A Superhero Tour De Force

Rating: 9/10 (30 July 2008)

Over history, literature has constantly reassessed and reshaped heroes and villains. Batman is a relatively contemporary creation, born of the much derided Cartoon Book genre, yet in this film, Director Christopher Nolan creates a gravitas and purpose only hinted at in those early drawings, building on the success of "Batman Begins". Aided by a top cast, this film reaches past the obvious niche audiences and finds a resonance far beyond.
Heath Ledger gives a role defining performance as the Joker. He exudes, paranoia, psychosis and cruelty with humour almost an afterthought. Given Ledger's alleged battles with depression it is unnerving to witness so convincing a display of an unhinged mind, but utterly compelling. The British 12A Certification is tested to the limit by the sadistic use of knives, totally in context, but hardly easily dismissed as "Comic book violence".
Christian Bale is a convincing Batman, playing the action sequences with an aggressive, vicious detachment, yet perfectly at home as the anonymous Bruce Wayne. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman revel in their character roles as Alfred the Butler, and Head of R&D Lucius Fox , respectively. Both deliver understated, but perfectly observed performances.
Never short of outrageous action sequences, explosions and ensemble set pieces, what lifts this picture is its preparedness to seriously consider the role of the hero, villain, good and evil, chaos, and the impotence, but decency, of the ordinary citizen. When two hordes of hostages fail to meet the Jokers fiendish plan he rails that "You cant rely on anyone these days "and" if you want a job doing you have to do it yourself". Equally he hints that there is evil out there purely for evil's sake  a chilling touchstone for the curse of modern mass terrorism.
The Cinematography is consistently beautiful and the production values a fine mix of the real and CGI. With actors Gary Oldman and Colin MacFarlane also making valuable contributions, it is curious how such a strong British contingent have redrawn an all-American hero. Perhaps it is because Nolan displays such consummate skill in examining themes, and attitudes which transcend time and place, and as such is an outrageous bedfellow with the Coen Bothers "No Country For Old Men".