Series: The Dark Knight

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Caught in the Joker's Campaign Part 2

Yesterday Comics2Film reporter Leslie Morgan received a package from the Clown Prince of Crime himself, which included a cryptic invitation and sealed evidence bag. We resume her story in progress...

What happened once I opened the evidence? Well, considering I was already suspicious of a bomb threat, I wasn't about to go opening sealed pouches willy-nilly. I couldn't see any white powder inside the packet, but still, you can't be too certain.

As I contemplated Joker-esque threats mailed in small packages my computer chimed an incoming instant message. It was from my insufferable editor at Comics2Film who likes to talk about himself in the plural [Editor's Note: We are so not insufferable]:

C2F_Mucky_Muck: Hey Leslie. Did you open that package from the Joker?

LM: Uh…

C2F_Mucky_Muck: Was there anything in the package about the IMAX screening?

I looked at the message a bit perplexed. I had no idea what he was talking so I wrote:

LM: I have no idea what you are talking about.

C2F_Mucky_Muck: Was there anything in the package about a screening?

I thought for a second and realized that the plastic baggie containing a joker card wasn't simply a piece of paraphernalia, but an actual clue, part of a riddle. I tore open the plastic bag and a joker card; press pass and white piece of paper fell out.

On the piece of paper were typed out directions to a location. I map quested the directions, which took me to the IMAX theater by the Los Angeles airport.  UGH! I couldn't believe I almost missed this opportunity simply because I dismissed the power of marketing.

I felt outsmarted by Warner Brothers yet slightly annoyed that no one mentioned to Comics2Film's EIC that I should even be expecting a package about the preview [Editor's Note: Seriously...how lame is Warner Bros?]. When I returned to my computer I had an IM from C2F HQ,

C2F_Mucky_Muck: Hey you ok? Good lord! Has the Joker struck you down?!! Why?! Oh Why, Cruel Fates!?! WHYYY!!!!  Why must others be harmed that the world might have comic book movie news? Poor, poor, Leslie. So young…

[Editor's Note: We think Leslie is exaggerating. We don't remember it like this at all.]

LM: Um…a grip: get one. I'm still here. I found the IMAX info. I'm going tonight.

C2F_Mucky_Muck:  *phew*

LM: Maybe break the Prozac tablets open before you take them.

[Editor's Note: Use Prozac only as directed by a physician. May cause side effects including insomnia, restlessness, nausea, and tension headaches, which normally go away within one to two weeks]

That night I left my house at 5:30, figuring it would take me about an hour to get to the theater with traffic. If anyone is reading this and is living in Los Angeles you can vouch that traffic in Los Angeles can be unpredictable, but driving anywhere in rush hour is pretty standard; give yourself at least an hour.  The directions were specific that I had to be at the theater no later than 6:30. Suffice it to say it did not take me an hour to arrive at the theater and I parked my car at 6:35.  I ran in my heels up the stairs and over on the other side of this massive parking structure and finally got to the theater as everyone was filing out.

I had MISSED the screening. After all of this, I was approximately nine minutes too late! However, because I wanted to bring you, the avid C2F readers something, I hereby present to you some direct quotes from fans as they were exiting the theater.

"Damn that opening sequence was (insert expletive here) amazing! I don't know how they are going to do better than that," says a shorter slightly overweight man wearing glasses and a black t-shirt.

"It was great that they had this for the true fans. The stunts were impressive and Heath Ledger looks great as the Joker," an anonymous member of the press.

"Well obviously they are going to put the best eight minutes of the film into this screener. So I have to wonder how the actual movie is going to end up," a man drinking a big gulp.

"Well kid you haven's seen anything yet. This is your first screening and these people were tame," an older gentleman to a younger gentleman carrying a film canister. Wait a second, this kid has the actual screener, and maybe he would let me borrow it just for eight minutes!?

Unfortunately no amount of convincing to get the young man to let me borrow the film reel. However I have learned some valuable lessons. Always make sure you leave at least an hour and a half early during rush hour if you live in Los Angeles.

Always remember that any studio marketing a big budget movie like Dark Knight will start the campaign at least one year prior to the film's opening [Editor's Note: Which causes some people to turn to Prozac] so try hard not to get jaded by the early buzz and non stop in your face viral campaigns.

Finally always make sure you check any mysterious package you get in the mail thoroughly for secret clues and riddles to undisclosed locations. [Editor's Note: Hmmm...but not if they actually contain bombs, white powder or appear to be from someone who means you harm]

So for anyone who saw the eight- minute preview be sure to comment below. Would love to know what you thought of it and the frenzy viral hype that 'The Dark Knight' promoters are creating.