Batman in Gotham

Rating: 8/10 (16 December 2008)

This new clever version of the Batman saga, sticks into our mind as one of the best realized takes on the comic book hero that has . Yes, Batman is as amazing as always, but he is perhaps more human, this time out. That might be because of the intelligent treatment, its director, Christopher Nolan, working with his brother, Jonathan, conceived as a clever approach to the protector of all good causes in Gotham.
Not being this our favorite genre, we gave it the benefit of the doubt, and we were impressed with what we saw. Naturally, the film works because of the fantastic job of the late Heath Ledger, who runs away with the picture. Not to take from the star, Christian Bale, but the screen smolders whenever the evil joker, impersonated by Mr. Ledger, appears in front of the action. It's impossible to take ones eyes away from this actor throughout the duration of the movie.
The creators have conveniently disposed of Robin, Batman's sidekick that is absent since the previous installment, thus eliminating the problem presented by was perhaps a gay duo; the new take on Batman makes him into a macho figure that talks with a husky voice, perhaps trying to prove he is not a closet case.
The cast is impeccable. Christian Bale makes a great Batman. Actors of the caliber of Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, the charismatic Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and the incomparable Michael Caine, who returns as Alfred Pennyworth. What's more amazing is that Mr. Nolan and his team have meshed all the elements and have given us a film that is fun, full of action, and at the same time, it packs a lot of entertainment.
Wally Pfister's cinematography plus Lee Smith editing, works wonder in the film. The musical score is by James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer. Technically, the film makes the viewer think how did all was accomplished. It's not easy task to put all the elements together and come out with a winning film this neat.
Thanks should go to Christopher Nolan for his vision and a posthumous salute to the great Heath Ledger for what he gave us.