Writer and editor Mike Shaw | mpshaw.co.uk

Casting rumours about Christopher Nolan’s third Batman film continue.

After the whispers about Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Tom Hardy and who they might play, attention has now turned to possible leading ladies.

It is believed that one of the parts will be a new love interest for Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), while the other will be a villain, and that director Nolan has had meetings with Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts, Blake Lively, Natalie Portman, Anne Hathaway and Keira Knightley.

While Rachel Weisz and Natalie Portman are excellent actresses, I reckon that (out of those six) Nolan will go for Blake Lively as the love interest (who is inevitably kidnapped and needs to be rescued) and then cast Anne Hathaway, against type, as a villain. Although she’s played recovering addicts and a gay cowboy’s beard, the actress still has the reputation of only playing demure girl-next-door types, by appearing as a bad-ass in a huge superhero movie, she’ll finally be able to shake the image.

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Have you ever noticed how sometimes two incredibly similar songs, books or websites come along at the same time?

There is a theory that there is some kind of global “idea soup” and that at certain times conditions are just right for particular ideas to become accessible, so it’s hardly surprising that sometimes those looking for inspiration land upon the same idea. But obviously, that’s a load of hippy bullshit, and it’s just coincidence.

The phenomenon is just as common in Hollywood, and we’re all able to think of occasions where two films which share an almost identical premise have been released in close proximity. There is, however, always a winner:

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Eschewing horror cliches

Last weekend was the 2 Days Later short horror film competition at the Theatre Royal Margate, and it was one of the best so far. I was particularly pleased because my favourite film took the two big prizes (best film and best director). It was called Boy’s Best Friend and was about a young boy who lured a bully into his house to feed to his pet snake. Completely different to everything else entered this year, it was a lovely, subtle piece of work and didn’t adhere to the usual horror cliches.

To those of you who came and said hello, it was good to meet you, but if you weren’t able to make it, don’t worry too much because there’s not long until the next event. The 2 Days Laughter sister competition is coming in April next year, where competitors are asked to make a ten minute comedy in just 48 hours. Keep checking www.2dayslaughter.co.uk for updates.

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Horror hard work pays off

The judges’ have spoken, and there are just a few days until this year’s 2 Days Later event.

The competition, where filmmakers are given just 48 hours to create a horror movie is now a permanent fixture on the cinematic calendar, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in horror or supporting new filmmaking talent.

Last week I watched the shortlisted films, and the quality was even better than last year. It’s brilliant to see just how seriously people are taking their short films – and the hard work pays off. Previous winners are doing very well for themselves, with one currently in Poland shooting a big-budget full-length version of their short starring Sean Pertwee and Jason Flemyng.

Hosted at the wonderful Theatre Royal Margate, the films will be screened in two parts: matinee screenings from noon, and the popular evening screening of shortlisted films from 7pm. Horror-themed fancy dress is optional but highly recommended and a prize will be given for the best costume.

Growing in popularity every year, if you want to attend the evening screening, it’s worth sorting out a ticket in advance, which you can do by calling 01843 223800.

I’ll be there, drinking Halloween-inspired cocktails, and there’s an after-party where judges, organisers, audience members and filmmakers can mingle and chat about their favourite serial killers. Dress up and come along.

Exploring humanity’s relationship with machines

Steven Spielberg has confirmed that has committed to direct Robopocalypse – a technological terror.

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