Courtesy of Entertainment Weekly, take a closer look at Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises.

Thanks to this week's issue of Entertainment Weekly, we take a closer look at The Dark Knight Rises, our most anticipated film of 2012 (sorry Avengers).

We have earlier seen the awe-inspiring full theatrical trailer of Christopher Nolan's swan song to his epic trilogy of arguably the greatest superhero ever. Now sink into more details of the film with as we bring you the scanned images and quotes from Entertainment Weekly.

On inspirations for the film:

Christopher Nolan: In seeking to craft “a portrayal of a city and the different strata of people living in it,” Nolan and his brother were inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities and the silent cinema of Fritz Lang, arguably best known for the sci-fi landmark Metropolis.

On the film's connection to Occupy Wall Street:

Nolan denies reports that he wanted to shoot the protesters who encamped in Zuccotti Park last fall for the film. He and his collaborators conceived Rises more than three years ago, he notes, and obtained their New York shooting permits “nine months before Occupy Wall Street even existed.” Still, he’s not shying away from the implications. “The truth is, we wanted to shoot on Wall Street for the same iconic reasons that the Occupy movement chose that location: It is a symbol of American wealth and capitalism,” says Nolan, who hasjust begun editing the movie and cautions that the question of relevancy is premature. “In trying to tell as story of a self-made hero who is a multibillionaire, it raises certain issues that I do think are important in the world today, about the use and abuse of wat is Bruce Wayne’s only superpower” extraordinary wealth.”

On the Batcave:

The set-which occupies most of a massive L.A. soundstage-is extraordinary for being exactly what it needs to be. Just a big old cave. One with a working waterfall that feeds a subterranena lake, as well as a concrete platform that rises up from the watery deep and hides secret plastic cabinetry that can pop up from the floor with the press of a button.

On dealing the immense presence that comes with making the film:

“I can tell you the truth because I’m done with it: I felt immense pressure. And I think it’s a good pressure, because you owe it to the films — and the people’s expectations — to make great work.”

On how Gotham has changed since the events of The Dark Knight:

Jonathan Nolan:
“If Batman’s plan was to stamp out crime the new movie asks: What if the plan actually worked?”

Christopher Nolan: “At least superficially. The movie deals with the idea that if you’ve papered over the cracks, then you’re just solving problems in a way that may not hold for the future.”

Christian Bale on his last day in full Batman garb:

Christian Bale: “My last day in the suit was also the last day of shooting for me. I was in New York, on top of a downtown skyscraper. The day began with Morgan Freeman and then ended with Anee Hathaway. I got to say goodbye from within the batcowl. it was very quiet, just a couple people there. But in the midst of it, I said, ‘Hold on a sec. Let me take a moment. This is it. I’m never going to have this claustrophobia again!’ So I had to pause. I had to.”

“It’s a fascintating thing, that suit, don’t you think? And since I am generally within it, I actually don’t get to see it that often. Not the way that other people do.”

“I can tell you the truth because I’m done with it: I felt immense pressure. And I think it’s a good pressure because you owe it to the films-and the people’s expectations-to make greatwork.”

Here's the official synopsis of the film:

Warner Bros. Pictures' and Legendary Pictures' "The Dark Knight Rises" is the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, Leading an all-star international cast, Oscar(R) winner Christian Bale ("The Fighter") again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar(R) winner Marion Cotillard ("La Vie en Rose"), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake. Returning to the main cast, Oscar(R) winner Michael Caine ("The Cider House Rules") plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar(R) winner Morgan Freeman ("Million Dollar Baby") reprises the role of Lucius Fox. The screenplay is written by Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. The film is produced by Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven, who previously teamed on "Batman Begins" and the record-breaking blockbuster "The Dark Knight." The executive producers are Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull, with Jordan Goldberg serving as co-producer. The film is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by Bob Kane.

The Dark Knight Rises is currently scheduled to open on July 20th, 2012.