There are rumors going around that there have been secret screenings being conducted for The Dark Knight in different parts of the US. While screenings like this are quite par for the course for many movies, the results of those screenings could be a cause for concern for both Batman and Heath Ledger fans.
According to rumors, there is a certain scene in the movie that has made viewers react negatively. The said scene shows The Joker (played by Ledger) pretending that he is dead and with him being pictured in a body bag. With Ledger’s untimely passing still fresh in the minds of many people, the effect has been less than desirable and this is leading executives to the decision to delete the said scene.
Although no one can confirm that there is indeed a scene like that in the movie, the decision to tear it apart could be a big disservice to the memory of Ledger, who is well known for being an uncompromising actor. In his memory, this movie should not be butchered.
We’re torn as to if this is a good idea or not. On one hand, the film is a film as it stands right now, and if film doesn’t let us transcend real life then it doesn’t work as a movie.
On the other hand, if there are real test audiences who are reacting badly, one establishing shot of a dead-looking Joker can probably be tossed without sacrificing the plot point, and if there’s one thing that is noticeable about The Dark Knight from the press, it’s that the film is already pretty dark.
This isn’t studio execs cutting out a sequence, from what we understand, it’s a shot. It’s the World Trade Center getting cut out of Spider-Man promotions.
However, this reports is slightly suspect because we haven’t heard from or even of anyone who has seen The Dark Knight. Especially for a hot property that is still running a full Alternate Reality Game online, it seems like news that these “secret screenings” were occurring would at least make a tiny rumble on the landscape.