The darkest Knight: The Brightest Hope

Rating: 10/10 (10 January 2009)

The Dark Knight. What can I say that hasn't already been said before. This film is magnificent, a true example of how a film can transcend its own genre and become something much much more. No mere superhero film is this, sure it may share many of the same superficial characteristics as say Spider-Man, or Iron-Man but at heart its deeper, much more complex, infinitely more effecting than either of those franchises.
Its a crime epic, a meditation on duty, a chilling peek into chaos and most importantly a study of one good mans descent into crippling madness. And I'm not talking about the obvious, although I will talk about him right now.
Ledger's Joker was more than just a villain, he was an entity composed of pure, unrestrained anarchy. A destroyer of men, body and soul. I compare him to a car crash. Brutal, Unsettling, horrific and tragic yet so compelling in his madness that one can barely force a blink in his presence. A truly breathtaking performance.
Christian Bale was also outstanding. Playing not one but two characters, the powerful, animalistic Batman and the soul sick, conflicted, tormented Bruce Wayne.
But it is Aaron Eckhart that shines in his scenes as Harvey Dent. He portrays the true hero of Gotham so earnestly and honestly that his tragic downfall is all the more powerful.
And as always Garry Oldman shines as Gordon. Giving his character such a rich humanity that you wish such men like him existed and enforced our laws in the real world.
The script is near perfect and as far as I'm concerned Christopher Nolan can write his own check in Hollywood from now on. He is a man who respected his audiences intelligence and made a film that was smart, complex and not easily defined and an ending that dares challenge their expectations. A true master of his craft.
This film is beyond recommendable. Just watch it.