No pretty colors here

Rating: 9/10 (21 July 2012)

The Dark Knight effortlessly manipulates and reworks the comic book movie formula and fearlessly extends the range of just how far it can actually go. Some settle for cutesy pulp, some go the extra mile and create a fun and somewhat enjoyable romp, some work truly hard at injecting the craft and substance needed in both the hero and the person, but The Dark Knight creates some of the most dramatic tension and visual craft in any movie seen in years.
My original viewing of this film wasn't the best one. I found it to be a marginally decent film, with good action, but was saddened to see how drastically different Batman's style was changing. Here's a hero who got his start in comics, went on to do the cheesiest programs imaginable, (which I do really enjoy) and was forced into several films by Tim Burton, and that one mess everyone likes to forget by Joel Schumacher. To this day, I still can't truly explain why I wasn't wowed by it back then. Maybe I was just too hard-hearted, maybe I was paralyzed by the hype and stubbornly didn't want to conform myself to the love, or maybe I was just wrong.
Now I see the picture for what it really is; an immensely satisfying film that pleases the most demanding Batman fan and will almost certainly please anybody just looking for an eventful, highly memorable two and a half hours. I will not explain and elaborate on the plot, as I want this review to be primarily centered on the film criticism aspect itself. I want to informatively dissect the film, rather than waste time reiterating a plot, most likely, everyone is familiar with.
Right off the bat, the cinematography and look of Gotham City serves as a character in and of itself. I've heard some complain it's suffocating, but I say it evokes amazing craftsmanship. Even after a long 153 minutes, I wasn't wearying from its sight. It is so stunning, painstakingly detailed, and provides the film with the huge amount of style even the Batman comics were known for. It doesn't pull any punches or scapegoat on the look. It truly shows its artful side.
Performance-wise, I must bring in unwanted dislike and say that I have never been a fan of Christian Bale as Batman. As Bruce Wayne, I feel he brings a sort of classiness and arrogance, not as sharp and as witty as Tony Stark (although not intended to be), to the screen, and he has proved himself worthy in thoughtful character studies. But when he puts that suit on, I am just not entirely convinced. The voice is the primary complaint, which seems a little overwrought and unnecessary.
Still, his presence is not by any means unwanted or unwelcome. I just think as Batman he's not on-par with the elegance and style of the rest of the picture.
Now let's talk about one of the decade's most surprisingly convincing and entertaining villains, The Joker, portrayed with sheer evilness and stride by Heath Ledger. No matter what Nolan chooses to do with the remainder of his Batman trilogy, or what he has done, the series will always be remembered by the posthumous Oscar win of Ledger. The kind of spirit and wonder that Ledger infects this villain with could very well be the best villain with no superpowers ever to be seen in a comic book movie. His psychological mind-games, his purely engaging tone of voice, and his humble yet present wit that carries throughout the entire picture.
A remarkable thing that Nolan has done is not abuse or shorthand any part or component, despite having a grand ability to. The chockablock of A-list stars here is something not usually seen in a superhero film, so the standard had yet to be set, and even with the presence of Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, and Aaron Eckhart, the film never becomes too reliant on one character. Not to mention, having such a unique and convention-defying villain like The Joker sets the benefit up to occupy too much screen time and too much of an ability to become tiresome. That never happens, because Nolan and writer, David S. Goyer know how to perfectly utilize this character, neither overusing or underusing him.
One of the other minor complaints I have is just about the weight of the plot vs. the weight of the characters. The original Batman film in Nolan's trilogy, Batman Begins, a faithful, yet somewhat unsatisfying picture (keep in mind, I haven't seen it since 2005), explored touched upon the more human-side of Batman. It is rare we get a scene with Batman out of costume and it's rare one of those scenes becomes rather deep and involving. Some great dialog is exchanged between Eckhart's Harvey Dent, who does a phenomenal job as well, and The Joker, but again, never does the morality or depth of these characters truly come forth.
The Dark Knight is a beautifully crafted picture, though one not without its petty imperfections. Nolan's has successfully made a writing and directorial achievement, giving the respected hero probably his best film to date. The fans have not been silent on that aspect.
Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Morgan Freeman. Directed by: Christopher Nolan.