Thursday 11 August 2016

Batman: The Killing Joke — Ummmm …  … 

11th August, 2016.

You know … 

There are times when time off can be as … well … as boring a feck.

If you’ll excuse the language.

On the other hand … ?

On the other hand, getting the first visitors you’ve had for a while — thanking you, Jeanie, and Callum — can make a day go faster.

As can something else.

Yep.

I’ve caught myself a movie.

Yep: 2016’s VOD/theatrical release of the Alan Moore/Brian Bolland Batman story, The Killing Joke.

Personally?   I’ve always felt Alan Moore’s habit off keeping his name OFF film versions of his work could be good: or bad.

In this case … ?   Well … 

~≈Ê≈~
Batman: The Killing Joke opens with scenes not in the original graphic novel",by showing us Batgirl (Tara Strong) on patrol with Batman (Kevin Conroy): in pursuit of bank robbers led by Paris Franz.

And almost coming to grief: when — in capturing him — she almost kills Franz.

The action moves quickly on: as, in the aftermath of the Batman is summoned by Commissioner Gordon.

Batman’s old nemesis, the Joker (Mark Hamill), has escaped from Arkham Asylum.

The Joker … ?   Has a point to prove … 

That all it takes for someone like Commissioner Gordon to go mad?

Is to have one bad day… 

Much like the Joker, himself … 

~≈Ê≈~

Now … ‘Ummm?’

Yes … 

Ummm … !

I have to admit to having a lot of time for Moore and Bolland’s original The Killing Joke: the way it updated the Joker’s story was and is popular, AND remains a fan favourite.

AND has an artistry too it the film doesn’t match.

But?

While there are some very good treatments of Moore’s work out there — Watchmen is magnificent, I feel, as is V for Vendetta — I can’t help but think this animated version of The Killing Joke isn’t one of them.

It is, I feel, good, at best: AND attempts to add elements to the story that AREN’T in The original novel.

I can’t help but think those of us wishing to read The Killing Joke should do exactly that.

Read the original graphic novel.

The film … ?   Adds too much too many extras to be completely satisfying.

Batman: The Killing Joke
★☆☆☆



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