The Dark Knight Rises Characterization of the Knight - Nolan and Bale's Bruce Wayne/Batman - Part 1

[JackWhite]

Mark Hamill's physical aging had more to do with the fact that he got into a car accident after A New Hope. He was thrown out the windshield and had to go through facial surgery. That's why his face looks so different in the other films. Good thing Nolan just gave Bale some gray hairs!

Oh yeah, nearly forgot about that.

I meant more emotional and character growth, but yeah, I think you get the point.

 

[Doctor Who]

I think it's like this:

Goatee one is at the beginning - crazy, depressed Bruce

Bearded one is at the middle - post Bane defeat, prisoner Bruce

I think it will be the other way around, to be honest.

 

[DKDetective]

Since we are discussing the evolution of Bruce's look throughout the series, I thought I might contribute my impressions on the Bruce Wayne disguise, specifically Bruce's business suits. I know kvz5 and others have mentioned that they think Bruce's suits in TDKR look ill-fitted, but I would argue that they are not. They are simply the traditional baggy Armani cut, which is considered rather classic, but which is currently out of fashion. Bruce's suits in The Dark Knight had the same cut. (see below) They are still well-cut, expensive clothes that you will see many men in his social strata wearing because good suits are supposed to last a long-time.

Hemming mentioned that they kept Bruce in Armani for character reasons and I think there is significance in the style of the suits. They are perfectly suited (pun not intended) for an eccentric billionaire who is stuck in time. Bruce's suits haven't changed with fashion because he hasn't. Moreover, the traditional baggy Armani cut is visually associated with 1980s Wall Street, which is very fitting given the film's apparent social themes. Finally, whether intentional or not, the looser cut of Bruce's suits do a great job of hiding his physique. If Bruce was dressed in very slim suits like Daniel Craig will be in Skyfall, it would be rather obvious that he is a very well-built man and people might wonder why someone who spends his life partying and chasing women got in such great shape.

A Quick Visual History of Bruce's Suits:

Batman Begins

As you can see, Bruce began the series wearing relaxed cut Italian suits. I can't find any mention of the brand. I don't think they are Armani because in recent quotes about TDKR, Hemming would probably have said "we kept him in Armani like in the past films" instead of "the last film" singular.

Bruce's suits appear to be Brioni. They are remarkably similar to the Brioni suits Hemming dressed Pierce Brosnan as James Bond a couple years prior.

The Dark Knight
Bale wears Armani suits cut in the house's traditional soft, relaxed style.

The Dark Knight Rises
Same as above except Bruce seems to have made a few concessions to current trends. He is now wearing flat front trousers and his jackets are two-button fronts instead of three. (seems he took Lucius' comments in TDK to heart)

 

[munchie64]

^ Wow. Good work. All I can say is suit up!

 

[DKDetective]

^ Wow. Good work. All I can say is suit up!

Thanks. The other thing I forgot to mention is that Bruce always ties his ties with a four-in-hand knot. Which some might consider surprising since GQ or other such publications suggest that with wide ties and spread collars like Bruce wears, one should use a full or half Windsor knot to produce a larger knot that matches the rest of the ensemble's style. However, Windsor knots are very much a young money thing. People who come from money and have been raised in private schools and such tend to tie their ties using four-in-hand knots because that is the knot one is taught to use on your uniform in wealthy private schools. As such, given Bruce's background, it's another detail that is faithful to the character.

 

[Brain Damage]

That post was legen- wait for it - dary!

 

[CrypticOne]

I think it will be the other way around, to be honest.

Yeah, I agree. I think the top picture is of Bruce after he escapes from Bane's prison. And he's depressed because he doesn't believe he can stop Bane. Probably talking to Alfred in this scene.

 

[AnneFan]

I am with kvz5 on this one. Goatee Bruce being when he's crazy/depressed, and bearded Bruce while a prisoner.

 

[kvz5]

Since we are discussing the evolution of Bruce's look throughout the series, I thought I might contribute my impressions on the Bruce Wayne disguise, specifically Bruce's business suits. I know kvz5 and others have mentioned that they think Bruce's suits in TDKR look ill-fitted, but I would argue that they are not. They are simply the traditional baggy Armani cut, which is considered rather classic, but which is currently out of fashion. Bruce's suits in The Dark Knight had the same cut. (see below) They are still well-cut, expensive clothes that you will see many men in his social strata wearing because good suits are supposed to last a long-time.

Hemming mentioned that they kept Bruce in Armani for character reasons and I think there is significance in the style of the suits. They are perfectly suited (pun not intended) for an eccentric billionaire who is stuck in time. Bruce's suits haven't changed with fashion because he hasn't. Moreover, the traditional baggy Armani cut is visually associated with 1980s Wall Street, which is very fitting given the film's apparent social themes. Finally, whether intentional or not, the looser cut of Bruce's suits do a great job of hiding his physique. If Bruce was dressed in very slim suits like Daniel Craig will be in Skyfall, it would be rather obvious that he is a very well-built man and people might wonder why someone who spends his life partying and chasing women got in such great shape.

A Quick Visual History of Bruce's Suits:

Batman Begins

As you can see, Bruce began the series wearing relaxed cut Italian suits. I can't find any mention of the brand. I don't think they are Armani because in recent quotes about TDKR, Hemming would probably have said "we kept him in Armani like in the past films" instead of "the last film" singular.

Bruce's suits appear to be Brioni. They are remarkably similar to the Brioni suits Hemming dressed Pierce Brosnan as James Bond a couple years prior.

The Dark Knight
Bale wears Armani suits cut in the house's traditional soft, relaxed style.

The Dark Knight Rises
Same as above except Bruce seems to have made a few concessions to current trends. He is now wearing flat front trousers and his jackets are two-button fronts instead of three. (seems he took Lucius' comments in TDK to heart)

Good post! I definitely didn't think of it that way. I just thought that it looked too big on him but your post makes sense to me.

 

[godisawesome]

I think it will be the other way around, to be honest.

I'm with you. I'm thinking Bruce grows the beard first while in prison, and when he escapes he returns to Wayne Manor, which I think was suggested to be located off the main island. He then has to work up the will and strength to go back as Batman. I figure this is the part where he shoots at Selina with the crossbow. She probably knows who he is by this point.

 

[kvz5]

The pics where he has the robe on are also when he has a cane. That would be in the beginning when he's emotionally frozen and reclusive. I think by the time he escapes from prison, he'll be 100% ready to take down Bane. In a way, getting out of the prison is his final test if he's ready.

 

[DKDetective]

The pics where he has the robe on are also when he has a cane. That would be in the beginning when he's emotionally frozen and reclusive. I think by the time he escapes from prison, he'll be 100% ready to take down Bane. In a way, getting out of the prison is his final test if he's ready.

I agree. I really don't see the narrative sense of Bruce moping around in a bathrobe after escaping when Gotham is under the rule of Bane. Like you said the escape is the final test. It takes determination and drive to escape. You can see the fire in Bruce's eyes while he's trying to climb, it's fire we haven't seen since Begins. I can't see Bruce's arc naturally moving from determined hero fighting to escape and take his city back to broody recluse. I think the goatee is a nod to moustached, retired Bruce at the beginning of The Dark Knight Returns.

 

[A.Stabelli]

I hope Zimmer uses the rising two-note Batman motif as Bruce climbs out of the prison. I think it would add weight to the scene. To hear The Dark Knight's calling card as he Rises.

 

[Corey]

Thanks. The other thing I forgot to mention is that Bruce always ties his ties with a four-in-hand knot. Which some might consider surprising since GQ or other such publications suggest that with wide ties and spread collars like Bruce wears, one should use a full or half Windsor knot to produce a larger knot that matches the rest of the ensemble's style. However, Windsor knots are very much a young money thing. People who come from money and have been raised in private schools and such tend to tie their ties using four-in-hand knots because that is the knot one is taught to use on your uniform in wealthy private schools. As such, given Bruce's background, it's another detail that is faithful to the character.

Going by memory, the only 4 in hand knot Ive seen is from stills of when Bruce is talking to Tate at the party scene in TDKR...the majority of the time he seems to be sporting a Windsor of some type.

 

[DKDetective]

Going by memory, the only 4 in hand knot Ive seen is from stills of when Bruce is talking to Tate at the party scene in TDKR...the majority of the time he seems to be sporting a Windsor of some type.

He definitely wears a four-in-hand in all the spy shots from TDKR (the knots are asymetrical and long), but now that I look closely at some much larger photos from BB and TDK, I think you are right about those films. I was going off memory and I remembered the knots being rather small and thin for his size of tie, but now that I look that them really closely they look very symmetrical. Nice Catch!

I was also going off this TDK-era ad which is definitely a four-in-hand:

 

[kvz5]

Source: http://www.cinepremiere.com.mx/node/25021&HOME=

 

[kvz5]

 

[kvz5]

Just some HQs of some stills and the 2 posters:

Spoiler

 

[Gianakin_]

The 1st Batman poster is fantastic. I love it. Good enough to wash away the taste from yesterday's fiasco.

 

[Anita18]

Since we are discussing the evolution of Bruce's look throughout the series, I thought I might contribute my impressions on the Bruce Wayne disguise, specifically Bruce's business suits. I know kvz5 and others have mentioned that they think Bruce's suits in TDKR look ill-fitted, but I would argue that they are not. They are simply the traditional baggy Armani cut, which is considered rather classic, but which is currently out of fashion. Bruce's suits in The Dark Knight had the same cut. (see below) They are still well-cut, expensive clothes that you will see many men in his social strata wearing because good suits are supposed to last a long-time.

Hemming mentioned that they kept Bruce in Armani for character reasons and I think there is significance in the style of the suits. They are perfectly suited (pun not intended) for an eccentric billionaire who is stuck in time. Bruce's suits haven't changed with fashion because he hasn't. Moreover, the traditional baggy Armani cut is visually associated with 1980s Wall Street, which is very fitting given the film's apparent social themes. Finally, whether intentional or not, the looser cut of Bruce's suits do a great job of hiding his physique. If Bruce was dressed in very slim suits like Daniel Craig will be in Skyfall, it would be rather obvious that he is a very well-built man and people might wonder why someone who spends his life partying and chasing women got in such great shape.

A Quick Visual History of Bruce's Suits:

Batman Begins

As you can see, Bruce began the series wearing relaxed cut Italian suits. I can't find any mention of the brand. I don't think they are Armani because in recent quotes about TDKR, Hemming would probably have said "we kept him in Armani like in the past films" instead of "the last film" singular.

Bruce's suits appear to be Brioni. They are remarkably similar to the Brioni suits Hemming dressed Pierce Brosnan as James Bond a couple years prior.

The Dark Knight
Bale wears Armani suits cut in the house's traditional soft, relaxed style.

The Dark Knight Rises
Same as above except Bruce seems to have made a few concessions to current trends. He is now wearing flat front trousers and his jackets are two-button fronts instead of three. (seems he took Lucius' comments in TDK to heart)

I need you to school me on menswear so I can dress my future hubby for the wedding.

 

[jacobed]

That little picture of Batman standing with Catwoman behind him. Wow Batman looks absolutely stunningly amazing.

 

[kvz5]

That little picture of Batman standing with Catwoman behind him. Wow Batman looks absolutely stunningly amazing.

He does. And to think that was even at the beginning (pre-Bane defeat). I bet he'd look even more spectacular towards the end.

 

[Norek]

-huge awesome post-

Wow, that's a huge awesome post!

 

[AnneFan]

He does. And to think that was even at the beginning (pre-Bane defeat). I bet he'd look even more spectacular towards the end.

I haven't gotten around to looking at Batman properly in that pic, but I'll take your word for it.

 

[Blue Sugar]

I love how big Batman looks in the suit this time. More imposing than in TDK for sure, the chest and neck especially seems broader.