Board Thread:Fun and Games/@comment-12509038-20140316162320

I am starting this discussion to merely see what other Batman fans would think of had The Dark Knight Rises been split into two separate films. In my opinion, The Dark Knight Rises is a masterpiece: It is my second favorite Batman movie of all time (following The Dark Knight, which is my favorite movie of all time- so good!), and was my favorite movie of 2012. However, it did have it's plot contrivances and problems, which were all due to the fact that it simply was not long enough to properly conclude such an amazing story. My main problems with the film lie soley in the middle of the film, as I think the last half hour when Batman returns to Gotham was perfect, and one of the most thrilling theatre experiences I have ever had. Had the film been a four and a half hour long movie, that would be perfect, but obviously most people would not see a movie that long, and so I propose how the story could be extended into two parts:

1. The Dark Knight Falls (or something to that sort):

A. It would have everything from the beginning of The Dark Knight Rises, until the part when Bane takes over the city of Gotham with the multiple explosions. The film would conclude with no hope, and the villain would actually win in the end. However, it would also have more elements that include-

B. More character development for each character. For example, more development on Catwoman and Bane's relationship, Gordan's guilt with covering up the truth of Harvey, more exploration as to why Bruce returns as Batman, etc.

C. WAY more Batman! While I think the film did an amazing job, there was only 30 minutes of Bruce as Batman- about 15 minutes in the first half, and another in the second half. While I think the film did an incredible job without Batman, of course I want to see more of him.

D. More exciting elements and plot development. I think the first half could have used more exciting elements, as the first half was mainly setup. And with more Batman, that would come naturally. I would also want to see more exploration in to the fusion device Bane turns into the nuclear bomb.

2. The Dark Knight Rises:

A. It would have everything in the film that includes Bane's speech until the end. This would be the most exciting of the two films, and would include-

B. The people's reaction to a new Gotham. We would see people live in fear, and how they cope with it. I would also want to see the police try a few attempts at revolting, which would not only bring more excitement, but also show off more of John Blake's skills, so him becoming Batman would be believable.

C. More Bruce Wayne recovery. It would not only show a longer part of his recovery, but he would also build himself up more, so his escape from the Pit would be more believable. This and the people of Gotham would take up the first half of the movie, while the second half would revolve around-

D. Bruce returns as Batman, and a revolution begins. Not only would this give us more Batman screentime, as it would pretty much be all Batman for the last half of the movie, but also more excitement and revolution would be present. Instead of Bruce returning a day before the explosion, he would return 10-15 days before, so there could be multiple attempts to stop Bane before the big climax at the end.

These are just my thoughts as to how the conclusion of The Dark Knight Trilogy could have been improved. What do you think of this idea? Did you like it? Do you have any thoughts of your own as to how it could be better? Did you think The Dark Knight Rises was a satisfying conclusion? Let me know in the comments! I can't wait to read your thoughts! 