The Dark Knight: Masterpiece or Masterstroke?

Rating: 9/10 (11 October 2008)

Inevitably, given the hype that built up to near overload before the film's release, The Dark Knight had a lot of expectation. Given the fact it was following up the brave and excellent Batman Begins, which kicked off a new more realistic look at the Batman saga, you could say it was a film that simply couldn't afford to fail. It HAD to be a classic. In many ways, it was.
The film takes a different angle from the typical Batman story premise. Rather than going for Batman vs (fill in villains), it goes for a four way multi-character driven crime saga epic more in the spirit of 1995's Heat than previous incarnations. While Bruce Wayne/Batman continues his mission to clean up Gotham City and wipe out the mob he set about destroying in begins, with the aide of Lt. Jim Gordon, he is is sought after by the ambitious and determined 'White Knight', new D.A Harvey Dent, who seeks an alliance he feels will rid Gotham of it's disease ridden underbelly. However, with the mob on the verge of destruction, it's head honchos, lead by Mafiosso Salvatore Maroni, are forced into their own pact with the devil. The devil, in this case, is a nameless, moral free psychotic bank robber, known in the criminal world simply as The Joker. Inevitably, things take a turn for the absolute worst, and soon it is clear that The Joker is not in it for the money, but for motives far more terrifying.
The Dark Knight represents a brave turn from Christopher Nolan, and after the uplifting Begins, he goes for a new theme: chaos. With politicians, police officers and officials dying left, right and centre, the city is plunged into panic and soon Batman, the incorruptible symbol, becomes helpless to save a city destroying itself. As one person puts it "Things are worse than ever!". This creates an uneasy and almost depressing mood, deepened by the death and destruction that is unrelenting and threatens to bring an end to any hope whatsoever. Desperation is a key theme, as The Joker tears up his environment with an enthusiasm that chills to the bone and leaves a solution seemingly unreachable.
In most key areas, The Dark Knight is a wonder to behold. Nolan's direction improves with every film he does, and his gritty look at the Batman universe firmly anchors us in Gotham, remarkable given the subject matter. The screenplay bristles with dual identity and moral code, though is occasionally less than subtle. The music score by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard thrills and frames each scene like a cape. Not once are the beats out of place, permeating moments with the necessary emotion and mood. The acting is out of this world. Bale matches his intensity of Begins, even when given a withdrawn role, and adds an emotional pathos to a character who could easily become a cardboard cut out. Kudos must go to Aaron Eckhart, who displays real versatility portraying a character who, like Batman himself, is almost two separate identities. Despite the bad press, Maggie Gyllenhall accomplishes herself well enough filling Katie Holmes's shoes as Rachel Dawes, while Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman return with the panache you would expect from such fine actors. Eric Roberts really surprises in a charismatic and slick turn as Maroni, providing some really subtle touches to a character who may have simply disappeared in the sea of talent. Gary Oldman is worth a lot of credit as Jim Gordon, displaying some superb understated vitality that is key, especially in the last scene.
And finally, Heath Ledger. A lot of people are going to see the film purely for his performance, and let me say this to them: it's worth it for that alone. He oozes danger and mystery as the iconic villain, a man who is a walking enigma. From quick, and quirky, talker, to homicidal violence loving monster, he switches with terrifying speed and you instantly forget who is behind the cheap purple suit and make up.
Overall, the film is highly memorable, with some truly wonderful scenes, moments and elements that set it apart from other superhero films. Its pessimistic mood is highly fitting of the story and the tale itself is well told with gusto. Let down slightly by the overplayed moral sentiments and the occasional lapse back into classic action film, it still maintains a grace befitting its own high standards. Basically, almost a masterpiece and a must see for any film lovers.