The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters soon, but not soon enough for fans. A third trailer was released not too long ago to whet our appetites and as the release day draws closer, we have even more from the promotion/marketing team to keep us satisfied.
Christian Bale and Tom Hardy recently sat down with Total Film Magazine to discuss their roles in what is surely 2012’s most anticipated film.
Bale discusses how pain is the one emotion that Bruce Wayne has not been able to rid himself of. He also reveals what has kept Bruce going within the eight years that have passed since we have seen him, which is the only plot point that has been revealed at this time.
“That’s constant throughout. But I think it’s more about him feeling the consequences of a life that’s entirely directed by pain, and holding onto that pain, and just how long he can do that. It’s about making the decision to continue [being Batman] in order to maybe self-destruct, or whether he can find some kind of rebirth, to be himself. There’s a certain amount of reflection. He’s always had this need, this drive, to take action because of the tragedy that befell him. He’s not in the healthiest of places, in many ways.”
Bale also takes the time to address fans who might be afraid that the final installment of the franchise will consist of more emotion and lack action.
“Chris is very good at recognising the kind of movie that we’re making, that we’re not making a little character piece. There’s no reason why you can’t have a substantial amount of character in it, but we’re not going to go so far that people say, ‘This is no longer the excitement I’m looking for.’ It’s the end of an era. For me, personally, and for Batman.”
Emma Thomas, producer and wife of director Christopher Nolan, confirms Bale’s sentiments as well by revealing to us a little more about Bane’s mindset.
“I would say that in terms of brutality, this one exceeds the last one. This is the first episode that Batman’s ever physically been taken. Bane is a brute. I think what’s great about this villain is that The Joker is all about mind games and messing with people, whereas Bane is about physical strength. We’re giving Batman someone truly worthy of him. It’s not just pure force. Je’s really switched on.”
In addition to the above image that Total Film Magazine has revealed, Hardy reveals exactly how he bulked up to portray Bane.
“When I started I was about 160-something pounds. When I was done I was 190. You lift weights. You eat. You lift some more weights. You don’t run anywhere because if you do cardio, you drop weight. So it’s really good for heart attacks!”
And while we might all think the mask looks uncomfortable, Hardy reveals:
“It’s not as bad as you might think. You just put it on. Work out where you drool goes. That’s it. Mask work is good fun. This one wasn’t painful; there was the stunt mask and there was the up-close on for the sexy glam shots.”
That’s all for now but if you’re interested in reading the full article, make sure to pick up the latest issue of Total Film, on newsstands now.