Gary Collinson presents an outlandish theory on The Dark Knight Rises…
As I’m sure you’re already aware, a new trailer arrived online for The Dark Knight Rises this week and after months and months of speculation, we’re now starting to get some kind of idea about the story for the epic conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman saga. As the pieces begin to fall into place, what’s becoming increasingly clear is that while Nolan may have found inspiration from the likes of Knightfall and No Man’s Land, he’s also decided to follow the blueprint laid down by the third entry of another popular movie franchise – the Rocky series.
Firstly, let’s take a look at the parallels between our two heroes – Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) and Batman (Christian Bale). They’re both champions (Rocky ‘of the World’ and Batman ‘of the People’), they’ve both got voices that are difficult to take seriously and they’re both coming off the back of a big victory over their main rival in the previous movie (Carl Weathers’ Apollo Creed and Heath Ledger’s Joker). Now, in the third installment, they find themselves up against their most dangerous opponent to date – Rocky with the brutal, unstoppable wrecking machine that is Clubber Lang (Mr. T) in Rocky III and Batman with the brutal, unstoppable wrecking machine that is Bane (Tom Hardy) in The Dark Knight Rises…
The similarities are striking (even Bane’s mask is reminiscent of Clubber’s beard and mohawk combo) and based upon what we’ve seen in the latest trailer, it looks as if there’s plenty more to come…
Much like the Italian Stallion, Bruce Wayne has lost his edge when we’re reintroduced to him in The Dark Knight Rises. Eight years of living it large and leaving so little for the rest has taken its toll, and he’s not even sure if Batman exists anymore…
However, just as Clubber Lang cuts his way through the heavyweight division, Bane descends on Gotham City, leaving a trail of chaos and destruction as he goads his rival into the big confrontation…
Eventually, it comes down to it – Rocky Balboa vs. Clubber Lang / Batman vs. Bane – and we all know who’s coming out on top…
Presumably, somewhere around this point, Alfred follows Mickey’s lead in ceasing to exist…
Following their first confrontation, Rocky / Batman is a beaten man. Hope is lost and faith is broken…
…but fortunately, a former adversary is on hand to pick Rocky / Batman back up…
…and with help from Apollo / Catwoman, our fallen hero regains his hunger and gets back on his feet, just a man and his will to survive…
Finally, the stage is set for the anxiously awaited rematch as the adversaries take to the street…
…where Rocky / Batman rises up to the challenge of his rival, defying all odds and conquering the unstoppable monster…
…Or maybe – just maybe – this is where the similarities come to an end. I guess we’ll have to wait until July 20th to find out.
Originally published May 3, 2012. Updated December 6, 2019.
