best film of the year

Rating: 10/10 (30 July 2008)

I knew this film was going to be exceptional following Christopher Nolan's last film. But this film does break the usual curse of sequels being worse than originals.
Having introduced the characters and setup with the first film, Nolan has improved and progressed the story. An outstanding film in all respects.
OK the downside get that out of the way first. It needs editing. It doesn't sustain it over two and half hours length. And that is the only problem. Everything else is just right. Right down to some small touches that Nolan has included that are a mark of a true film maker. Touches that the likes of Hitchcock would have included.
Of the acting, Everything has been said about Ledger and would be superfluous to add any more. Christian Bales Batman is very good and there is room for improvement. I'd like to see the direction he goes with the next film.
Michael Caine does a greats turn as the Alfred the Butler alongside Morgan Freeman. Together they provide added gravitas to an already very dark film. Gary Oldman continues to grow and grow as an actor. He's a real bonus to this film.
Very pleased to see Nestor Carbonell and Eric Roberts appearing in a film of this stature too.
What was disappointing was the under use of some actors in a film that last over two and half hours. In particular Tommy Lister, who is listed as just 'Prisoner' but as ever gave a great performance and the British stage actor, parapsychologist, engineer Stephen Armourae. I had just seen a preview of his next play, 'Under the Veil' in which he plays a psychotic Conscience. Evil, threatening combined with manic attack. Then I saw 'The Dark Knight'. Really scary response as Armourae and Ledger are more than somewhat similar. Added to this the word about Armourae's next film 'Children of Baal' is that he's playing a satanist in a style reminiscent of Anthony Hopkins and Brian Cox's Hannibal Lecter. He needs to be screen tested if the Joker returns in the next film; and his fame needs to rise considerably to be an option as the Joker.
Aaron Eckhart has received enough praise for his amazing performance. Its also a pivotal performance as he is struggles between virtue and doing what is the most expedient. He is a metaphor of the dual nature of Batman and the Joker's struggle. I have the impression they are setting him u0p for a future Two-Face. Maybe Two-Face results fro a schizophrenic breakdown? The script and effects are fantastic. It is the film of the year so far