The Dark Knight - Stylistic Entertainment for 2 1/2 Hours

Rating: 10/10 (18 July 2008)

In my opinion, "The Dark Knight" is probably the greatest movie that I've ever seen based on a comic book. Starting from a creative direction by Christopher Nolan, this film never loses its strength due to the strong performances from a group of exceptionally gifted actors of their time. Action sequences are well-shot (especially the beginning with the bank robbery scene), storyline is beautifully constructed, and dialogs are memorable.
Let's step aside and take a look at the late Heath Ledger's performance. I was stunned by the time when the film was over; I felt that this role was destined for him to play. Prior to the viewing of this performance, I had this notion of seeing Ledger as a 'mediocre' actor with no training trying to seek stardom for himself. However, this performance as the Joker changed my whole perspective of him; it filled me with tremendous respect for him as a dedicated and talented actor of his generation. He lives and breathes like the Joker; his performance makes Jack Nicholson's performance seem so lame. He is totally unpredictable. His anarchic style of interpretation keeps the audience in suspense - whenever he is on screen, no one knows what he's going to do next. Ledger possesses this Brando-esquire unpredictability within him that makes his performance so interesting to watch. My favorite scene was the interrogation scene between the Joker and Batman. As Batman pounds on the Joker more and more, Joker's smile grows bigger; Ledger displays the danger and the violence that lies underneath the sinister character. Just watching Ledger's performance makes everything worthwhile. It will be inspiring to many of the aspiring actors out there (like me) and I wish he wins a posthumous Oscar for this role.
Other performances were outstanding - Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhall, Morgan Freeman, Eric Roberts, Michael Caine, etc. Aaron Eckhart gives a tour-de-force performance as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, capturing the dynamic layers of emotions that the character is going through. However, Gary Oldman's performance in this film was one of the reason why I loved this film so much. Continuing from his touching performance in Batman Begins, Oldman uses his chance to convey the emotions and the development of the character through his subtle performance. Especially the scene with Harvey Dent near the end of the film, Oldman just lets everything out and just touches the hearts of every moviegoers out there. If Oldman receives an Oscar nomination for this, I wouldn't be surprised; because he truly deserves it. Period.
Action scenes are very gripping to watch. Nolan takes you on this exciting and dangerous journey of following the intense cat-and-mouse game between Batman and the Joker. Bank robbery scene and the Dent abduction scene are fascinating to watch and it never lets your energy level down. Combining all the elements of the film (explained above), this film doesn't even feel like 2 1/2 hour film; just flow with the movie and you won't even know the time is passing by like a wind.
I give this movie 9 out of 10 stars because I wasn't fully satisfied or extremely impressed with the film. Maybe it was because I went in with such a HIGH expectation due to the hype of the film. But, no matter what it is, this film will stand to be one of the finest movies to be made and I hope it will garner some Oscar nominations. Better yet, few Oscars.
R.I.P. Heath Ledger (1979~2008)