I love Christopher Nolan....

Rating: 10/10 (17 July 2008)

Dear God I love Christopher Nolan. In his five film career, beginning with "Memento" he has not put a foot wrong, building a body of work which supports the assertion that he is the most talented director of his generation. With The Dark Knight he has created the best comic book film ever. Period.
Dark Knight is the most perfect blend of style and substance, action and drama that I've ever seen. It's technically brilliant, with awe inspiring action sequences that must be seen to be believed. The action however, is not superfluous but feeds off the dramatic subtext of the script. Nolan explores what it is to be a hero, and the pitfalls of protecting a city that seems to be suffering because of the very existence of that so called hero.
Each actor slips perfectly into their role, with honourable mention going to Aaron Eckhart who did far better than I expected as Harvey Dent. Towering above them all however is Heath Ledger. Almost 20 years ago Jack Nicholson portrayed a Joker that many felt could never be topped or re-attempted. Whilst it is unfair to compare the two, one certainty is that it will be at least that long again before any other actor can don the maniacal grin once more. True, the Joker by his very nature is bound to steal the show.....true, the Nolan brothers have scripted the Joker in a unique way, filled with memorable dialogue. Nothing however, can take away from Ledger, who's every movement, every word, every physical nuance is part of a meticulously crafted madman. This Joker ranks among the greatest of villains as he seemingly needs no motivation for his actions other than the constant thirst for chaos. The Joker is all animalistic instinct and in Batman the Joker has found a nemesis whom he enjoys being pitted against. For the Joker it is not the outcome that is important but the fight itself. His lack of fear or reverence to anything is truly terrifying.
Ledger's final completed performance is perhaps the mot bittersweet piece of acting to watch as it now serves as a swansong, rather than heralding the arrival of a monumentally talented superstar. There is nothing I can say about Ledger, or the film that hasn't already been said but in there lies the film's true brilliance......I feel the need to rave about it anyway.