The Dark Knight

The above new image from The Dark Knight is taken from an interesting New York Times article, which talks about the reinvigoration of the franchise following Batman and Robin, and concentrates on the working methods of director Christopher Nolan. It also has some interesting thoughts on the interplay between Batman and the Joker:-

Mr. Oldman’s police lieutenant, Jim Gordon, warns about the perils of escalation: that Batman’s extreme measures could invite a like response from the criminal element. And sure enough, a deadly new villain, the Joker, emerges to wreak havoc.

In a political context this would politely be called an “unintended consequence.” (Gotham as Baghdad, anyone?) Mr. Nolan doesn’t deny the overtones. “As we looked through the comics, there was this fascinating idea that Batman’s presence in Gotham actually attracts criminals to Gotham, attracts lunacy,” he said. “When you’re dealing with questionable notions like people taking the law into their own hands, you have to really ask, where does that lead? That’s what makes the character so dark, because he expresses a vengeful desire.”

Despite some lingering concerns as to whether the film will contain too much in terms of character and plot, this film is increasingly looking to be the one to watch this summer.