April 10th, 2008, posted by FofR | Digg This
Cinema Blend are reporting that, in preview screenings of The Dark Knight, most has gone down well - but one scene involving Heath Ledger as The Joker has left people aghast. There are now rumors it shall be removed for the final cut. To save on the spoilers (it’s nothing too major), I’ve posted the details after the break.
In other news, the Dark Knight’s first review has surfaced online, chock filled with spoilers and all in Portugese, which was found online. Batman On Film have posted a very loose translation of this - do not read it if you want to enjoy the movie to its fullest. They claim elements match information that is currently held secret, they are giving it their backing and believe it to be genuine, I shall remain sceptical however.
Thanks Keith for both stories!
The Joker scene in question:
The scene involves Ledger’s Joker character pretending to be dead and being pictured in a body bag. Apparently the aftershock of Ledger’s unfortunate death are such that many in the screening reacted rather badly to this moment and now execs are considering excising the scene altogether.
April 12th, 2008 at 3:11 am
I think they should keep all scenes and stay true to the original story. I believe this will be a greater homage, than re-editing and changing what ledger and the rest of the cast worked so hard for.
April 12th, 2008 at 10:08 am
While its understandable that that scene is a tad disturbing to some people, I think the best tribute to Heath would be to show the entire movie with and all of his scenes, to recognize how much hard work he put into this role.
April 15th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I think people are being too over dramatic with this scene. I agree that they should keep it in because it is a part of the movie that Heath worked so hard on. Show his last work in it’s entirety. If you get upset at the body bag scene, close your eyes.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:38 pm
even if its not in the theatrical it’d probably make it to the DVD no?
April 30th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I agree. The scene should be left in. Heath was very proud of his role as the Joker and to remove any scene with him in it as the Joker doing what the Joker would do best is in more bad taste than being creepy because he unfortunately died. Heath would want the scene to stay so (like the others said) why not keep all scenes with him as Joker in the movie.