A dark movie shines in theatres

Rating: 9/10 (29 September 2008)

When Spiderman hit the big screen, movie viewers everywhere were confident that it would be the best superhero movie for a very long time. That is, until Christian Bale walked onto the big screen as Bruce Wayne in Christopher Nolan's new installation of the Batman series. While the first movie was a big success in and out of theaters, the main anticipation of the new Batman series laid in second movie, The Dark Knight (2008).
After much waiting, the film exploded into theaters and instantly into box office history. Not even opening night, but midnight showings alone, grossed over twenty million dollars. After a few weeks, The Dark Knight secured its place as the third highest grossing movie of all time, just short of Titanic (1997) and Star Wars (1977). Much of its profit has come from fans who have gone to see the movie more than once. I myself have seen it three times, once in the unbelievable experience of IMAX.
The Dark Knight follows Bruce Wayne (Batman) further into his life after he saves Gotham City from the first film's villain, Raz Al'gul. While fighting sporadic crimes, he has a plan to take down the mob with the help of Lieutenant Gordon and the new DA, Harvey Dent. However, a man comes along that likes to spread a bit of chaos, a man known as the Joker. As trust dwindles between the police, the district attorneys office, and the Batman, the Joker spreads havoc throughout the city of Gotham.
So the world knows that the statistics on this movie are outrageous. But for all of those who haven't seen it yet, and shame on you if that's the case, why is it such a big deal? I mean, what happened? What was it that took this movie to the next level: from another action superhero film to something that is already buzzing nominations for a number of awards. Bypassing the nostalgia, new gadgets, and super-cool special effects, the answer can be found in the tremendous performance by Heath Ledger as the psychotic anarchist, the Joker.
Almost everyone that I have gotten in contact with that has seen the movie are all blown away by Ledger's riveting and maniacal portrayal of Batman's greatest enemy. Many have already heard buzz about the performance being called out for an Oscar nomination. This chilling perfection in acting set the tone for the entire movie. I found myself wishing for more Joker scenes throughout the entire movie. Heath Ledger basically ruled the screen for two and a half hours, and Christian Bale and the other characters were reduced to supporting roles.
Whoever was in charge of make-up has most likely secured themselves a career for the rest of their life, because I got chills every time the Joker had close-up. The scene between the Joker and Batman when the Joker is dangling off of the building is probably one of the best shot scenes of all time in that even though the Joker is captured, the camera angle has him eye level, making him equal or supreme to Batman.
Ledger's performance combined with the amazing special effects and the in-depth story, has driven this summer blockbuster into much more than a installation of the caped crusader's life. It has set the tone for potentially every superhero movie that has yet to be made. It has also brought in multiple new fan bases for the genre, and the Batman series itself. This film has achieved an A in my standards, since I can not wait to see it maybe three more times. The only question now is, what can we expect from the next movie? Maybe a magic trick.