A true masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (21 September 2008)

I'll admit, before I saw this movie, I wasn't into Batman. I'd seen Tim Burton's Batman, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin (Ugh!). They were good, but none of them had that spark that I like. However, this film just blew me away. Firstly, the film gets to the point. There is not title sequence. All you see is the Batman symbol in blue fire, and then we get to the first scene. Thats an extra point for getting to the story straight away. Next, the Acting. Everyone in this film is at the top of their game. Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne, Aaron Eckhart at Harvey Dent, Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes, they were all fantastic. What of the Joker? In my opinion, the Oscar should be a certainty. Ledger gave the Joker a creepy, sadistic, almost in-human performance, and was absorbed in the role. At no point did you think "Heath Ledger is a good actor." All you can think is "The Joker is scary." When the Joker broadcast his threat video and shouted "LOOK AT ME!", the cinema went silent. Two-face was also really impressive. Aaron Eckhart was perfect for the role, and the characters gradual descent into madness felt so natural and smooth. Then the final blow comes, and we see what Dent has become. I'll have to put Makeup in for my Oscar nomination as well, because Two-Face is just...disturbing. Tommy Lee-Jones, eat your heart out. Sometimes, a script can ruin an actors performance, even if they're a great actor. However, every line in this movie has a feeling of authenticity, and relevance. There are scenes of dialogue in this scene which get you pulled into the moment. The Music in this movie is inspirational. Hans Zimmer & James-Newton Howard did a fantastic job. There is also the cinematography, which is spectacular, and gives a gritty sense of realism. All in all, I recommend this film more than any other film I have seen this year. In fact, I recommend this over any other film this decade. I would be willing to say I recommend it over any other film I have ever seen, its that perfect. As for Oscars, I genuinely hope this films gets nominations for Cinematography, Music, Makeup, Directing, screenplay and most certainly Ledger's performance. If Heath Ledger doesn't win, I guarantee there is going to be rioting.
10/10