The Dark Knight has been an absolute phenomenon this year. Not only is it the highest-grossing film of the year by a long way, it’s also the second highest-grossing film at the box office of all time, behind Titanic. The film has also prompted calls for Oscar nominations to be given to the cast and crew, with Heath Ledger the most obvious candidate for his portrayal of The Joker.
But the Academy Awards voting season is a long way off, so what to do? Easy, re-release the film in January to remind everyone what a shockingly good movie The Dark Knight is. This would not only ensure some much-deserved Oscar nominations, but would also guarantee the film to smash through the $1 billion box office takings barrier.
Reuters reports that Warner Bros is considering this move, with the film being shown again in Imax theatres around the world, as well as possibly conventional theatres as well. To date, the film has managed takings of $512 million domestically and $440 million internationally. $55 million of that total came from Imax screenings.
I would actually welcome this move, and forget the money-grabbing nature of it if it meant I could go and see the film at an Imax cinema. I missed out the first time around due to it being a sell-out, and had to make do with a normal screen, but wouldn’t give up if given the opportunity again.
Sadly, the most obvious reason for this huge financial success is the unfortunate death of Heath Ledger. If he hadn’t died I’m sure The Dark Knight wouldn’t make half of this money. The main reason for that is that this movie is much, much better than anything else in the top earners list.
I loved this film. I wouldn’t mind a re-release, this time i would definetly go to watch it in Imax theatres and might do it over and over again till its gone again…
Let me remind you not only Heath Ledger suffered. It was other people too. The stuntman at the scene of where the judge’s car was exploding died. a Crewmember died. (Heath ledger died). Christian bale had a row with his mother and sister and got locked up. Morgon Freeman had a car accident. it is all very sad and afcourse this film will remind us of the trouble they went through.
I love this film no doubt about it. I hope it beats titanic and shatters the $1 billion mark.