A new feature on The Dark Knight is up at The New York Times primarily focusing on director Christopher Nolan and it carries some details on the film, including a first paragraph spoiler (just skip the first two graphs and you should be good) as well as some new images (featured above and below).
The feature draws an eerie connection between the city of Gotham and the Iraq War with Nolan saying, “As we looked through the comics, there was this fascinating idea that Batman’s presence in Gotham actually attracts criminals to Gotham, attracts lunacy… 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.”
The article also talks a bit about Heath Ledger, his death, and the reaction of the cast, crew and its affect on the production. Outside of hearing statements we have heard before, cinematographer Wally Pfister said, Ledger seemed “like he was busting blood vessels in his head,” he was so intense. “It was like a séance, where the medium takes on another person and then is so completely drained.”
Unfortunately there isn’t a direct quote from Nolan regarding the death of Ledger, only his portrayal of the character.
Outside of the first two paragraphs, which I quickly skipped once I realized what was happening and blissfully remain unaware, the piece is very good. You can read it here and then check out the photo slideshow by clicking here or on either of the new pics in this article.
