Anne Hathaway Catwoman

I'm sure we've all heard the title of the new batman movie: The Dark Knight Rises
Kinda catchy, right? The title is most likely a play for the same way night (and day) rises (and falls). After a moments thought though, I really don't think its so clever.


Simply attaching a single word to the end of the title of its predecessor implies a lack of creativity.
Its almost as bad a sequel subtracting the word 'the' from the original (Fast and Furious). Or even worse: The Fast Five (sounds like a mediocre boy band).  
  
Here's another upcoming movie with 'Rise' in the title: Rise of the (Planet of the) Apes
Another example of a sort of, but not really catchy phrase. In this instance 'Rise' is used in the same way a planet (or moon) rises. After a brief brainstorm, i came up with a few more movies with 'Rise' used in a similar way.

• Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
• Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
• G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra
• Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
• Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior

Notice anything in common? Thats right, they're all sequels.  

Which begs the question, what are you going to call your sequel? Especially when there have already been 8 predecessors (not including animated tv movies) you begin to run out of interesting phrase + main character title combinations. Then again consider how many comic books (with their own subsequent titles) have featured the guy.

I think we've established that 'Rise' kinda has a sequely connotation. So here is a little help for Christopher Nolan, or whoever's bad idea the title is.

The word 'Rise' most simply means ascension. Im going to guess in this context, ascension into power. Hey here's a catchy title: The Dark Knight Ascends, The Dark Knight's Ascension, Ascension of the Dark Knight (or Batman for that matter) Or how bout even reintroducing an old alias, The Caped Crusader?
Come on now, a little more creativity please.

Titles are an important part of the movie. The title must be simple, but unique. Like the poster, it is not only a marketing device, but should also be an extension of the work it self; the beginning of the experience for the audience. If there is a cliche in your title, you are certainly starting off on the wrong foot.


On the other hand, a revealing mug shot of Anne Hathaway - now thats starting out on the right foot!









A few additional thoughts on this here upcoming movie:

Question people have been asking since The Dark Knight is, Should they make another one? Can they proceed without the Joker? Can they top it? Should they even try? Christopher Nolan has long since earned my respect, whatever he has up his sleeve.

Bane and Catwoman. Interesting choices. I am a little disappointed Johnny Depp (The Riddler) and Philip Seymour Hoffman (The Penguin) did not work out. However, this may be a good opportunity to redeem 2 characters who have yet to be handled with their proper dignity on the screen. On the other hand I think it would have been interesting to introduce fresh characters from the comics. Black Mask or Harley Quinn for instance.

July 20th 2012. Until then, keep on Jokin  {; )



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