"The Dark Knight": Superhero Movies Get a Better Class of Criminal

Rating: 10/10 (1 August 2008)

I can think of quite a few descriptions for THE DARK KNIGHT. But truthfully, it is very difficult to describe how the film went above and beyond my expectations. Christopher Nolan's latest is a near masterpiece that is smothered in atmosphere, and delivers all the thrills you'd expect and more. First off, while BATMAN BEGINS reawakened the comic book hero, the latest chapter offers up the best Batman ever. Nolan introduces a brand new character that he brilliantly shoots around, he surrounds the dark buildings with shades of blue and sweeps through the streets and alley ways. That character is Gotham City. Okay, this is not the first time we've seen his Gotham. But this time around it feels more alive and it seems to be closing in on the good and the bad, as criminal activity takes over what may have once been a beautiful, bustling city. It is so splendidly photographed, that every shot of this majestic land brings us closer and closer into their world. This is by far, his most daring and ambitious film. In fact, this is one of the few superhero film that is absolutely Oscar worthy. This is as good of a Best Picture as any film could be.
As far as the plot is concerned, I think it would be better for you to know as little as possible. There is a very strong and effective story with a wonderfully written script by Christopher and his brother Jonathan. They give each and every character a real reason to exist. The dialogues are surprisingly smart, as are the people that live and breathe in this world of mayhem. And that mayhem, is mostly created by a nasty little character called The Joker. If you've seen the trailers for the film, it won't surprise you that Heath Ledger is great in the role. But he is more than great, he is absolutely frightening and brilliant. The character is evil incarnate, a man who feels no empathy and evokes no sympathy. He is referred to as a mad dog even by himself: "I'm a dog chasing cars," he tells his do-gooding nemesis. "I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it." Backing up this notion with evocative cinematography, returning director and co-writer Christopher Nolan includes a near-silent shot of Ledger in pancake makeup leaning out the window of a Gotham City police car, hair streaming and the wind in his jowls, like a happy Doberman."Madness is like gravity," the Joker gloats at one point. "All it takes is a little push." Belief works the same way.
The Joker is the world's first anarcho-terrorist; interested neither in power nor money, he simply wants to see things go boom. He is a close cousin to Javier Bardem's Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men, but even that guy was taking orders from someone.Late in the game, suspended upside down from a bit of Bat rope, the Joker smiles (as he must) and tells his captor: "I think you and I are destined to do this forever." Alas, not.
As for the rest of the cast, I would hate to see the wonderful Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent not receive the accolades he deserves. I've always thought he was a terrific actor, but he really delivers in TDK. Harvey Dent is a true hero in a mob infested world. He is a man for the people that wants to save his beloved city. Aaron approaches his character with such an honest and sincere performance. As he begins to let the violence and hate seep through him, he undergoes his transformation. In many ways, he is probably the most relatable character in the film. One of the things that makes The Dark Knight the classic it is destined to become, is the perfect casting of both Echkart and Ledger. A superhero flick can only be as good as its villain, and they don't get any better than this.
Obviously, I can't go without saying how important Christian Bale is as Batman. It is such a pleasure to see an actor of his caliber playing a role like this. But Maggie Gyllenhaal is also a major improvement over Katie Holmes. I don't dislike Ms. Holmes as a actress, in fact, I find her quite charming. But Gyllenhaal comes across as a stronger, and more believable heroine.
Aside from those I've mentioned, I also have to say that both Gary Oldman and Eric Roberts are a welcome addition. It was nice to see Oldman grow from the first film and it is even nicer to see the guy go against type again, as a non-quirky, oddball free character. He is one of the very best actors of any generation. How wonderful it is to see him as a regular part of the Batman mythology.
Yes, I loved THE DARK KNIGHT. It is a moody tale about the struggle of good and evil, and everything in between.Yet in the end, Heath Ledger's Joker, Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent, Christian Bale as The Dark Knight and a phenomenal vision realized by Christopher Nolan makes TDK easily one of the years best.