Even years after the final frame was captured, the Dark Knight Trilogy continues to command the attention of superhero fans and cinema lovers everywhere. Batman has been an icon character in pop culture for decades. However, what Christopher Nolan did with the caped crusader has set the bar so high that any other attempt at reviving it will be met with scrutiny. Questions still remain about Nolan’s process of putting the films together though, which is why Warner Brothers saw fit to release The Fire Rises: The Creation and Impact of the Dark Knight Trilogy.
The Fire Rises is a behind the scenes special that encompasses all of which came together to bring the epic trilogy to the screens.
The Fire Rises is a behind the scenes special that encompasses all of which came together to bring the epic trilogy to the screens. From the early stages of Batman Begins all the way to the ending of The Dark Knight Rises, the special gives fans an in depth look at everything that made the films great. There are multiple interviews from critics, studio executives, Christopher Nolan and his brother Jonathan, exclusive between the scenes footage of all of the top billed stars, as well as brief segments with others who work in the entertainment industry. Much is addressed and very little is left out in this impactful special feature.
There are only a few things that could’ve made The Fire Rises better. One important factor that was not mentioned enough, was the score of the films. Hans Zimmer’s music played a huge role in bringing life and feeling to the events of all three films, so it would’ve been to the benefit of everyone to have looked more at that. This aside, so much is revealed that was not known before regarding casting, screen tests, actors who were approached in the beginning, the FX that were mostly real, and also Christopher Nolan’s directing methods. So much is explored in The Fire Rises that most fans don’t even initially think about. The special divulged the marketing plan used at the time as well as what they were trying to achieve in the creation of Nolan’s Batman universe. Fans should also be pleased to know that Heath Ledger and his portrayal of the Joker gets more than enough attention, documenting the time he was picked for the part all the way to his construction of the character that eventually made it to the screen. Be advised that his death is not highlighted, and that is probably for the best.
Nolan’s trilogy was not just good superhero movies or comic book flicks, they are also just good cinema in general. The three films when put together make for a solid story with strong character arcs, but The Dark Knight alone is considered by many to be one of the best films ever made regardless of the genre it falls under. It’s a shame he had to stop at three, but all good things must eventually come to an end sometime. Thankfully The Fire Rises exists as a nice piece of fan service, and it’s free on YouTube.
