Spoilers ahead! Seriously, don't whine about anything if you read past this point. Anyway, if anything has matched the secrecy around "The Dark Knight Rises," it has been the rumors, with everyone on the Internet tossing around their ideas for just what Christopher Nolan will be bringing to the epic conclusion of his Batman movies. One of the most enduring so far is that Marion Cotillard's Miranda Tate, reported to be a Wayne Enterprises board member eager to help a still-grieving Bruce Wayne resume his father’s philanthropic endeavors for Gotham. Many assumed that rather vague character description was a bit of misdirection, and that she could possibly be playing a villainess. Once Liam Neeson's cameo as Ra's al Ghul was rumored and later confirmed, many assumed Tate was going to be playing Talia al Ghul, looking to seek revenge (possibly with League Of Assassins). Well, according to Cotillard, the fanboys are wrong.
Miranda Tate "…is fascinated by Wayne Enterprises. They go through difficulties, and she wants to help provide the world clean energies. She's a good guy," she told THR in an interview. Pressed if Tate will remain on the side of good she said, "Yes."
So, are we all wrong? Maybe. But it's hard not to ignore the fact how severely downplayed she was in the latest trailer. If she's really just a love interest, why keep her in the background? And her role was important enough that THR also adds that she was contractually bound to remain available to Nolan to the point where she missed rehearsals for Jacques Audiard's "Rust & Bone." Again, if the character is as simple as Cotillard seems to indicate, why did Nolan insist she stick around?
Anyway, it speaks to the power of the secrecy of the movie that even words directly from the actor's mouth are taken with a grain of salt. And of course, that's not to mention the set photos from last summer of Cotillard in some decidely non-office wear, climbing into a tumbler. Or maybe, Miranda/Talia teams with Bruce Wayne to prevent the League Of Assassins from tearing Gotham apart. Or something. Anyway, we'll have our answers soon. "The Dark Knight Rises" opens on July 20th.
