| October 15, 2000 Darren Aronofsky (Pi) was signed by Warner Brothers to write the upcoming Batman: Year One movie along with Frank Miller, the writer of the original 1987 comic series (Batman # 404 - # 407). Aronofsky was interviewed by Salon: I have to ask you about "Batman". Tell me what drew you to it and why you want to develop it. I am going to write "Batman [Year One]" with Frank Miller. I'm also writing a science-fiction story and that's going to set up in a studio really soon. We'll see which one happens first, because it's not like I'm definitly doing "Batman," which everyone seems to think. What do you mean not definitly? Well, I'm going to write it and we'll see what happens. We'll see if they let me make the script that I'm interested in. Why were you drawn to it? I just think it's a great story that's been told two different ways in the last 10 years, but not the way I would tell it. I think it's an amusing story that touches very deep in the American consciousness. What part? There's something about vengeance and justice that are really deep issues for Americans. And vigilantism. But to tell you the truth, I haven't even started on it. We've been talking about doing this for a long time. It seems like it's finally happening, but it's a long road. Which was the best "Batman"? For me, I would say No. 2. I like Michelle Pfeiffer and the Penguin. I liked thatn whole tone. I think Tim Burton's great. And who's the best Batman? Yet to be seen. Darren Aronofsky's other interview was conducted by Eon magazine: How do you go from personal films to BATMAN? I don't know. I haven't made it yet. A different mindset? We'll see. Think you're weirder than [original BATMAN director] Tim Burton? Tim Burton is weirder than me. You think I'm weirder than Tim? He's pretty out there. His films are really out there. That Vincent Price short [1984's FRANKENWEENIE]. He's out there. Look I haven't started working on it. I don't know what the experience is like. The reson I'm interested in BATMAN, it's bad ass. Batman is cool. I think it can be done really well. There's a lot of pressure, but I think there's good stuff in the title. What I've been working on for the past ten months is a very, very personal film. A new science-fiction film I've been working on for ten months. Trying to make that one as well. Two BATMAN productions happening [BATMAN: YEAR ONE and BATMAN BEYOND]? I don't know. I really don't know. What about Paul Newman playing the old Bruce Wayne? No comment...just kidding. (laughs) I can't say no comment on anything to reporters, can I? I really honestly have not started working on it. I haven't been hired. I haven't been paid. |