Praise Continues to Roll In: Kevin Smith Reviews “The Dark Knight” + Oldman Hints at The Riddler June 29, 2008 4:02 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Batman, Movies, News, Reviews, The Dark Knight, The Joker.trackback
Another day, another glowingly positive review for The Dark Knight. Last night in LA, select film sites were screened The Dark Knight. Director Kevin Smith was invited to the screening and came away from the experience completely blown away, calling it “an epic film”, “the ‘Godfather II’ of comic book movies” and “close to a masterpiece” . Continue reading for Smith’s brief spoiler free review.
Straight from Smith’s MySpace blog:
“Without giving anything away, this is an epic film (and trust me: based on the sheer size and scope of the visuals and storytelling, that’s not an overstatement). It’s the “Godfather II” of comic book films and three times more earnest than “Batman Begins” (and fuck, was that an earnest film). Easily the most adult comic book film ever made. Heath Ledger didn’t so much give a performance as he disappeared completely into the role; I know I’m not the first to suggest this, but he’ll likely get at least an Oscar nod (if not the win) for Best Supporting Actor. Fucking flick’s nearly three hours long and only leaves you wanting more (in a great way). I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed by it. Nolan and crew have created something close to a masterpiece.”
Wow. Unfortunately, the most disappointing aspect of this all continues to be the unfortunate death of Heath Ledger. As the release nears, I can’t help but dwell on the fact that we’ll never be able to see his portrayal of the Joker on the screen again, which looks to be absolutely amazing.
Moving on to other ‘Dark Knight’ news, Movie Web, who was at the screening, got a chance to chat with Gary Oldman (Lt. Gordon) and the actor was asked about his thoughts about replacing Heath Ledger in any future Batman films should the character continue to be the villiain, or if not, who would be the next villain, to which he responded with the following:
“I don’t see why not. I mean, they did it with Katie Holmes’ character. I understand that this is a different circumstance, but I think another actor could do the job. I think Heath would want another actor to do the job.” Oldman then took a moment to think about it some more, “Maybe we don’t need the Joker. Because we’ll have The Riddler.”
Oops. Not so sure that Katie Holmes analogy works out though. Oldman was also asked if Christoper Nolan would return:
“We don’t really know if Nolan is coming back. …I guess I have to come back. …Nolan will come back for a third one. I think we all have to.”
Looks like the cast may be locked up for three years (common practice for franchises). So, if The Riddler becomes a villian for the next installment, which actor would you have in mind to play the role?
The Dark Knight hits theaters on July 18, 2008.
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If Kevin says it, i believe in The Dark Knight!
oh mamma, non vedo l’ora di vederlo. Qui in italia se ne parla molto. Credo che sarà un successone.
Oh god! i can’t wait to see it!. Here in italy, we are waiting for this film. I think it will be a success
I think someone like a kevin spacey or a johnny depp or if your lookin for something younger josh hartnett or ed norton. even ashton kutcher could do it.
im talking about taking on the riddler role
Heath should win Best Supporting Actor for sure, and the film itself could even receive a Best Picture nomination. As for the Riddler, I think he’s the most obvious choice for the next villain, but they would need to completely re-invent the character, to distant him as far as possible from Jim Carrey’s portrayal. Making him paranoid, obsessive-compulsive about little things, as well as a former Arkan Asylum prisoner would be a good move. If only Michael Emerson was a tad younger, it’d be perfect for him. Hank Azaria would be surprisingly good I think, and perhaps David Tennant or (if they want to completely re-invent) someone like Will Smith. But as with the first two films, he shouldn’t be a zany or overly comedic a character.
Sam Rockwell should be the Riddler. He could have done a great job as the Joker too (probably not as good as Heath though). Rockwell could perfectly pull off the Riddler role, especially the type of Riddler Nolan would want to make.
Two-Face will be the next villain. Don’t you read (or watch trailers) he is plainly there,and why would they have Harvy Dent in it if Two-Face isn’t in it. But maybe they could have the riddler in it too like Batman Forever
That’s likely to be the case Andrew, but it’s also possible that they will use two villains in the next Batman movie, just like they did with The Dark Knight. That’s what I was getting at.
I’m not sure about Tennant (I’m too use to him as The Doctor). Nor am I sure of another a guy mentioned on the Wikipedia page, DAVID HYDE PIERCE (commented that he would like to). Luckily, its not my film, I can leave it to the professionals and let them find someone as amazing for The Riddler as Ledger was for The Joker.
Robin Williams has to be the riddler. He would be perfect especially considering his “serious” roles over the past few years
I think Sam Rockwell may be the best choice but i was hopeing they would move into MR freez too. The way he has been protraid was so rediculess and Nolan could really reinvent that idea…for my sugestion in keeeping with brits i think Patrick Stwert would be an awsome villian no matter who it is.
It’s Anthony Michael Hall guys. they been hinting at it (not so subtly) for weeks.
Fan boys have been hinting at Anthony Micheal Hall, if they do the Riddler, I would go with Casey Affleck.
Robin Williams has to be the riddler. He would be perfect especially considering his “serious” roles over the past few years
AAAAAACCCKKKK!!! Cough/spew….
christopher walken would be a great riddler.
forget the riddler, bring back neeson as al ghul, with batman fighting him in asia , with mass armies,volcanoes , daughter love interest and eternal live and torment for batman
Andrew,
Two Face will not be the next villain, I promise you.
http://www.gothamcitycentral.com
Aston Kutcher…?!? Excuse me while I vomit profusely and take a long, scalding hot shower. That guy should seriously just go away and stop pretending he’s anything more than a underwear model.
Ger: Ras Al Ghul pretty plainly died in the end of Begins.
I think it will be a Two Face/Riddler pair for the next film. I also think it would be interesting if Harvey Dent/Two Face somehow clears Batman’s name to redeem him.
Anthony Michael Hall already squashed the Riddler rumors.
David Hyde Pierce or David Tennant would both be amazing, but i’d rather see David Tennant.
Michael Emmerson from lost would be perfect for The Riddler.
David Hyde Pierce or Sam Rockwell to play The Riddler definitely. Although i think you’d almost have to cast one of them before you wrote the script, or do a hefty rewrite once one was cast over the other. They would both play as The Riddler so differently. I think I’d prefer Rockwell though, I don’t know if I could take David Hyde Pierce seriously as a villian. I see him and I think Niles Crane. If he could do the kind of job Ledger did they’ve got no worries either way though i suppose.
Here’ a pic of what Micahel Emmerson would look like as the Riddler in a possible 3rd Batman movie!!!
Interesting… it works
[…] die euphorische Stimmung ging sogar so weit, dass Regisseur und Comicfan Kevin Smith den Film als “The Godfather II of comicbook movies“ bezeichnete, in der Internet Movie Database schaffte The Dark Knight, was seit der Einführung der […]
yup
I think they have an idea for the Riddler already… and it’s probably nobody any of you, have ever heard of.
But when the times right, you’ll know why he was the chosen one for THE RIDDLER.
ADAM SANDSX
[…] die euphorische Stimmung ging sogar so weit, dass Regisseur und Comicfan Kevin Smith den Film als “The Godfather II of comicbook movies“ bezeichnete, in der Internet Movie Database schaffte The Dark Knight, was seit der Einführung der […]