Mid-”Knight” show draws fans
From Friday’s The Oklahoman:
By Matthew Price
Assistant Features Editor
The promotion for “The Dark Knight,” the latest Batman film, has been pervasive.
Walking through Quail Springs Mall in anticipation of Thursday night’s movie preview, one encounters the smiling Joker peeking from multiple store windows. T-shirts featuring the visage of the late Heath Ledger, who plays the Joker in “The Dark Knight,” are joined by shirts with the classic look of the DC Comics character. It’s impossible to escape: It’s Batman weekend.
As the chain doors come down on the stores, locking the Jokers inside, more begin filing in from the parking lot. There’s a smattering of Bat-symbols, but many Heath Ledger Jokers gaze from fans’ clothing.
It seems the dark edge of “The Dark Knight” drew many fans to the midnight screening Thursday.
Kyle Schmidt, 24, of Bethany had been planning to see the Batman sequel “since they showed the Joker card at the end of the first one.”
Schmidt likes the depiction of Batman developed by director Christopher Nolan.
“They make it seem real,” he said. “It could almost actually happen.”
Ledger’s new take on the Joker was the draw for Matt Hollingsworth, 24, of Edmond.
“From seeing the previews, Heath Ledger has made him so incredibly twisted,” Hollingsworth said. “Jack Nicholson made him fun, but Heath Ledger has made him a villain.”
Jeremy Sturniolo, 17, of Oklahoma City bought the tickets as a gift for his father.
He’s been “amazed” by what he’s seen so far of Ledger’s performance. Ledger died in January of what is believed as an accidental overdose.
Not everyone was there just for Ledger, however.
“Christian Bale is my lover,” said Brooke Hammer, 23, of Edmond. “He has been since ‘Newsies.’ I have loved Christian Bale since I was literally 5 years old.”
Midnight screenings: The Dark Knight
Sneak Peek: The Dark Knight
Seeing “The Dark Knight” at midnight?
If you’re planning on seeing “The Dark Knight” at midnight on Thursday, shoot me an e-mail at mprice@oklahoman.com. We’d like to hear reactions from fans as soon as possible!
– Matt Price
Comcast offers “Dark Knight” content
Christian Bale in “The Dark Knight.”
Press release from Comcast:
Leading up to the highly anticipated Dark Knight theatrical release, Comcast brings exclusive, never before seen, original HD content to the small screens of living rooms nationwide.
Via Comcast’s signature On Demand service, Comcast will launch “Gotham Tonight” with six mini-movies, featuring the film’s actors as they provide commentary in character. Brief appearances by Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent, Gary Oldman as Lt. James Gordon, Anthony Michael Hall as Mike Engel, Eric Roberts as Salvatore Maroni and Colin McFarlane as Commissioner Gillian B. Loeb, will tell the story between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Comcast is even offering the opportunity for non-subscribers and those wishing to get a sneak peek of the content to view the mini-movies via http://www.gothamcablenews.com.
In addition to the Gotham Tonight exclusive mini-movie series, exclusive behind-the-scenes movie footage, interviews with the cast and filmmakers, and Dark Knight trailers will be available on Comcast’s signature On Demand service, all in HD and online at http://www.comcast.net/thedarkknightmovie and Fancast.com.
Domino’s Pizza hosts “Dark Knight” trailer
“Dark Knight” promotional partner Domino’s Pizza is hosting a new trailer for the film. In addition, the pizzeria is selling a special “Gotham City” pizza, and running a $10,000 giveaway. www.dominos.com has more info.
“Dark Knight” credits to include tribute to Ledger
The Associated Press is reporting that the credits to “The Dark Knight” will pay tribute to Heath Ledger, and to special-effects technician Conway Wickliffe, who was killed in a stunt accident.
Warners has been walking a fine line in promoting the film without being seen to exploit Ledger’s death, and I believe continues to do a sensitive and professional job.
– Matt Price
Wallpapers, more at official “Dark Knight” site
While several viral sites have been going for the last year or so, Warner Brothers now has the official site for The Dark Knight up and running with wallpapers, icons and the like.
And of course, if you can’t get enough “Dark Knight,” keep checking this blog and the NewsOK “Dark Knight” site at www.newsok.com/batman.
– Matt Price
Check out the “Dark Knight” site
Find out more about Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight,” one of the summer’s most-anticipated sequels on the new Batman-themed site at NewsOK.com. At www.NewsOK.com/batman, you can find articles from The Oklahoman dealing with Batmans past and present, including interviews about the films, television series and comic books.
Also included is George Lang’s interview with Heath Ledger, one of Ledger’s final interview sessions before he died earlier this year. Ledger played the Joker to Christian Bale’s Batman in “The Dark Knight.”
NewsOK.com/batman also includes a message board, blog and videos. For podcasts about “The Dark Knight,” click here for my podcast with Brandy McDonnell about summer movies, and here for my podcast with Kyle Roberts about Bat-events in comics, DVD, and film.
The site will be updated through release of “The Dark Knight” on July 18 and beyond.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Will you see “The Dark Knight”?
If you’re planning on seeing “The Dark Knight” — or, if for some strange reason, you aren’t planning on seeing “The Dark Knight” — head over to NewsOK’s Dark Knight message board and share your thoughts!
– Matt Price
