The Dark Knight Rises, is one of the most anticipated films of the year. The hype surronding the film has not kicked into overdrive yet, so I thought it would be a good time to look back at some of the villains, that have been introduced in the Tim Burton, Joel Schumacher and Christopher Nolan films.
The Joker: Jack Nicholson
The first big screen debut for Batman came in 1989 and was directed by non other than, Tim Burton. The first villain Burton featured, was and still is one of Batman's most iconic and popular villains. The Joker. Jack Nicholson was cast to play the role and delivered a fantastic performance.
Nicholson's version of The Joker, was a wonder to watch and really made the character his own. The only criticism I have with his performance, is that, it felt like he was playing himself at times. Which, of course, many of you know is not necessarily a bad thing because he is a tremendously talented actor. In my view, he outperformed Michael Keaton and when I think of the film, his performance immediately springs to mind.
I watched the film only a couple of days ago and his performance as a whole has held up well. It doesn't feel outdated and can still be easily enjoyed by all viewers.
The Joker: Heath Ledger
When Heath Ledger was announced to perform, the role of The Joker, it was met with mixed reactions. Some believed this was a terrible casting choice and the movie would fail because of it. Little did they know, that this would be one of his last performances on film and would turn out to be one of his best. To put it bluntly, he knocked it out of the park.
This Joker was considerably different to Jack's. He was brutal, thug-ish and calculated. You were always wondering, what card would be hidden up his sleeve next?
What made this version of The Joker so mesmerising, was Heath's performance. Earlier I stated that Jack Nicholson felt like he was playing himself times, with Heath this was simply not the case. If I had not been told it was him behind that make up, chances are I wouldn't of known, he was that good. He completely embodied the role and in my opinion, may have given one of the best performances I have seen on film, during the noughties.
Catwoman: Michelle Pfieffer
In 1992, Batman Returns, the sequel to Batman 89 was released, with Michelle Pfieffer playing Catwoman. What can I say, this was possibly one of the most sexiest incarnations of the character to date. Mix tight leather, with a sassy attitude, sprinkle in some sexual provocation and you have accomplished every fanboy's dreams.
Pfieffer is another example of making the role her own. At times it was very hard to tell, if it was still her behind that getup. You could tell that she put a great deal of work into the character. I wonder whether she studied the movements of cats because her body language was spot on. She will certainly be a hard act to follow, when it comes to portraying Catwoman because she "nailed" it.
Catwoman: Anne Hathaway
There has been some real skepticism being throw around, in regards, to Anne Hathaway taking on the role, as Catwoman. I personally think this is very similar to the doubts being hurled at Heath Ledger, when he was announced to play the role of The Joker.
I think she will do a fine job, with the character. If this article is anything to go by, it is becoming increasingly apparent that each actor has given their own take, on their respective characters. Her costume is not as stylised as Pfieffers was but it fits into the Nolanverse nicely, in my opinion. It looks more grounded then I would have liked but I have faith, she will bring her own take on the character.
I am curious to see, what kind of role this version of Catwoman will play. What I have gathered from the promo stills and trailer, is that, she appears to have that thief quality that Catwoman is well known for. Although it seems more toned down, then in previous incarnations. In the trailer she is trying on a pearl necklace, which I think we can safely assume is not hers. I think the way she steals will be very similar to the way Cameron Diaz character does, in Gangs of New York. Also going back to the pearl necklace, is it possible that it is Bruce's mothers ? I will leave that for you to decide.
Two Face: Tommy Lee Jones
In 1995, Joel Schumacher replaced Tim Burton as director of the Batman series. With this came an abundance of changes. Gotham was no longer a gothic dark place, like depicted in Burton's first, two films. Instead it was replaced with neon lights and flamboyant set pieces. These however, were not the only changes. The characters themselves had undergone, some pretty wild redesigns, which I am sure many of you know and speak about, even to this day(bat nipples).
Of course like any new movie, naturally new villains were introduced. Two Face, who was portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones, was one of them. To be honest, I wasn't a very big fan of this portrayal at all. It seemed like he was trying to replicate, what Jack Nicholson did with The Joker. It would have been fine, if, Two Face was similar to the character but he isn't. Two Face, in my opinion, is a tortured soul. He was once a district attorney, that had been corrupted due to his brutal disfigurement. He is a divided individual and I don't think they portrayed this quality as well as it could have been.
Two Face: Aaron Eckhart
This has to be my favourite portrayal of Two Face to date. I think what worked out so well in this film, was, that we spent some time with Harvey Dent. The build up of the character was great. Hats off to Christopher Nolan for managing to keep, Harvey Dent's transformation, into, Two Face under wraps. I thought it would possibly be a cliffhanger at the end but I did not anticipate Two Face would actually make an appearance.
This is the way, I wanted Two Face to be portrayed. He was emotionally tortured and unstable making the character, extremely unpredictable. Aaron Eckhart, was a great choice because when he shouts, he has that ability to make the viewer feel the anger raging inside him. The actual design, is very reminiscent of Batman TAS and I thought they really out did themselves with it. What a great surprise it was.
The only complaint I have, is, I wish we could have spent more time with the character. He wasn't given quite as much screen time, once he becomes Two Face. A small gripe, I know but I have always liked Two Face as a villain and felt they could have filled out this side of his character, a bit more.
Bane: Jeep Swenson
Well what can I say? This was by far one of the worst portrayals of Bane I have ever seen. There is literally no substance to this character. This interpretation was extremely disrespectful to the fans, in my view. They made him a simpleton, when Bane in the comics, is meant to be both a physical and mental challenge for Batman.
What made things even worse, was the fact, his character was reduced to nothing more than a body guard for Poison Ivy. Whilst he does look similar to his comic book counterpart, that is the only thing that makes him identifiable as Bane. One of the worst villains portrayed in a Batman film? Most definitely.
Bane: Tom Hardy
Just a couple of years ago, it was announced that Tom Hardy would play Bane, the main villain of The Dark knight Rises. For me, this pumped my excitement to the max. I have been following Hardy's career for quite a while now and I am very confident he will do a great job, portraying this character. He was fantastic in Warrior and I am certain we can expect great things from this actor.
Now, what is quite different, is the way in which, Nolan has decided to depict this character. Instead of the traditional mask he has gone with a mask that helps him survive. Some people are not a fan of this change but I think it looks excellent. It makes him look intimidating and threatening. The intensity in Hardy's eyes, make it pretty clear this is someone you don't want to mess with.
Hopefully, this time Bane will be given the justice he deserves. By what I have seen in the prologue it appears they are doing just that. This is certainly not the Bane who was featured in Batman and Robin. This Bane is a mastermind. I know many people are not a fan of the voice but i think it really fits this character. I am very curious to see more of this character and if he is done right in this movie, I can see him becoming a classic.
There you have it folks ! Hope you enjoyed it and comment below, to let me know, which is your favourite Batman villain in films to date?