I believe in Christopher Nolan

Rating: 10/10 (22 July 2008)

Dun Dun Dun DunDun Dun Dun Dun DunDun! THE DARK KNIGHT is an intense cinematic experience and a testament to fine film-making. I bestow the majority of my praise on director Christopher Nolan. He and brother Jonathan crafted an ambitious script of epic scale. So much happens in this story, and in the wrong hands this film could have become a huge mess, but Nolan executes every scene with visionary perfectionism. The evolution of style from BATMAN BEGINS serves it well. Gotham feels even more real-world this time around and the plot involves more of a gritty, modern crime/action film format rather than comic book. Perhaps Nolan's greatest asset is his instinct when surrounding himself with top-notch, hardworking talent. Ledger's Joker is a revelation and funny/creepy as hell. Bale plays Wayne as even more of an ignorant prick to comic effect. The score is breathtaking. I for once wasn't longing to hear Danny Elfman's theme from the previous franchise. Everyone working on this movie is at the top of their game, except I'm not sure why Anthony Michael Hall is in this... The film is more than just dark. Batman has always been dark, but this story is devastating; it's pure tragedy. I'm reminded of the direction STAR WARS took with THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, and I think Nolan's Batman deserves to be a classic trilogy/holy trinity as well. Nolan and Co. will definitely have their work cut out for them if they decide to continue on. DARK KNIGHT is a daunting film to top. It also stands very well on its own and leaves little clues as to where the story could go next. Everyone can weigh in their hopes and ideas. I'd like to see Catwoman worked in and "Nolanized," but I leave all those decisions to him; he's earned my complete trust.