going to heat up sooner than later) will fill ya in.
I was a bit iffy after the last two Batmans [I gave it a shot since Nolan did Memento, one of my fave movies], but this was a summer movie done right (unlike the huge pile of "eh" that was Mr. and Mrs. Smith). This movie was pretty darn good, washing the bitter taste of Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey [although the casting was inspired], O'Donnell, Silverstone, and the awful, awful, awful governor of my state.
IMO, it was definitely better than the last two Batman movies, maybe even better than Batman Returns (see what happens when you don't get a hack director like Schumacher). Christian Bale owned as Batman and Bruce Wayne and Neeson was an awesome villain. The only thing that detracted from the film was Katie Holmes' acting [it wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either], but she's cute to look out so she gets a pass, :look:.
Interesting they set up the sequel [of course, there's going to be one] and how they'll handle this Joker [Nicholson was pretty solid as the Burton's Joker]. Shoot, I didn't even recognize that was Gary Oldman as Gordon until I looked on IMDb, :lol:.
A-.
IMO, it was definitely better than the last two Batman movies, maybe even better than Batman Returns (see what happens when you don't get a hack director like Schumacher). Christian Bale owned as Batman and Bruce Wayne and Neeson was an awesome villain. The only thing that detracted from the film was Katie Holmes' acting [it wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either], but she's cute to look out so she gets a pass, :look:.
Interesting they set up the sequel [of course, there's going to be one] and how they'll handle this Joker [Nicholson was pretty solid as the Burton's Joker]. Shoot, I didn't even recognize that was Gary Oldman as Gordon until I looked on IMDb, :lol:.
A-.
S
S.A.S.H.A.
Guest
Two hours! :wiggle:
Sasha
Sasha
S
S.A.S.H.A.
Guest
''Batman'' filiming heads for Chicago rooftops
Video
Sasha
Video
Sasha
R
Rainstorm Jenny
Guest
I saw Batman begins and it was awesome!
C
cherrios
Guest
These two are both such amazing actors, the more films of theirs I see them in. The more respect I have that they can be so many different characters with so many different personalies and voices.
And now we get Heath Ledger, who wasn't really my pick for Joker. But I know he's a great actor too, so I'm going to wait and see how he does in a whole.
And now we get Heath Ledger, who wasn't really my pick for Joker. But I know he's a great actor too, so I'm going to wait and see how he does in a whole.
B
Brighter Than Sunshine
Guest
Isen't Katie Holmes in this "Batman"? I think she plays Christian Bale's girlfriend.
~ Britney
James' Shamless Hussie
Keeper of Todd and The Drunken Speech
~ Britney
James' Shamless Hussie
Keeper of Todd and The Drunken Speech
S
S.A.S.H.A.
Guest
Gorgeous icons.
Sasha
Sasha
K
Katie Bee
Guest
I absolutely loved this movie (which is really unusual for an "action" movie.) The acting is wonderful,(except maybe Katie Holmes who was a little disappointing as Rachel) as is the story. It's not cartoon-like as Burton and the original franchise (which was why I never enjoyed them.) I would actually welcome a sequel, and I hate sequels, because this new... I don't know how to decribe it ... "feel"... is more interesting and likeable than the older ones, and is a begininng that needs a more interesting and likeable end. (One that doesn't include George Clooney's built in nipples.)
S
S.A.S.H.A.
Guest
Yeah, Bale rocks, so I'm glad he's Batman. And he's got the chin to go with the costume.
Ugh, don't get me started on Catwoman's costume, or lack thereof.
Sasha
Ugh, don't get me started on Catwoman's costume, or lack thereof.
Sasha
M
Mavericks
Guest
This is one of the movies that I am patiently anticipating for. I love Bale! I think he is one of the finest underrated actors out there. I'm excited to see him as Bats. I'm just really hoping that this movie will do OK.
I saw the trailer of Catwoman and Catwoman looks like a porn star.
I saw the trailer of Catwoman and Catwoman looks like a porn star.
N
nun with a gun
Guest
this is offical (from www.joblow.com)
CHRISTIAN BALE as BATMAN
The easy thing to do is compare Bale to his predecessors, Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, and George Clooney. Remember though, the title of the movie is BATMAN BEGINS not BATMAN: MIDLIFE CRISIS. This is story I've always wanted to see on screen, with a young ass whoopin' billionaire taking out the pain of watching his parents being murdered on Gotham City's lowest life forms. Bale is going to be huge in this movie, and I don't just mean physically. His acclaimed portrayal of young James Graham in 1987's EMPIRE OF THE SUN thrust Bale into his own spotlight only to have it slowly dim until a powerful performance in 2000's AMERICAN PSYCHO. He's proved his action capabilities with 2002's REIGN OF FIRE and EQUILIBRIUM and is once again receiving praise as Trevor Reznik in Brad Anderson's THE MACHINIST. Look for Bale to own your ass when this movie is released. CASTING GRADE: 9.5/10
MICHAEL CAINE as ALFRED PENNYWORTH
At first glance, he might seem like an ordinary tuxedo wearing butler but when it comes to important figures in the life of Bruce Wayne and his alter ego, Albert ranks higher than any other. He's minded after Bruce since the death of his parents and been a key player when it comes to operation of the Bat-cave, healing wounds, covering the Bat's ass, and cleaning the house. The role for Caine is not unlike his portrayal of Nigel Powers in GOLDMEMBER. A secondary character played by one of Hollywood's most celebrated actors. Caine will add the needed humor and cool confidence, traits that have always helped Albert inject sanity into the otherwise chaotic lifestyle of the Dark Knight. CASTING GRADE: 9/10
MORGAN FREEMAN as LUCIOUS FOX
This is where it get a little tricky. Lucious Fox has never been a huge contributor to the Bat-saga yet Nolan opted to go with the drawing power and uncanny acting abilities of one of the world's most popular dramatic actors in Freeman. Now, I haven't read the script so how much Fox is written into the story is unknown to me, but getting such an established personality might backfire if every scene he's in is stolen from Bale. Fox is the man who runs WayneCorp and a true friend to the man he calls boss even though he's still kept in the dark about the whole superhero/ vigilante thing. CASTING GRADE: 7/10
GARY OLDMAN as LT. JAMES GORDON
It's being stressed that this is "Lieutenant" James Gordon and not quite yet the Commissioner we've all become familiar with on television and past films. Oldman turns 46 next week. For some reason he doesn't embody the young strapping cop I always believed Gordon to be in his heyday. That said, Oldman has always surprised me with his character abilities. Dracula in DRACULA, Drexl Spivey in TRUE ROMANCE, Lee Harvey Oswald in JFK, Mason Verger in HANNIBAL, these are all memorable characters. Jim Gordon has a chance to join that list. I've always loved the relationship between the cop and the bat, not your typical enemies but at the same time, they're not going out for beers after rounding up the bad guys. Gordon has always known how to use the quick and efficient justice of The Batman to his advantage while carrying a boat-load of subplots within his own complex life. Getting Oldman tells me the makers of this film might dig into the lieutenant deeper than usual and if that's the case, Oldman will hold his own. CASTING GRADE: 7.5/10
LIAM NEESON as HENRI DUCARD
Henri Ducard was a major player in the molding of Bruce Wayne in his desire to become the ultimate stealth. The Frenchman Interpol agent trained Wayne in the art of manhunting and all the attributes that go along with being a top of the line spy. Neeson should slide right in as the role of the mentor, picking up some tricks of the trade as Obi Wan's teach in THE PHANTOM MENACE. Just add a tiny little mustache and he's all set. CASTING GRADE: 8/10
KEN WATANABE as RA'S AL GHUL
With a name meaning The Demon's Head and a nickname like The Immortal, there was no better villain for Nolan to introduce to the world of Batman on screen. The comic's history between Ra's and Batman is long and complex with storylines involving an attempt by Ra's to have Batman marry his daughter, Talia, in attempt to make him his heir. The history of his character remains a mystery in the books so look for a somewhat new introduction to the character in the movie. Watanabe didn't waste any time becoming a headliner after the success he found with THE LAST SAMURAI and the intensity and skill he boasted in that film should aid him well when he goes head to head with Bale. CASTING GRADE: 9/10
CILLIAN MURPHY as Dr. JONATHAN CRANE (aka THE SCARECROW)
A one-time professor at the University of Gotham, Crane specialized in the field of phobias. After falling into a life of crime he devised ways of using drugs, chemicals, and electronics to spread fear amongst anyone surrounding him. The stick-thin Murphy fits the description of the villain to a tee. No matter how small of a part The Scarecrow might have in this film, I think it's going have a huge impact. The character has been one of Batman's longest running foes and always proves to be a worthwhile fight by exposing Batman to his inner demons. People are going to want more of this guy. CASTING GRADE: 8/10
KATIE HOLMES as RACHEL CASPIAN
Don't know much about Ms. Caspian but early indications from the production says she's a childhood friend of Bruce and his main love interest in the film. And it's Katie Holmes for Christ's sake. CASTING GRADE: 8/10 (cuz she's hot)
YAY!!!
*iva*
CHRISTIAN BALE as BATMAN
The easy thing to do is compare Bale to his predecessors, Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, and George Clooney. Remember though, the title of the movie is BATMAN BEGINS not BATMAN: MIDLIFE CRISIS. This is story I've always wanted to see on screen, with a young ass whoopin' billionaire taking out the pain of watching his parents being murdered on Gotham City's lowest life forms. Bale is going to be huge in this movie, and I don't just mean physically. His acclaimed portrayal of young James Graham in 1987's EMPIRE OF THE SUN thrust Bale into his own spotlight only to have it slowly dim until a powerful performance in 2000's AMERICAN PSYCHO. He's proved his action capabilities with 2002's REIGN OF FIRE and EQUILIBRIUM and is once again receiving praise as Trevor Reznik in Brad Anderson's THE MACHINIST. Look for Bale to own your ass when this movie is released. CASTING GRADE: 9.5/10
MICHAEL CAINE as ALFRED PENNYWORTH
At first glance, he might seem like an ordinary tuxedo wearing butler but when it comes to important figures in the life of Bruce Wayne and his alter ego, Albert ranks higher than any other. He's minded after Bruce since the death of his parents and been a key player when it comes to operation of the Bat-cave, healing wounds, covering the Bat's ass, and cleaning the house. The role for Caine is not unlike his portrayal of Nigel Powers in GOLDMEMBER. A secondary character played by one of Hollywood's most celebrated actors. Caine will add the needed humor and cool confidence, traits that have always helped Albert inject sanity into the otherwise chaotic lifestyle of the Dark Knight. CASTING GRADE: 9/10
MORGAN FREEMAN as LUCIOUS FOX
This is where it get a little tricky. Lucious Fox has never been a huge contributor to the Bat-saga yet Nolan opted to go with the drawing power and uncanny acting abilities of one of the world's most popular dramatic actors in Freeman. Now, I haven't read the script so how much Fox is written into the story is unknown to me, but getting such an established personality might backfire if every scene he's in is stolen from Bale. Fox is the man who runs WayneCorp and a true friend to the man he calls boss even though he's still kept in the dark about the whole superhero/ vigilante thing. CASTING GRADE: 7/10
GARY OLDMAN as LT. JAMES GORDON
It's being stressed that this is "Lieutenant" James Gordon and not quite yet the Commissioner we've all become familiar with on television and past films. Oldman turns 46 next week. For some reason he doesn't embody the young strapping cop I always believed Gordon to be in his heyday. That said, Oldman has always surprised me with his character abilities. Dracula in DRACULA, Drexl Spivey in TRUE ROMANCE, Lee Harvey Oswald in JFK, Mason Verger in HANNIBAL, these are all memorable characters. Jim Gordon has a chance to join that list. I've always loved the relationship between the cop and the bat, not your typical enemies but at the same time, they're not going out for beers after rounding up the bad guys. Gordon has always known how to use the quick and efficient justice of The Batman to his advantage while carrying a boat-load of subplots within his own complex life. Getting Oldman tells me the makers of this film might dig into the lieutenant deeper than usual and if that's the case, Oldman will hold his own. CASTING GRADE: 7.5/10
LIAM NEESON as HENRI DUCARD
Henri Ducard was a major player in the molding of Bruce Wayne in his desire to become the ultimate stealth. The Frenchman Interpol agent trained Wayne in the art of manhunting and all the attributes that go along with being a top of the line spy. Neeson should slide right in as the role of the mentor, picking up some tricks of the trade as Obi Wan's teach in THE PHANTOM MENACE. Just add a tiny little mustache and he's all set. CASTING GRADE: 8/10
KEN WATANABE as RA'S AL GHUL
With a name meaning The Demon's Head and a nickname like The Immortal, there was no better villain for Nolan to introduce to the world of Batman on screen. The comic's history between Ra's and Batman is long and complex with storylines involving an attempt by Ra's to have Batman marry his daughter, Talia, in attempt to make him his heir. The history of his character remains a mystery in the books so look for a somewhat new introduction to the character in the movie. Watanabe didn't waste any time becoming a headliner after the success he found with THE LAST SAMURAI and the intensity and skill he boasted in that film should aid him well when he goes head to head with Bale. CASTING GRADE: 9/10
CILLIAN MURPHY as Dr. JONATHAN CRANE (aka THE SCARECROW)
A one-time professor at the University of Gotham, Crane specialized in the field of phobias. After falling into a life of crime he devised ways of using drugs, chemicals, and electronics to spread fear amongst anyone surrounding him. The stick-thin Murphy fits the description of the villain to a tee. No matter how small of a part The Scarecrow might have in this film, I think it's going have a huge impact. The character has been one of Batman's longest running foes and always proves to be a worthwhile fight by exposing Batman to his inner demons. People are going to want more of this guy. CASTING GRADE: 8/10
KATIE HOLMES as RACHEL CASPIAN
Don't know much about Ms. Caspian but early indications from the production says she's a childhood friend of Bruce and his main love interest in the film. And it's Katie Holmes for Christ's sake. CASTING GRADE: 8/10 (cuz she's hot)
YAY!!!
*iva*