The Dark Knight Rises How should Nolan End Batman's Story?

[TheBatman072]

I hope he goes all out, I want Nolan's version of how Batman 'ends' if that means killing Batman sure.

I cant wait to see what they do with the characters.

There is no reason to hold back, everyone could die, or Batmans identity could be fully revealed or, something crazier - hopefully more 'original' - the next Batman film can be a whole new take on the character.

This mentality is what makes ****** movies.

 

[Victarion]

As for the ending of the movie; pull a reveral of sorts on the Batman Returns ending--a couple of criminals--cameos by lesser known freaks from the rogues gallery maybe----in the middle of a snowy night in Gotham on a dark street with some implication that the dark knight is there watching over them like a specter, waiting to strike.

 

[Doctor Jones]

I'd really love to see more conflict with Batman and Gordon. Now that Gordon is in charge of having to track Batman down since he's a wanted man, there will be more conflict. And if Catwoman is in the film, they could disagree with her. he may think she's a thief but he may think there's more to her. Who knows? They could mistaken Catwoman's doing's for Batman's.

I don't think Gordon should see his face. Although it would be a great scene if Batman took off his mask and Gordon turned around refusing to see it. Rooted in all the conflict and Batman wants to seek his trust, Gordon doesn't see it that way. That would be powerful.

 

[DCW]

I don't think Gordon should see his face. Although it would be a great scene if Batman took off his mask and Gordon turned around refusing to see it. Rooted in all the conflict and Batman wants to seek his trust, Gordon doesn't see it that way. That would be powerful.

Agreed x 100.

I think it would be an amazing scene. Throughout the movie Gordon is getting more and more confused on who he can trust. Catwoman or the Riddler or whoever the villain is could be wreaking havoc on the city and framing it on Batman, further fueling the image Batman put out at the end of TDK. Gordon and Batman are drawing further and further away.

Batman shows up to try and explain, realizing he needs Gordon’s help. As an effort to show his trust he removes his mask and allows Gordon to see, but Gordon refuses.

I’m no screen writer but I’d love to see that and do think that it could be very powerful.

 

[Wesley Dodds]

Wayne demasking and Gordon not wanting to see would be a really good way to put across the idea that it's not the man that's important but the Bat.

 

[batman11]

I've always thought that it'd be kind of neat to have Gordon indicate that either he never wants to know, or that he's sort of known all this time but refuses to acknowledge it. I wrote this (see below) up a long time ago, and it was done in haste (and not very good at all, LOL), but I think a quick line and a shot of Gordon cracking a slight smile would definitely be interesting:

Imagine Gordon and Bats on a rooftop, chatting after a big battle (or whatever happens in the film), and before Bats leaves, he says something almost light-hearted for the first time in a while, like: "Jim...we really have to stop meeting like this." Gordon smiles to himself and says: "Maybe you'll buy me a coffee some time." We can almost see a flicker of a smile on Batman's face as he jumps off the rooftop. Gordon has a gleam in his eye as he watches Bats leave, and then mutters under his breath, "Lord knows you can afford it." Movie ends with Batman gliding or something.

Same conversation could occur in another ending I'd like to see, similar to the end of B89. The same Batman/Gordon conversation would take place over the phone (Batman talks through a headpiece in the suit), as Gordon and the rest of the city stare up at the signal shining in the sky. Gordon would say a similar line after hanging up, smiling, and getting into the car. Movie would end panning up from everyone staring at the signal to Batman looking out at Gotham. We hear sirens, he takes a breath, and jumps, gliding off into the city...

Totally cliche, but I think it'd be a nice Gordon moment. It's also a reference to another occurrence in the Bat world. It's not that obscure, and someone should get it. Anyone? t:

 

[Rodrigo90]

After that Shakespeare like praising speech at the end of TDK,I doubt Gordon would think less or not trust Batman.

It would seem pretty weak and desperate if Batman resorted to unmasking himself just for Gordon's trust.

Also, I dont believe in Batman redeeming himself or Gotham forgiving him. Its unrealistic.

 

[Mr. Earle]

I've always thought that it'd be kind of neat to have Gordon indicate that either he never wants to know, or that he's sort of known all this time but refuses to acknowledge it. I wrote this (see below) up a long time ago, and it was done in haste (and not very good at all, LOL), but I think a quick line and a shot of Gordon cracking a slight smile would definitely be interesting:



Totally cliche, but I think it'd be a nice Gordon moment. It's also a reference to another occurrence in the Bat world. It's not that obscure, and someone should get it. Anyone? t:
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I wouldnt like that. I like how in the comics Gordon knows but chooses to black it out. In your version he knows but he keeps it to himself, making jokes and all that.

I'd rather go with the comics version. Furthermore, i think its too early for him to figure it out. If he knows so early into Batman's career, then it must have been a real easy riddle to solve, right? Besides, i think Bruce did a good job of covering for himself when he crashed the Lambo. That "should i go to a hospital?" line seemed to really fool Gordon.

 

[DW4]

Agreed with everyone who said Batman can't and won't die. I know most comic fans would be angry with that and the audience to an extent will feel confused when a new Batman(I give them 3-5 years before they reboot it) comes up as not many casual movie goers keep up with films like some of us.

It really should end with Gotham realizing Batman is it's hero and it's only savior. I loved the way Batman 89 ended with the Batman theme and him looking up at the signal, same with how Mask of Phantasm ended. It'd be simple but affective IMO.

 

[Brother Jack]

Batman redeemed in the eyes of Gotham, and him taking his rightful place as the city's true savior.

That's how it should end.

I wouldn't be so quick to think that's the only viable ending. I don't think it's necessary to have Batman completely redeemed, because Batman is always a controversial figure. Not all of Gotham will accept him, and it will always be that way.

 

[SPIDERMAN117]

I want the movie to end with the city embracing Batman for overcoming the biggest obstacle of the 3rd film. The trust in one man to protect the city.

I have a feeling the movie will end with Batman in a similar pose and background to it... Well without the bats randomly there.

 

[TheBatman072]

I wouldn't be so quick to think that's the only viable ending. I don't think it's necessary to have Batman completely redeemed, because Batman is always a controversial figure. Not all of Gotham will accept him, and it will always be that way.

I don't care if ALL of Gotham loves him. He's not Spider-Man. I doubt even Batman cares if all of Gotham loves him or not.

But it'd sure make his life easier if the cops weren't ACTIVELY chasing him like in TDK, and the entire city weren't calling for his head on a platter.

That's where I want it to be again. Around where it was during Begins and TDK.

Criminals(just criminals) feared him, citizens were weary of him, the cops were told to arrest him if they got a chance, but he was a force for good.

Not a perceived force of evil.

 

[Solidus]

I really don't want a full redemption. Batman is a rouge, in reality not everyone is going to love him. And in the comics they always did not either. Some will never agree with how Bats does things and so forth. I think that maybe he will regain some respect, but Batman should never be the "loved" hero, he's the dark vigilante that does things for his own purpose, not to be loved and a hero.

To me I'm split, there are a few ways the Bat lore has gone about Gordon and Bat's relationship. So I dunno a part would like him not to know, but another part would like a Revelation, just so that there is some one out there knows other then Alfred/Fox of the burden that Bruce carries.

I trust Nolan will do a good ending though.

 

[TheWrathOfGod]

The movie essentially starts off with an overworked paranoid Batman on the run from the GCPD. Batman is back in a new Batcave along with a new phallic looking car and an action stealth suit to elude the police. Selina Kyle enters the picture and wants revenge on Black Mask for killing a close friend and or family member. Selina dawns the Catwoman suit and starts targeting Black Masks gang along with his elite “Terrible Trio” of animalistic killers.

Batman intervenes and becomes caught in the middle and the “Terrible Trio” eventually kill Morgan Freeman. GCPD brings Detective Harvey Bullock and Dr. Hugo Strang(e) in to help capture the wanted criminal known as “the Batman.” Hugo Strang(e) teams up with Black Mask and they lure Batman into a trap to unmask him.

Gordon intervenes and in an action set piece Catwoman kills Black Mask. In a last ditch effort, Strang(e) fatally stabs Catwoman. As Selina dies, Batman tells her of the dangers of revenge and that it only leads to suffering. Strang(e) and the “Terrible Trio” are arrested and Gordon knows Bruce Wayne is Batman but reassures him that “he can’t see a thing without his glasses.” Batman is absolved of his “crimes” but Bullock still doesn’t trust him. Bruce Wayne then decides that it’s better that he doesn’t get close to anyone and becomes Gotham’s lone sentinel of the night.

 

[jmc]

Don't like the idea of Catwoman being killed. I do like the idea of Gordon refusing to know who Batman is. A scene like the one in the comic could be very dramatic.

 

[Ipodman]

This movie should end with batman building the justice league hq

 

[Rodrigo90]

How can Batman be forgiven for his crimes? He killed cops and Harvey Dent...How does a City forgive a man who destroyed their only ray of light? They blame Batman for the madness in the first place.

How does a rational law official say "Thanks Batman for saving the city,you can go free,even though youre a murderous vigilante"? You cant get off with that,especially in a realistic world.

The Punisher saves the city,but the police and citizens would never rest till he was caught.

They created something unique for that movie,something we haven't seen in the comics. Batman being redeemed,would just take it away and be too obvious of an ending.

 

[mikey1974]

i think it will end with him becoming THE BATMAN,not just "Bat-Man"

let me explain...

in the first film,obvoiusly he's just starting off....he's a bit of an urban legend,some people know about him,some don't,but (as the kid in the Narrows tells him) everyone is talking about him..he's got the "buzz" of being something new....he's also not 100% on top of his game yet - he gets beat by Crane at one point,and causes massive property destruction via Tumbler and train (with help from Gordon)....

in TDK,he's more skilled,and the criminal underworld fears him,but more as a man who can beat the s**t out of them than anything else...they all more or less consider him a vigialnte in a suit...Chechen brings dogs to deal with him....Maroni feels confident enough that his goons can beat Batman that he stays in his seat in the club while Bats goes through them all...Maroni tells him that they know he has one rule,the Joker doesn't,and nobody's gonna tell him nuthin - the mob is more afraid of the Joker than Batman...he's also driving around indoor galleria's and such on the Batpod,in full lighting,letting people get a look at him,so the ordinary citizen can think of him as a guy in a suit too...reese also goes on the air and threatens to reveal his identity,once again letting the average Gothamite know this is a man,with a life and identity under there...and,of course,the Batman imposters taking on crime themselves,figuring they can do just as good a job as him since they know he's a man in a suit ("What gives you the right? What makes you different from me?") ....so in essence he still thought of a just a man in a suit - a tough,nealy unbeatable man,but just a man....

in Batman 3,i think he'll finally become the "legend" Ra's said he could become...something will happen that will turn the criminal's into the cowardly,superstitious lot...ironically,Batman's embracing of the idea that he killed people to save Dent's reputation may ultimately work in his favor towards this goal...like Maroni said,they all knew of his one rule of "No Killing" - if they believe that's shattered,well then that would put fear into them as they believe he WILL kill them if necessary, a huge difference in the psyche than just knowing you'll get punched in the face and sit in jail til you make bail...so the criminal element will be afraid of him again...

as for the rest of the world,i figure it will be something involving both the threat of the film,and perhaps a new,more evil/animalistic looking suit....at the end he should be the type of character that people talk about in hushed whispers...that no one wants to get a picture of,or hope they see...he should be the type of figure that they PRAY they never see!

something that lurks in the shadows of the buildings,the grime of it's alley's....something the people of Gotham know destory's crime and criminals,but also frightens them into staying away too...is he human? is he an animal? is he a monster?

he's the Batman....a Legend....and that's what he should be at the end of Batman 3,and it should end with him taking his place as the Legend of Gotham City...

 

[mikey1974]

also,there's no way he'll get to kill Batman....it may be Nolan's film,but it's WB's property....they'll never admit it,but if B3 is successful enough,they will look at continuing the franchise (this particular "universe" of it) without Nolan and,if neccessary,Bale and just carry on "this" Batman with new people...they've done it before...

 

[Golgo-13]

i think it will end with him becoming THE BATMAN,not just "Bat-Man"

let me explain...


in Batman 3,i think he'll finally become the "legend" Ra's said he could become...something will happen that will turn the criminal's into the cowardly,superstitious lot...ironically,Batman's embracing of the idea that he killed people to save Dent's reputation may ultimately work in his favor towards this goal...like Maroni said,they all knew of his one rule of "No Killing" - if they believe that's shattered,well then that would put fear into them as they believe he WILL kill them if necessary, a huge difference in the psyche than just knowing you'll get punched in the face and sit in jail til you make bail...so the criminal element will be afraid of him again...

as for the rest of the world,i figure it will be something involving both the threat of the film,and perhaps a new,more evil/animalistic looking suit....at the end he should be the type of character that people talk about in hushed whispers...that no one wants to get a picture of,or hope they see...he should be the type of figure that they PRAY they never see!

This makes sense.

 

[Rumpy Bulge Dubz]

edit.

 

[Golgo-13]

I don't think he means end it in the sense that Bruce retires and lives happily every after. I just think he means it won't end on a cliff hanger note, or be open ended like BB and TDK were; BB was a little more cliff hangery with the Joker card; TDK was one of those ambiguous endings, where you decide what happens next. I just think he means that he will end it on a note that if WB decides they want to re-boot the franchise they can, without worry about a lot of loose ends being left untied....

 

[Rumpy Bulge Dubz]

I don't think he means end it in the sense that Bruce retires and lives happily every after. I just think he means it won't end on a cliff hanger note, or be open ended like BB and TDK were; BB was a little more cliff hangery with the Joker card; TDK was one of those ambiguous endings, where you decide what happens next. I just think he means that he will end it on a note that if WB decides they want to re-boot the franchise they can, without worry about a lot of loose ends being left untied....

I would love more than anything to believe that but how do you not get "retirement" out of what he said in the interview below:

Nolan tells the Times. "Unlike the comics, these things don't go on forever in film and viewing it as a story with an end is useful."

that's pretty much stating Bruce is going to retire, it couldn't be more black and white

 

[namtaB]

I'm 100% sure Nolan won't kill Batman.

I think what he means by "end" is the end to Batman beginning. The end of Bruce beginning career that he started in BB. By the end of the third, Batman is a life long project for him, and he will move into the Batman we see in the comics. Bruce moves forward as a character which means part of the idea of Batman will to. His mistakes in the past will be put behind him, and now move forward into the Batman we are familiar with. It could symbolize Nolan saying that another director can come in and do a Batman film howver he wants to tell it.

Exactly. However, as a business model WB is better off restarting the franchise in a new creative direction rather than bringing in another director to mimic Nolan's style. A new creative direction will allow them to continue milking the Batman property for years to come, easily another decade. Then in 15-20 years a new Nolanesque director comes along to take the franchise back to what Chris Nolan did with it in his 3 films.

Rinse and repeat.

 

[Doctor Jones]

I would love more than anything to believe that but how do you not get "retirement" out of what he said in the interview below:



that's pretty much stating Bruce is going to retire, it couldn't be more black and white

Um... no.

If he retired, that pretty much defeats the whole purpose of what Bruce went through in The Dark Knight. He threw himself further into the hole when he accepted Dent's crimes. In Batman 3, and I think in some aspects, TDK, Batman realized that this is a life long project for him. He may think he's stuck with it, because of Rachel's death and Harvey's downfall/death. But the third should be about him accepting his role as Batman. It will go on forever. It's kind of a shame, if Batman Forever didn't have the title, Batman 3 would have been a perfect fit. Joker said it best. There is no going back.

You seriously think Nolan would literally retire Batman?