The Dark Knight STUDY

Rating: 8/10 (14 November 2013)

Much has been written and discussed about the Batman film, "The Dark Knight". I watched it myself on the first weekend, but I didn't come out so much overwhelmed as rest of the audience except for the Joker part. In fact I only felt pinched since for me there's hardly any movie that carried such tremendous potential to be perfect in every sense of the word: technically, artistically and entertainment-wise and yet failed to utilize it to the full or even most of it.
Starts with a bang, a bank heist, probably one of the most ruthless kinds, one would ever see on- screen which cleverly introduces the Joker and how terrorizing he can get. The alerting siren like music seemed just apt for a figure as threatening as him.
Then the movie progresses to introduce the Batman, or batmans because this also shows how he is inspiring every other guy on the street. I don't know how this scene was necessary because neither does it give any insight to the future developments nor does it help in giving the Batman "an-applaud-worthy" entry (the later part where the Joker kidnaps one such "inspired Batman", could have harmlessly been the first such scene). With his slow action moves and silly show off of his gadgets and weapons it doesn't quite help the movie in any way. Bottom line: one of the many scenes which should have been replaced with something more powerful and match-able to the prologue.
Hong Kong scene was beautifully shot and we as audience get to see the Batman in his new suit for the first time and are also given ample time to enjoy the Batman flight and boy it is beautiful.
The Joker video clips keep reminding us how brutally wild he can get with all the shaky camera moves and his scheme of plans. With those strong close-ups, one can actually start feeling the bite and the stench of the Joker which gives a strong connection already to the viewers to have them be on the same page as the movie.
(for the rest 2/3rd of it, follow the link http://www.imeansuraj.blogspot.in/2013/08/the-dark-knight-2008.html )