Something that is clear despite the box office numbers for Warner Bros. new slate of Batman films is just how well received Christopher Nolan‘s versions were. His Dark Knight trilogy not only helped to return the character to glory after a somewhat embarrassing end in the late ’90s, it also helped spark the current DCEU effort we’re seeing on the big screen. While his influence has escaped following the release of Man Of Steel, — he was a producer on that film and executive on both BvS and Justice League –Nolan thinks he knows why his films were set up to succeed compared to the results we’re seeing now with Batman V Superman and Justice League.
While speaking at the BAFTA: A Life In Pictures event in London, Nolan pointed out something he was awarded for his films that the current crop of directors isn’t receiving according to i09:
“That’s a privilege and a luxury that filmmakers aren’t afforded anymore,” said Nolan. “I think it was the last time that anyone was able to say to a studio, ‘I might do another one, but it will be four years.’ There’s too much pressure on release schedules to let people do that now, but creatively it’s a huge advantage. We had the privilege and advantage to develop as people and as storytellers and then bring the family back together.”
With Marvel’s non-stop parade of tentpole superhero films that are all leading to Avengers: Infinity War next summer and the grind to keep up with stacked release date schedules, it is a wonder how Nolan managed to get away with his Dark Knight trilogy. Not only did he get to go make two successful projects in between Batman films, he managed to tell the story of Bruce Wayne and Gotham without too much publicized interference from the studio and DC Comics.
The same can’t be said for the current slate of films, with the stories about Justice League slipping out left and right. It expands outside of the superhero films too, with things like the Star Wars films placing talented directors up against the needs and structure of the studio’s release plans. You’re making their movie instead of your movie.
There’s nothing wrong with that if the results are enjoyable, but it shows how Nolan was able to craft something that was never really questioned the way you see with Justice League or Suicide Squad. They’re not perfect films if you look at the reviews, but they do represent something we don’t get too much from the genre at the moment.
(Via i09 / Comic Book)