cinematographic work of art

Rating: 10/10 (20 November 2008)

Surely one of the best movies of 2008. I'm not exactly into the action genre, nor i am particularly fond of batman or any super-heroes by that matter but this film is just so smooth and slick throughout all it's spectrum that i can't save but surrender myself to it's cinematographic genius. Everything looks sharp and in place and the plot, although ultimately predictable is full of twists and turns, keeping you constantly interested in the next scene. The pace of the movie is high (again no surprises here) but finely balanced with comic strip-esquire witty dialogues and verbal duels so you don't get overdosed with fights and gunshots. The performances are fantastic, and given the cast, nothing else was expected. Christian Bale is awesome as Batman, as is Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman or old school Michael Caine & Morgan Freeman. However, the greatest star to shine is Heath Ledger, by far the greatest Joker ever. A powerful and utterly awe-inspiring performance that puts so much character and perverted coolness into Joker that you actually start hesitating on whether liking him or not at some points in the movie, despite all the in-your-face evil disgust he continuously throws at the viewers. A truly remarkable last gift to the world he left...On the downside i think Aaron Eckhart isn't quite at the same level as the others, i think he's very good on the first part of the movie but his second face isn't that convincing, which is a shame cuz i've always rated him, since "Thank You For Smoking". Final words go of course for Christopher Nolan for making sure the movie is both a blockbuster hit as it a masterpiece within it's genre. The clever twists on the plot, the slick details and the ability to get the most out of an already top tier cast have reassured me of his value, if further was needed after "Memento" and "The Prestige"... Recommended.