Controversial Joker Scene in TDK Being Cut?

Rumours claim Warner Bros. intends to cut a controversial Joker scene from this summer's The Dark Knight.
by Larry_Chimp_Man

This was bound to happen. Test screenings for The Dark Knight have been taking place all across the United States as of late and the film has been very well received. However, many test audiences have shown disgust towards a scene which, due to the recent death of Heath Ledger, has been labeled quite controversial. Warner Bros. is pondering whether or not they should snip the footage out of the film.



The scene in question features Ledger playing possum in a body bag.

It's easy to understand where these test audiences are coming from. Nobody wants to be reminded of Ledger's death while watching The Dark Knight and seeing the deceased actor in a body bag is sure to cause some moans. However, this is Christopher Nolan's vision and arguably Ledger's biggest performance, let the scene stand. The role of the Joker has always meant to be a controversial one and it would be a disservice to Ledger to tame the character due the Aussie's recent passing.

Hopefully Warner Bros. decides against cutting the scene from the film. However, if it is cut, the scene could easily be restored once The Dark Knight hits DVD. Also, keep in mind these are simply rumours and that Warner may simply leave the footage alone.

What are your guys' thoughts? Should a scene featuring Heath Ledger's Joker in a body bag be cut from TDK? Post a comment and share your thoughts.

The Dark Knight hits theatres on July 18th. Keep posted to MediaZEALOT as we'll keep you up to date on the film leading up until its release.

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Harley Quinn in TDK?

Soap Opera star's agent lists The Dark Knight as one of her current productions.

RDF Management, a talent agency based out of London, has listed the role of Harley Quinn in The Dark Knight on one of its client's pages. Click HERE to check it out. According to the agency Sarah Jayne Dunn will play the supervillainess in this summer's Batman film. Christopher Nolan has denied the character's involvement in the film up to this point but has not yet commented on today's recent discovery.



I doubt that Dunn will be showing off the red and black tights in TDK. Nolan wouldn't introduce a third villain into the mix and I doubt that it would be kept secret for this long if he had done so. I can see the British actress playing a small role as one of The Joker's accomplices in the film but not in traditional Harley Quinn form.

Then again, Sarah Jayne Dunn is a soap opera star. It's hard to believe someone from mid-afternoon TV would have a chance at coming out on top in an audition for Chris Nolan.

We'll find out soon enough whether or not Harley Quinn will be a part of The Dark Knight. MediaZEALOT will keep you posted on all things TDK up until its release in July.

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The Prestige DVD Review

Does the single-disc release of The Prestige contain enough substance to be a worthwhile DVD?

The Prestige is one of those films that has all the right pieces to make it work. For starters, it's directed by one of my current favourites, Christopher Nolan (Memento, Batman Begins), and is shot by the two-time academy award nominated cinematographer Wally Pfister. It also features the very well cast performances of Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, Piper Perabo, David Bowie, and Scarlett Johansson (who isn't as spectacular). I thoroughly enjoyed The Prestige and have been waiting eagerly to add it to my DVD collection since I caught it in theatres back in October.

Unfortunately, The Prestige DVD is only a one disc affair. This means that there isn't much extra content to be found on the DVD and while there is some top notch substance, there just isn't enough of it.



A large chunk of the bonus content is something called The Director's Notebook. This is a collection of interviews with the cast and crew of The Prestige about many of the elements that went into the creative process for the film. We hear Christopher Nolan talk about the effect of the film's Victorian setting, his fast-paced shooting style, Nikola Tesla, and the use of magic as a form of faith, as well as other subjects. It's a very interesting watch but it's too brief and only runs for roughly 15 minutes when it could have easily been stretched out to an hour or two.

Another feature found on the DVD are the production galleries. These show stills from the film, pictures from the set, and the different costumes and locations used. There is also a gallery of all of the painted magician posters found in the film which are worth a second look.



Unfortunately, just like Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins DVD, this disc is missing a director's commentary. I would have loved to hear Nolan's take on the film and it's too bad that it wasn't included.

I can overlook The Prestige DVD's lack of features because it's such a great film but it's really disappointing that this wasn't a two-disc release. Who knows, maybe a special edition might hit the shelves if this DVD sells well, but I wouldn't count on it.

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FILM: Aaron Eckhart IS Harvey Dent

After months of speculation, director Christopher Nolan finally has his District Attorney for the upcoming The Dark Knight.

People all over the net have been speculating for months who will play Harvey Dent and his alter ego Two-Face in the upcoming Batman Begins sequel. Edward Norton had his name tossed around, so did Jamie Foxx and Josh Lucas, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was even a contender at one point, but neither one of these gentlemen were able to snag the part. Today it was announced that Aaron Eckhart (Thank You For Smoking, Erin Brockovich) has taken the role and will star alongside Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, and recently announced Maggie Gyllenhaal in the upcoming The Dark Knight.



I REALLY like this casting choice. Ekhart has proven he can play straight roles as well as comedic characters and I feel that he'll be a great fit. Hopefully he'll be able to capture the role of the determined and passionate Harvey Dent yet be able to twist full circle and play the relentless villain Two-Face. Like Maggie Gyllenhaal, Eckhart must really capture the relationship that Harvey Dent shares with Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) in the film. The two are friends, and both fight crime their own way, hopefully that comes across well in the picture.

Now, it's not clear whether or not Dent will transform into Two-Face during the course of the sequel or if it will be left open for a third film. It may likely occur as a cliff-hanger setting up the next film, but that's just speculation.

What do you guys think of this casting choice for Harvey Dent? Are WB and Christopher Nolan on to something with Eckhart or is he completely miscast? Post a comment and let me know your opinion.

Check for more news on The Dark Knight leading up to its release in the summer of 2008.

Cheers.

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