Comic book movies are getting darker and grittier in some quarters.
That’s down to Christopher Nolan, right?
Well, not quite…
The word gritty would be used.
Thus, goes the theory, comic book movies and blockbusters in general are favouring dark and gritty.
My own personal frame of reference is, as ever,Doctor Who.
This meant Nolan had free reign to reboot.
Thus, Nolan decided a good way to achieve realism was to significantly ignore the comics universe.
Batman is the only superhero in his trilogy, and operates in a contemporary city the audience can recognise.
For Nolans Batman, this only serves to contrast his heroism and extraordinary situation.
Clearly, this idea hasnt been that influential across the board with superhero films.
One thing that has been a constant in superhero movies is the why should I care?
issue, when presented with a strange and unusual scenario.
WatchBatman Beginsagain, there are four quips in the first five minutes.
Not laugh out loud ones but quips nonetheless.
Much like the ones people make in reality.
Nolans apparent reputation for humourlessness is baffling considering this is a man who helped bring us Heath Ledgers Joker.
While he doesnt exactly emit constant zingers Nolan clearly has a dry, morbid sense of humour.
Another crucial aspect of Nolans version of realism is that Christopher Nolan knows it is not actually realistic.
Or as he put it: its really about cinematic reality.
Marvel have learned plenty from Nolans approach.
This is something that, sinceThe Dark Knighttrilogy, Marvel have achieved more successfully than DC.
