Well Done

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2008)

This was a movie that was being talked about by Batman fans way before the Heath Ledger tragedy - and one that was anticipated for this summer. As the stories and fan-boys began "leaking" out information about it, you knew this was going to be something special - and it was. The bittersweetness of this is of course the sadness in Heaath Ledger's death, for he made the Joker quite the nemesis of Batman that crawled under HIS skin...as well as ours.
But here's something else I didn't expect while watching the film: fine casting. Sure, everyone is centering in on the central characters, (Batman, The Joker, Commissioner Gordon, Harvey Dent...etc.) of which they should, but if you look closely again, there are some glimpses and references of characters that will be showing their evil little heads (hopefully) later on in the Batman series. Casting from the smallest corner to the largest, these actors were 'right-on'. You can say that this was the best ensemble cast of actors you'll see so far this year. The Dark Knight (should/will) win the SAG award for that and justifiably so - the performances here are to "write home about".
Gotham is darker, is troubled and its people - confused. They don't know whom to trust. And "Batman" - what to make of him really? There's nothing like seeing a town in anarchy and Director Chistopher Nolan plays it all. Actually, the title says it all and that is quite the spoiler of this film - you'll understand after you see it.
Christan Bale's Bruce Wayne is quite the duel personality as well, finding out all too quickly how human he really is against what he really does - day and night. The Joker, played wonderfully by Health Ledger has become Batman's conscious - telling Batman things he did not wish to consider himself about how Gotham may see and eventually treat him, which had many grains of truth. Or does it? That's how crafty the Joker is, and Heath played him well.
Yes, there are wonderful gadgets, chases (the game of 'chicken' between Batman and the Joker on Gotham's streets deserves an Oscar on its own!), suspense, the cinematography is gorgeous, the set design makes Gotham come alive and the sound...the SOUND and score/music are all just perfect here. These are too key elements that add a lot to a film and all should be congratulated for placing together a wonderful film experience.
The Dark Knight is a film you must see at least twice so you can 'absorb' everything. A must see for the summer (try to see in IMAX if you can!)