monteverdi durant: 'Dark Knight Rises' TV Spots: A Lighter Side Of Batman

Friday, May 25, 2012

'Dark Knight Rises' TV Spots: A Lighter Side Of Batman

Two new 30-second commercials feature Lucius Fox and Catwoman.
By Kevin P. Sullivan

Christian Bale in "Dark Knight Rises"
Photo: Warner Bros.

As the "Dark Knight" prepares to rise, two new TV spots that hit the Web on Thursday (May 24) let us in on the lighter side of the series closer, which, until now, has been deathly serious.

Christopher Nolan's Batman films have never been all doom and gloom. Though they are known for their gritty tone and dark aesthetic, Nolan has never been afraid to throw in some humor (albeit dark humor) to lighten the mood. The first two TV spots for "The Dark Knight Rises" pack in a few of those familiar moments, including one of Catwoman doing what she does best: burgling.

The first 30-second commercial focuses primarily on Bruce Wayne's return. After going on the run because of the events surrounding Harvey Dent's death, Wayne needs to resurrect the Batman, and he reaches out to the man who made all his bat-gadgetry possible, Lucius Fox, with Morgan Freeman making a welcome return.

Selina Kyle (a.k.a. Catwoman), portrayed by Anne Hathaway, holds the spotlight in the second spot, which plays up the teasing dynamic between the famous cat burglar and the Batman. Having talked and danced briefly at the masquerade ball we've already seen in a few trailers, Bruce goes to fetch his Lamborghini from the valet. Unfortunately, Wayne's "wife" got to it first.

Additionally, a handful of hi-res stills from the film have appeared over at Batman-News.com, featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt's John Blake and an interesting look at Batman, Catwoman and Bane in an industrial complex, presumably before a fight seen in the trailer.

With a little less than two months to go until the film's release, "The Dark Knight Rises" is shaping up to be a movie not only worthy of its series, but one that deserves a fever pitch of anticipation.