Nov.18 2009

MOVIE MASH POLL: Who Should/Could Replace Christopher Nolan?

By Barrett Goetz

Mann Fincher Aronofsky

So after yesterday’s post of the “reported” upcoming Warner Bros. announcement this January regarding Batman 3 and Christopher Nolan’s involvement, I thought it would be perfect timing to see who you guys think WB suits should try to woo if Nolan does indeed decide to pass on returning.

If Christopher Nolan DOES NOT return to direct "Batman 3," which director would you like to step in?

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Analysis after the break.

All of these directors are currently at the top of their game and all but Aronofsky have been nominated for a Best Director Academy Award. NONE of these directors, that we know of, have been approached to takeover, but their names have been making the internet rounds as speculation fodder for months. The main thing that Warner Bros. suits will have to think about considerably, is choosing a director that would best be able to continue Nolan’s vision of a Batman universe grounded in reality.

Michael Mann would be a fine choice. He’s provided us with some of the best crime thrillers of the past 20 years with Heat, Collateral and Public Enemies. However, I think that Mann’s style and technique is TOO realistic, due to his signature use of digital cameras. Mann has been criticized for this because of the nauseating camera movement that some movie goers can find irritating.

Aronofsky was actually the leading candidate to revive the Batman franchise before Nolan was signed for Batman Begins in 2004, even having a script written, but WB wisely passed and went with the Memento director. Aronofsky’s style is dark and gritty, but I don’t think he would be able to handle a $200 million budget, as all of his films thus far can be categorized as “arthouse” and have had max budgets of around $5 million.

Danny Boyle is one of the best directors on the planet right now. He won an Oscar for Slumdog Millionaire last year and his resume is versatile and utterly impressive. However, his work on The Beach (with Leo), 28 Days Later and Slumdog created worlds that are bright, colorful and illuminating, a directing trait that would not compliment Nolan’s signature usage of dark tones.

So who should direct Batman 3 if Christopher Nolan doesn’t return? I say David Fincher! If there’s anyone who has a similar dark, gritty and meticulous style of directing to Nolan’s, it’s David Fincher. Think of Seven, The Game or Zodiac. Fincher already has created a thrilling serial-killer crime epic involving a killer who uses puzzles. The Riddler anyone? I honestly don’t know if Fincher would want to come in as the clean-up hitter for a superhero franchise, but if Warner Bros. were to, say, offer him a $50 million pay-check, I think Fincher would have to seriously consider it.

What Do You Think? Discuss.

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Filed Under:Batman 3, Christopher Nolan, darren aronofsky, david fincher, michael mann, movie news, POLL
Categories : POLL
  • Moosh
    Love The Insider bro!
  • matthewdeery
    Moosh how about The Insider too. Another great film directed and written by Mann. The suspense and uncertainty of the Cigarette companies creeping around the corner is ultra effective in that film. i was on the edge of my seat the whole time and I believe that is some of Mann's best work. But if Scenario 1 goes down, I'm for Fincher too. Love his work and I think if that scenario played out he would be the best for the job. Fingers crossed for NOLAN!!
  • iamse7en
    No I don't. I don't have to pick anybody. And that's what I chose - I didn't participate in the poll. :)
  • Moosh
    Fuck new moon... having said that, yes NO ONE could effectively replace Nolan. Having said this, my choice would rely on the the theme of this proposed new Batman. I'm obiviously hoping for the Riddler which can go one of two ways in my opinion. 1) The movie is a mystery movie filled with murder, intrigue, and the question on everybodies' mind is this, "WHO IS BATMAN?" 2) The movie has a slightly lighter tone than the aforementioned scenario and instead relies on more action i.e. Bank robberies, hostages, etc I'm hopin for scenario 1, in which case Fincher is my mash. Seven is just the sort of style I want this movie to take. I also love the way he gets into the mind of his characters, both pro- and antagonists. I would love a flick that delves into the mind of the Riddler. But for scenario two, Mann has it all the way. He's proven that he can plan and choreograph superb and suspensful action scenes (armored car heist HEAT, stand-off shoot out MIAMI VICE) and that's what this scenario entails. He's also no slouch when it comes to writing suspensful screenplays.
  • Although all of those directors are good, i don't think anyone could replace Nolan and still have the style and realism of him. Nolan brings his own style to the batman movies and i don't think that can be replicated. As for New Moon...The movie officially beat TDK for Midnight Show record...which is bullshit in my opinion.
  • river
    question? where is the review for New Moon?
  • Rabs
    While that would be an appealing option, WB has made it clear that THEY WILL be making Batman 3, with or without Nolan, so you have to pick someone.
  • iamse7en
    Nobody?
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