The golden-standard for all comic-book movies

Rating: 10/10 (19 May 2018)

4/4 ESSENTIAL
This 2008 rendition of Batman became an instant classic, and drew many cult fans. It's prequel, Batman Begins (2005) was fairly weak in comparison, but it set the stage for one of the most controversial and critically acclaimed movies ever made: The Dark Knight.
This movie is a definite stretch from its predecessor, starring Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as The Joker. Not only was it performed differently, the cast and crew took an entirely different approach to the making of The Dark Knight. One is meant to provide comic relief, with (in Tim Burton tradition) very spruced up, "avant-garde" sets and vivid color. The other is meant to tell the tale of a psychological nightmare in Christopher Nolan's gritty, lurid, and bleak fashion. On a personal note: The Dark Knight is not only far superior to the 1989 version, it is among my favorite movies of all time. (Rated 10 Stars on IMDb)
There is a very sick charm this movie has, Heath Ledger. Much like Batman did with Jack Nicholson, The Dark Knight is made by the role of The Joker. Ledger's Joker is a very special villain in today's cinema, as he makes no efforts whatsoever to redeem himself. He is not looking for pity (as his past is obscured in this movie), all he wants is to see you suffer. This is one of the most enjoyable elements of the film, as Ledger's emphasizing The Joker's psychology as opposed to his origins. Character development is a prevalent theme, yet the writers were very cautious to keep the characters relatively 2-Dimensional.
Eckhart's Two-Face is The Dark Knight's second freshest face on the set. Over the course of the movie, you watch an ultimately very likable character lose everything he ever loved. Eckhart really delved deep into his dual-personalities, and was characterized as hating, tender, destroyed, strong, fixed, and broken.
Christian Bale playing the lead role as Batman also showed signs of emptiness throughout, as someone who was coping with loss and suffering from the The Joker's mind-games, and being crushed under the weight of an unthankful Gotham. This battle of the mind effects the already dark mood of the movie, and adds the temporary flavor of hopelessness. As an evaluation of Bale's performance, I would say he greatly improved on his already powerful character from Batman Begins, taking his dramatic effects to a whole new level.
Also, Christopher Nolan creates a dystopian Gotham that rivals any competition. He creates a culture in the city that feels strangely disunited yet in harmony, where the good transcends the evil. This happens much in the same way the characters interact.
Every superhero movie I ever see will be compared to The Dark Knight. It's complexity will not go unnoticed and many will try to rival it. Some may watch this movie purely for action and entertainment, but if you look an inch or two deeper... you'll also see a master work of art.