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

[KRIM]

However there has been mention of showing how Wayne deals with a Gotham that has become stable. Something that would be robbed of us should it happen already. They've referenced this time coming (both from Rachel) twice already. I think we'll see Bruce's worldview alter as a result of his activities. For the better of the city, but not necessarily for him.

 

[kvz5]

I think it will come to a point that Bruce needs Batman way more than Gotham needs Batman.

 

[Doc Samson]

However there has been mention of showing how Wayne deals with a Gotham that has become stable. Something that would be robbed of us should it happen already. They've referenced this time coming (both from Rachel) twice already. I think we'll see Bruce's worldview alter as a result of his activities. For the better of the city, but not necessarily for him.

Not really, (although you could very well be right, and most side with your way of thinking) I think showing Bruce Wayne dealing with these ramifications (and not Batman) is exactly why we shouldn't be seeing him in costume for a good portion of the beginning. Aside from his failing physical health, we would get a chance to see him do some of the philanthropic things that could affect change in a different way, because his old way of fisticuffs has run its course. I believe we'll be seeing all of this happen in real time before Bane forces the Dark Knight to Return.

 

[MagnarTheGreat]

Not really, I think showing Bruce Wayne dealing with these ramifications is exactly why we won't be seeing him as Batman initially from the beginning. Aside from his failing physical health, we would get a chance to see him do some of the philanthropic things that could affect change in a different way, because his old way of fisticuffs has run its course. I believe we'll be seeing all of this happen in real time before Bane forces the Dark Knight to Return.

I think rhythmically — you know, I view these films as pieces of music — if you start with a bit of a bang, it buys you more time to then calmly move into the story and the characters. We have a lot of characters in this film, a lot of people to introduce, a lot of catching up to do with the audience. So I think it was important to really throw something big on screen [the prologue action sequence with Bane] and then take our time."

EW

Ditto it seems to me Batman has been shelved at the beginning with cane-walking Bruce Wayne (but for how long since TDK?). It's peace-time, and Gotham cannot be at peace-time or cleaned-up with the Harvey Dent Act with Batman or Bane operating in it. Batman is the city's villain at the end of TDK. Harvey Dent is the hero. The city has to believe Batman is gone anyway. Doesn't make much sense otherwise.



He's not in a great state. He's frozen in time at the end of TDK and has nowhere to go. He's hit a brick wall. There's a big sacrifice at the end of TDK. Some of the messaging Nolan has done recently in interviews...

 

[KRIM]

Not really, (although you could very well be right, and most side with your way of thinking) I think showing Bruce Wayne dealing with these ramifications (and not Batman) is exactly why we shouldn't be seeing him in costume for a good portion of the beginning.

Notice I never once referenced Batman.

Aside from his failing physical health, we would get a chance to see him do some of the philanthropic things that could affect change in a different way, because his old way of fisticuffs has run its course. I believe we'll be seeing all of this happen in real time before Bane forces the Dark Knight to Return.

I guess it depends on how long he's been out of commission. I think the immediate period where Bruce realizes he's not really needed should be one of the most important moments to show. Whether that be as Bruce or Batman. Watching Bruce build a normal life is good and all, but I'm much more interested in seeing him struggle with letting go of his alternate identity.

 

[Doc Samson]

Notice I never once referenced Batman.

If that's the case, we should be in agreement then, I was under the impression from your previous posts that you would feel cheated if you don't see Bruce's inner turmoil with being Batman. I'm saying that those emotions will be the exact reason why I think Nolan will want Batman to already be semi-retired, so that we see just how Bruce is adjusting and coping with his newfound...freedom.

I guess it depends on how long he's been out of commission. I think the immediate period where Bruce realizes he's not really needed should be one of the most important moments to show. Whether that be as Bruce or Batman. Watching Bruce build a normal life is good and all, but I'm much more interested in seeing him struggle with letting go of his alternate identity.

Perhaps. I think, and I've said in previous threads, that this version of Bruce Wayne never seemed as attached to that persona as comic Bruce is, or even Keaton's Batman.

He's been looking for the exit sign since the very start. He simply wanted to inspire Gotham's citizens (and more importantly elected officials) to take back their city. Had the Joker never showed up, after Dent finished rounding up the mob, he was ready to quit. If Dent never stepped up at the press conference, he was again, ready to quit.

I just never got that impression that he needed Batman in the same way other iterations have. Rachel seemed to think so, but this was primarily based on Bruce not stopping Harvey at the press conference. To make up for that, he assumed Dent's "identity" at the climax for the murder, and to preserve his name. It was by no means some declaration of his love for the cape and cowl.

 

[バット人]

If that's the case, we should be in agreement then, I was under the impression from your previous posts that you would feel cheated if you don't see Bruce's inner turmoil with being Batman. I'm saying that those emotions will be the exact reason why I think Nolan will want Batman to already be semi-retired, so that we see just how Bruce is adjusting and coping with his newfound...freedom.



Perhaps. I think, and I've said in previous threads, that this version of Bruce Wayne never seemed as attached to that persona as comic Bruce is, or even Keaton's Batman.

He's been looking for the exit sign since the very start. He simply wanted to inspire Gotham's citizens (and more importantly elected officials) to take back their city. Had the Joker never showed up, after Dent finished rounding up the mob, he was ready to quit. If Dent never stepped up at the press conference, he was again, ready to quit.

I just never got that impression that he needed Batman in the same way other iterations have. Rachel seemed to think so, but this was primarily based on Bruce not stopping Harvey at the press conference. To make up for that, he assumed Dent's identity at the climax for the murder, and to preserve his name. It was by no means some declaration of his love for the cape and cowl.

Good post, I agree with everything you said Doc. This character isn't like most interpretations that are obsessed or have the dominant Batman persona. Bruce Wayne is the true persona (despite what Rachel may have thought) and since Day 1 on the plane with Alfred he's seen the very thought of Batman as a tool to inspire Gotham to take the reigns so to speak. This isn't the animated Batman that calls his conscious, Batman or the Burton Batman that is uncomfortable being Bruce Wayne. This is a man who's identity, I think will always be Bruce. I think Batman is just a tool, just the costume and the voice to accomplish what he needs or wants to do, which is be a symbol of hope, not BE Batman.

 

[Art Damage]

Perhaps this is something that was already discussed by the shot in the trailer where Bruce asks "what does that mean?" we see what looks to be some amount of gray in his hair.

Do you think by 8 years in the future we're going to see a more gray haired Bruce Wayne? I don't recall seeing the shade as much as in the set pics where Bale is Bruce. I know it's 8 years and all and the stress of Batman would leave anyone feeling much older and worn inside...but certainly that won't be the case of his look for the whole film right?

 

[kvz5]

IMO the gray hair has always been the same amount although in some set pics his hair was styled so it covers up the gray hair a bit. I think he'll have those gray hair in all the scenes that are "8 years later".

 

[Travesty]

IMO the gray hair has always been the same amount although in some set pics his hair was styled so it covers up the gray hair a bit. I think he'll have those gray hair in all the scenes that are "8 years later".

Yup

 

[COMPO]

From what I got at the end of TDK Bruce was now fully devoted to his role as Batman knowing that Gotham always needs him, seems kind of daft for him to go back on that idea after all that even if Gotham is in peace time.

 

[JackWhite]

From what I got at the end of TDK Bruce was now fully devoted to his role as Batman knowing that Gotham always needs him, seems kind of daft for him to go back on that idea after all that even if Gotham is in peace time.

I really hope Bruce is still active as Batman but laying low during the 8 year gap. I just can't see him retiring and being "frozen in time" for that long; not doing anything, even if he's started his more philanthropic duties.

He'd be nuttier than a fruit cake if he's just locked away in Wayne Manor staring out the window for 8 long years.

 

[The_Raganork]

I really hope Bruce is still active as Batman but laying low during the 8 year gap. I just can't see him retiring and being "frozen in time" for that long; not doing anything, even if he's started his more philanthropic duties.

He'd be nuttier than a fruit cake if he's just locked away in Wayne Manor staring out the window for 8 long years.

Which would make the proceeding film all the more interesting.

Didn't Howard Hughes lock himself inside one of his properties for a long time while people searched for him?

I'm sure Bruce will get out as Batman but ultimately the world around him thinks he's missing, they haven't seen him and that's because he's stayed inside Wayne Manor, brooding and unsure of what his place in society as a person is.

Judging from the little we've seen it looks like there's still things covered up in Wayne Manor, like he just moved in.

I can totally imagine he moved in years ago and didn't bother to decorate or anything just went to his room, or to the cave to think.

Stymied but everything in TDK

 

[Brother Jack]

Which would make the proceeding film all the more interesting.

Didn't Howard Hughes lock himself inside one of his properties for a long time while people searched for him?

I'm sure Bruce will get out as Batman but ultimately the world around him thinks he's missing, they haven't seen him and that's because he's stayed inside Wayne Manor, brooding and unsure of what his place in society as a person is.

Judging from the little we've seen it looks like there's still things covered up in Wayne Manor, like he just moved in.

I can totally imagine he moved in years ago and didn't bother to decorate or anything just went to his room, or to the cave to think.

Stymied but everything in TDK

I'm expecting that as well. It would be close to the characterization in the Burton films of a guy who is a bit separated from the rest of society.

 

[kvz5]

Yeah. Also I think "playboy Bruce" is gone. It's pretty telling that when Bruce appeared at the masked ball, he was alone. Someone suggested (Rag I think?) that it might be his first appearance in a long while. I can see that happening. With just his luck, he finally appeared on a public event but then he got scolded by some creepy chick wearing a cat mask and ears.

 

[kvz5]

 

[batman44]

Love it! I'm most excited about Batman in this film.

 

[Doctor Jones]

I LOVE that picture of Bale. That has got to be my favorite shot of Bale as Bruce Wayne.

 

[The Joker]

The black t-shirt makes a comeback:

 

[JackWhite]

Those pictures made my day! Especially the last one with Bruce standing in front of the suit. I wish we got a real good look at the cave, but I can wait for it in the film if I have to.

 

[lordofthenerds]

^^ That must be Bruce's batcave shirt.

 

[kvz5]

Bale's love for the color black is rubbing off on his characters.

 

[FCEEVIPER]

The black t-shirt makes a comeback:

Black is the new everything!

 

[Doctor Jones]

Bale in this new pic looks very Patrick Bateman-like.

 

[lordofthenerds]

^ Patrick Bateman with a batsuit behind him.