The Dark Knight (TDK)

Rating: 9/10 (4 August 2008)

This is my first post but I felt compelled to comment about The Dark knight.
The Dark Knight sits in a comic book superhero genre alongside Iron Man, Superman, Spiderman, The Crow, Hell Boy, etc. I am a huge fan of this genre but appreciate that it isn't everybody's cup of tea. I am also a huge fan of movies in general.
The Dark Knight sits head and shoulders above ALL other films in its genre. Whilst most 'superhero' films are a triumph or style over content or action over content or even special effects over content, the Dark Knight brings forth a true depth rarely seen in this genre which means that it succeeds in exceeding most expectation for 'this type of movie.' That alone is truly worth applause.
However, not only does TDK overcome all of the usual constraints associated with the genre, it takes all that we love from the 'superhero' genre, all the strengths of the genre and applies great acting, intelligent dialogue, fantastic cinematography and a strong script.
Never have I seen a 'superhero' movie tackle such subjects of tragedy, loss, chaos, despair and desperation so eloquently. The Joker, played by Heath Ledger, embodies everything that this film respresents- tragedy, despair, chaos, madness. Gotham is spiralling into absolute chaos and all of the central cast are dragged into a new era of crime and heartache. Leading figures of justice are being killed and many of the central cast are made to feel the loss and feel the despair.
I saw a darkness and despair in this movie that I hadn't seen since 'The Crow', another dark comic book adaptation in which a ghostly figure emerges from the night to wreak vengeance on those that had killed him and his loved one. Coincidentally, both The Crow and TDK share the tragic death of young lead men who were at the pinnacle of their career.
Yes, TDK has flaws. There may be some things that you do not like about the film or that do not make sense or attract criticism. Is this not true of all movies- even the greats? I am not looking for the perfect movie but a movie that is great enough that you can forgive it all shortcomings. This is very rare but this is the case with TDK.
I loved Batman Begins, as it consolidated the origin of the Batman and added an authenticity and sincerity that the previous films did not bring. With the first film out of the way, Christopher Nolan has brought us a sequel that builds further on that solid foundation and yet brings so much more. This is not just a comic book adaptation but a study of good and evil, order and chaos, friendship and loss, trust and deceit and lots more beside. The film is not action-driven but dialogue-driven and script-driven and all action and special effects are by-products, which is the way it should be.
I was glad to see that there was not an overuse of CGI and the real strength of this film was that I felt that I was watching real people with real dilemmas and real feelings. Bones were broken, flesh was burnt, people were killed. The dialogue was intelligent and engaging. The characters were fully rounded and interesting. There was not a dependence on special effects or action, although that was all there, as you would expect.
I was fortunate enough to see The Dark Knight on an IMAX screen and I would recommend anyone spend a little more and do the same- you should not regret it. This is a truly great film that accomplishes a lot. Is it an all-time great? Well, that is up to the individual- there is no right or wrong answer. For me, it was the ultimate superhero movie and a damn good film. Batman Begins 8/10 The Dark Knight 9/10.
PS. Is Heath Ledger good? No, Heath Ledger is GREAT!