The Dark Knight Rises Tom Hardy as Bane XIV

[Doc Samson]

Perhaps we should safely stick with the modest position that Hardy is "merely" a good actor who is on his way to the higher echelon. Tom is the dozenth actor I've heard random people compare to Brando in recent time, and he is no more deserving of that title than the other equally capable names.

It's almost as if Brando's significant contributions to cinema have been diluted to the point that any modern actor could actually stand toe-to-toe with his work.

Yeah seriously. I can do with the usual Bat-embellishment customary to these threads, but it's borderline disrespectful to prop Tom in that category so quickly. Part of Brando's status as a legend was his ability to craft arguably his greatest character years after he was supposedly done as an A-list talent.

What Tom does 20 years from now, if he's even still around, will go a long way toward determining just how great he truly is

 

[akfj]

But like Nolan said, it's a new take on the character. Perhaps sometime in a future reboot we may see Javier as Bane. (If he's not to busy as Roland *fingers crossed*)

I wouldn't expect it to ever happen. Even if a reboot comes out 3 years from now, it won't include Bane since that character is already being included in this film. By the time a potential reboot featuring Bane could be done, Bardem would be in his 50s.

 

[DoomsdayApex]

This is all that really needs to be said. Quite possibly the only time I've ever seen anyone say this in regards to his performance in that film. I'm baffled that you even liked or hold his turn in that role of high esteem. Considering what his character was, by all accounts he should have failed in your eyes.

He's one of the most respected and lovable actors in the country of Spain.

Watching his roles in Jamon, Jamon , Heuvos de Oro , El Amante Bilingue , Boca a Boca , Came Tremula , Second Skin , etc. established a certain image -- Javier is best known for his involvement in the romance genre.

So I apologize if I can't view Bardem as Bane.

 

[TCCB]

I think if you look at the early Brando films and what he did with the characters, especially in the climate of Hollywood at the time and compare that to what Hardy is doing and is capable of you'll find they share alot more ground than some of the more cynical amongst us would have to say they do. I also think Hardy and Brando share a similar acting style, the way they hold themselves. Would you have imagined in pre-production of TDK that Heath would get an Oscar for his work as the Joker? (Most would agree he received it on behalf of the totality of his work and not just TDK but still) So I am very optimistic about Bane in TDKR, as long as he doesn't walk around saying "Bomb.....Bomb" I think we should all be happy about that

 

[KRIM]

He's one of the most respected and lovable actors in the country of Spain.

Watching his roles in Jamon, Jamon , Heuvos de Oro , El Amante Bilingue , Boca a Boca , Came Tremula , Second Skin , etc. established a certain image -- Javier is best known for his involvement in the romance genre.

So I apologize if I can't view Bardem as Bane.

I understand that. Still doesn't change that he was so effortlessly natural as Anton, so it didn't matter what his history was. I had no issues with Heath as a frenetic serial killer, after watching him as an emotionally repressed and rigid loner.

I think if you look at the early Brando films and what he did with the characters, especially in the climate of Hollywood at the time and compare that to what Hardy is doing and is capable of you'll find they share alot more ground than some of the more cynical amongst us would have to say they do. I also think Hardy and Brando share a similar acting style, the way they hold themselves. Would you have imagined in pre-production of TDK that Heath would get an Oscar for his work as the Joker? (Most would agree he received it on behalf of the totality of his work and not just TDK but still) So I am very optimistic about Bane in TDKR, as long as he doesn't walk around saying "Bomb.....Bomb" I think we should all be happy about that

Explain? What is Hardy doing that is reminiscent of a young Brando, with which much of modern acting owes its origins to?

 

[DoomsdayApex]

I understand that. Still doesn't change that he was so effortlessly natural as Anton, so it didn't matter what his history was. I had no issues with Heath as a frenetic serial killer, after watching him as an emotionally repressed and rigid loner.

It's different with Javier. He's an actor I've been following for a long time unlike Heath Ledger pre-Dark Knight (Patriot, Brokeback Mountain).

He played the role of an assassin/killer perfectly, but his stoic personality wasn't groundbreaking material. That's not the type of villain that intimidates me. I use to grapple with Russians on a daily basis. It's nothing new or frightening to me. It's something I know all to well (I'm extremely introvert myself outside of SHH).

 

[actingstudent]

Explain? What is Hardy doing that is reminiscent of a young Brando, with which much of modern acting owes its origins to?

1. he moves effortlessly across the screen like Brando. (i.e. Inception, Rocknrolla) In inception he was so smooth he made everybody else look like second rate actors
2. most of his acting comes physical behavior and not speaking. Like Brando he conveys so much without talking because he is constantly reacting and improvising
3. He has the ability to put a lot of subtext beneath a simple line (i.e. In Inception when he tells Leo about needing to make the idea revolve around the relationship with the father. What does he do right after? flashes a faint smile which shows regret and hints at some issues in his own relationship with his dad)



I think he has given atleast 4 performances now that are just as good as many of the greats (ddl, deniro, depp, penn, ledger). I don't think Bardem is even on the same level as Tom


it may seem like a lot of actors get compared to Brando but it is actually not true. Not with the intensity of praise that Tom has been getting. The thing is, other actors themselves are coming out and making that comparison and that has never really been the case for those actors in the past that were getting that kind of acclaim. Nolte has compared him to Brando. Chastain said he is the best actor she ever worked with and she has worked with Pacino, Pitt, Oldman, Fiennes. Chris Pine has said he is the most talented actor out there and he has worked with some fine gentlemen as well, for example Denzel Washington. The list goes on...

 

[Yurka]

It's different with Javier. He's an actor I've been following for a long time unlike Heath Ledger pre-Dark Knight (Patriot, Brokeback Mountain).

He played the role of an assassin/killer perfectly, but his stoic personality wasn't groundbreaking material. That's not the type of villain that intimidates me.

It's fine if you don't immediately associate Bardem with Chigurh, but I think for the majority of American audiences, that's really the only role they've seen him in, and most believe that performance to be utterly brilliant and completely terrifying.

I use to grapple with Russians on a daily basis. It's nothing new or frightening to me. It's something I know all to well (I'm extremely introvert myself outside of SHH).

I don't get it.

 

[TCCB]

Well both are "method" actors, both are highly lauded and award nominated stage actors and Hardy already has a BAFTA and a few other screen nominations. Hardy and Brando both have a, as my wife puts it, "quiet-anger" to them, that seems very natural. Both outside of film had a "bad boy" reputation, both are bi-sexual, both made their screen debuts in war films... and now both have been in Superhero movies....and I think they kind of resemble each other The only huge difference now is the amount of work they've done, time will tell but I think Tom Hardy will be known as one of the greats of his generation, he chooses very interesting and challenging roles and can believably do many diverse characters.


and everything that actingstudent said lol (thank you actingstudent)

 

[KRIM]

1. he moves effortlessly across the screen like Brando. (i.e. Inception, Rocknrolla) In inception he was so smooth he made everybody else look like second rate actors
2. most of his acting comes physical behavior and not speaking. Like Brando he conveys so much without talking because he is constantly reacting and improvising
3. He has the ability to put a lot of subtext beneath a simple line (i.e. In Inception when he tells Leo about needing to make the idea revolve around the relationship with the father. What does he do right after? flashes a faint smile which shows regret and hints at some issues in his own relationship with his dad)

This doesn't address what Hardy is doing that's so unique and brilliant in comparison to his peers. Brando was starting a movement and that led to a huge shift in the industry. For a very long while, Brando had no equals. He was it. Even more impressive is after all that he amassed and was on this hiatus/decline, he had a short resurgence of classic performances when he was arguably past his prime. Hardy easily has dozens and dozens of equals and superiors. Comparatively his visibility in Hollywood is short and only now is starting to blossom. What possible impact did he impose...anywhere? That's why I find such comparisons to be so unfounded. Give credit where it is due, but this is bordering on fantasy hyperbole.

I think he has given atleast 4 performances now that are just as good as many of the greats (ddl, deniro, depp, penn, ledger). I don't think Bardem is even on the same level as Tom

I think the only role where he was approached brilliance was Bronson. Even then I don't think it holds up to the best roles that our modern legends have had. I still say he needs to put in a few more years before he can really come into his own. As good as he's been up to this point, to me he lacks that career defining role.

As for Bardem, I think his acting cred speaks for itself. He's built an incredibly solid filmography in the Spanish film industry, and has been recognized multiple times by various, prestigious acting awards holders. He's several years ahead of Hardy in this regard.

 

[DoomsdayApex]

It's fine if you don't immediately associate Bardem with Chigurh, but I think for the majority of American audiences, that's really the only role they've seen him in, and most believe that performance to be utterly brilliant and completely terrifying.



I don't get it.

Understandable. I doubt anyone heard about Javier BEFORE his involvement with The Coen Bros, but I have and it's extremely complex for me to see Bardem as this psychopathic killer. Therefore, I could never see him as Bane. That's like me telling you to envision Justin Timberlake as an action star.


I use to live in Moscow and I took Combat Sambo while I was there. Facial expressions are nonexistent in that country.

 

[KRIM]

method actor is such a misunderstood term. if you consider ddl to be method than nrando and hardy are not. Brando was probably the laziest actor ever in terms of preparation

The term has evolved, but its concept remains the same. Brando initiated the performance from within, a sharp contrast to the classical stage approach of physical expressionism. Lines weren't merely being read and emoted accordingly, but rather delivered with a psychological weight and resonance that immediately feels more tangible.

It was the likes of DeNiro and DDL who elevated that to every facet of the role, to the insignificant minutiae of a character's inherent personality. This calls for more arduous preparation, something that Brando has notoriously lacked as an actor. But again, the method generally yields similar results.

 

[TCCB]

Well I think Bardem and Hardy are like apples and oranges, they're both fruits but you wouldn't try to convince someone that they're the same thing. They have different styles and methods, choose different roles and honestly it's all a matter of preferance and opinion.
The first time I saw Hardy was in Star Trek Nemesis, I had no idea who he was but even though I thought he looked 19, his acting FELT like he was in his 40's or 50's, on par with Patrick Stewart, who has some pretty hauty street cred amongst actors (despite the horrible premace of STN).
So again I'm very hopeful for Tom Hardy, he's one of the only interesting actors out there right now, IMO

 

[The Watchman]

They're both fruits...I never knew

Hilarious accidental phrasing.

 

[TCCB]

except it wasn't accidental

 

[cryptic name]

I never wanted Crispin Glover to play The Joker. Sure, he's a weirdo (onscreen and off) and could look like TAS Joker, but he only has one persona in his repertoire...the mute, socially awkward, mousy nerd.

That's not The Joker. At all. He's weird, but he's not a good actor. He's just a weird person who plays himself in movies.

Re: Marlon Brando, I always felt he was overrated. He always seems affected and overly mannered to me, like you can always tell he's acting, not just slipping beneath the skin of a character.

Someone like Daniel Day-Lewis or Gary Oldman, to me, is a better actor than Marlon Brando. And I'm not saying that because I think Day-Lewis or Oldman are gods among men, I'm saying it because I don't think Brando was on some level where no one can ever approach him.

Brando represents the turn from old school screen acting to what is now considered great acting. Without Brando doing what he did and being part of the paradigm shift, you'd have no de Niro, no Day-Lewis, and no Oldman. It's like saying the original Apple home computer is overrated because it couldn't do what a macbook can do now...

 

[jezza]

This has probably been mentioned and/or discussed many times before. But reading through Knightfall this afternoon, I've been thinking, what do we reckon Bane's motives are in TDKR?

I know many people have made the assumption that there is a link between Bane and the League of Shadows' motives of cleansing a city, but what other reasons do we think it could be? Money? Power? Revenge? or just plain Chaos?

Do we think Bane is tearing down Batman out of principle to prove he is the stronger man and to prove that Batman IS corruptible? What do we reckon he plans to achieve? He doesn't strike me to be like the Joker to go down the organised chaos route, there has to be more.

What do you guys reckon?

 

[MagnarTheGreat]

This has probably been mentioned and/or discussed many times before. But reading through Knightfall this afternoon, I've been thinking, what do we reckon Bane's motives are in TDKR?

I know many people have made the assumption that there is a link between Bane and the League of Shadows' motives of cleansing a city, but what other reasons do we think it could be? Money? Power? Revenge? or just plain Chaos?

Do we think Bane is tearing down Batman out of principle to prove he is the stronger man and to prove that Batman IS corruptible? What do we reckon he plans to achieve? He doesn't strike me to be like the Joker to go down the organised chaos route, there has to be more.

What do you guys reckon?

Bane: "Take control of your city"
Bane: "This is the instrument of your liberation" (silver spherical device moves across the football field)

He was recorded saying this in Pittsburgh.

 

[jezza]

Bane: "Take control of your city"
Bane: "This is the instrument of your liberation" (silver spherical device moves across the football field)

He was recorded saying this in Pittsburgh.

I'm aware of this, but do we believe "liberating" the city is his only motive, much like Ra's Al Ghul or is there something else behind it?

 

[moviedoors]

I think Bardem is a fantastic actor, but he is so transcendentally good in No Country For Old Men, I don't know how the hell you can say he wasn't intimidating in that role. As far as I'm concerned, that's the most nerve racking character I've ever seen in a movie. I so desperately didn't want to see him kill that gas station attendant, but I'll be damned if that scene wasn't/isn't compulsively watchable. I'm literally in awe of it. It's perfect cinema. And Bardem and the Coen's totally original characterization has a lot to do with that. It's one of the reasons I don't want to see him as Bane. Anton Chigurh cannot be improved upon. Equaled, but not bettered. It's a heart stopping portrayal of a character, one I put on equal footing with Ledger's Joker and Anthony Perkin's Norman Bates. Bardem has already made an untouchable mark as a villain. I want to see someone else carry the mantel. A new actor, a new take, and Tom hardy is man whose played a few villains, a few uncouth individuals, but I think he has yet to reach the perfection as a villain we saw from Bardem, Ledger, Perkins, but I know he has it in him. I want something new, not a sure bet. I want to see some risk taking.

 

[batbax]

eh.he wasnt that frightening to me. To each their own

 

[batbax]

agreed. It was a decent film but after all the hype I remember sitting there like "that was it"? It was just sort of ...there. kind of boring. His performance was very good but Im afraid Ledgers joker is on another level imo. And based on some of the things Ive seen Hardy in..he is very capable of rising to that same level. Of course it will be in a different way with bane..But if he brings his best we are in for a treat.

 

[venus_ice]

Having many feelings right now

 

[Yurka]

he was intimidating but his performance lacked the kind of excitement that i expect from great actors

he just walked around didnt react to anything and talked in a monotone voice. not exactly hard to do for an actor.

it wasnt captivating

it served the story but it was nowhere near the type of acting we have had in iconic villains

Reading this post coming from someone named "Actingstudent" blows my mind.

His physical acting alone throughout that film is something that should be studied. Its phenomenal.

 

[kvz5]

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"Christian Bale... I can't sign that. We're sworn enemies mate!"