The Dark Knight Rises – New Pictures and Insight

Guess which film made Entertainment Weekly’s annual “Summer Movie Preview” edition?  If you guessed, “The Dark Knight Rises“, you would be correct.  And, considering how much we’ve been hearing about The Avengers lately, I think seeing Batman get some love is refreshing.  The EW issue contains some new pictures from The Dark Knight Rises, along with some quotes and insight from the likes of Christopher Nolan (the director), Tom Hardy (Bane), and Anne Hathaway (Catwoman).

One of the most interesting pieces of information to come out of this Entertainment Weekly feature is Tom Hardy talking about his character’s voice.  Ever since people got a look at Bane’s mask, the issue of the clarity of his voice was a concern.  Additionally, people who have reportedly seen clips of The Dark Knight Rises have said that Bane was hard to understand, as his words came out very muffled.  While Hardy does try to assure people that the voice will be okay, he does confirm that it will be a noticeable issue and, possibly, a risk.

“[Bane's voice is] a risk, because we could be laughed at – or it could be very fresh and exciting. The audience mustn’t be too concerned about the mumbly voice.  As the film progresses, I think you’ll be able to tune to its setting.”

Another interesting piece of The Dark Knight Rises trivia that comes out in this piece is Anne Hathaway saying that when director Christopher Nolan first met with her to discuss her involvement in the film, she thought she was going to be playing Harley Quinn.

About an hour into the meeting he said, ‘It’s Catwoman,’ and I went, “Oh, no, I played this wrong.”  I didn’t think they would revisit that character, because Michelle [Pfieffer's] performance [in 1992's Batman Returns] had been so iconic.  But Chris just does his own thing.

Offering a bit of insight into the makeup of her character, Hathaway described Selina Kyle/Catwoman like this…

Who is Selina Kyle?  She’s someone who wants you to think you can answer that question.

Christopher Nolan, the architect of the Dark Knight trilogy, also offered some insight into both Catwoman and Bane.  In talking about Bane, who represents Batman’s most challenging opponent he’s yet faced in these films, here’s how he described him…

[Bane] represents formidable physical strength, combined with absolute evil of intention.

In speaking about Selina Kyle/Catwoman, and what drives and motivates the character, he offered this bit of assessment…

She has a very strong way of protecting herself and those she cares about, which implies an underlying darkness.

The Dark Knight Rises, which will be the final chapter in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, is set to hit theaters on July 18th.  As more details, and especially new clips and trailers, become available, I’ll be sure to keep you all up to speed.  In the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts and opinions on these new Dark Knight Rises pictures in the comments below.