Even though most of the current Batman films owe alot to director Chris Nolan and David S. Goyer – it seems you cannot deny the input by younger brother Jonathan Nolan.
I am an avid listener of the Creative Screenwriting magazine podcast where host Jeff Goldsmith does a lengthy Q&A with the screenwriters after a special screening of a current film. This week he has a 1-on-1 with Jonathan Nolan on the script development of The Dark Knight and through it he explained alot of the choices the 3 of them made when writing the script for this film – it also explained a bit more of their thinking behind some of the issues I had with it.
Its a definite listen for any fan of the film, and for those that want to learn more about the filmmaking process.
The magazine site is here and the podcast can be downloaded here and as well as within iTunes.
Or if you don’t have iTunes for some reason, watch this piece of screenwriting inside information with David Goyer – what? He wrote Crow 2?!!!??
Goyer….a true conflict for any fan… Who do we owe the brilliance of the Bats reboot to? Nolan? Goyer? Before bestowing too much praise on him, let’s not forget he’s responsible for Blade Trinity, which was his first shot at the main chair. Let’s hope he doesn’t screw up Magneto….
And I just learned he wrote Jumper, which I am unfamiliar with besides the bile is produced in those who have watched it.
Goyer is definitely a conundrum. Jumper was bad. I think Blade Trinity can be his only true talent showcase since he wrote and directed it – but then again I did read that Wesley Snipes was pissed off at him the whole time (but then again that’s what Blade is) and I did see some of The Invisible which was also not lighting any fires.
I also don’t like his comic work either. I think Chris and David broke down the story for the Dark Knight and Jonathan and Chris did the actual screenplay and of course Chris directed so I guess that’s several times removed from having David so involved.
Some writers need heavy handed editors, maybe Goyer is one of them. Maybe his strikes have been the reason why the Flash movie has been delayed. Ryan Reynolds good. Goyer writing/directing = bad.