"Batman Has No Limits"

Rating: 10/10 (17 July 2008)

(Warning! Lots of Spoilers! Only read if you've seen the film!)
Batman has leaped straight out of the comic book pages and into the real world. To compare "The Dark Knight" to say the "Spider-Man" franchise for example, is almost a joke. The reboot "Batman Begins" established Batman in the real world, and now the sequel takes that an entire step forward. "The Dark Knight" is more than just a great comic book movie, its a masterpiece.
It's been a little over a day since I've seen "The Dark Knight". It really lingers in the mind after a while, even if you're not a big fan of Batman you will be of this future classic crime drama. As I've pondered over the film more and more, I've come to understand it's many complexities.
Since the first film, the mob is getting more and more desperate to launder their cash. Why? Because Batman has been cleaning up the streets and cops and lawyers can no longer be bought. The Joker is employed by the mob to take down the Batman and bring corruption back to Gotham. Until Batman turns himself in, The Joker will continue to kill people. Is Batman a hero? Or just a vigilante looking for self righteousness?
While re watching "The Prestige" the other day, knowing the twist ending, it was beautiful to see how well crafted it was. How much little things that may seem like padding are actually hints that apply to the symbolism of the entire film. The same goes for "The Dark Knight". Not only is it a good picture that stays true to the characters and stories of Batman, like "Batman Begins" did, but its really an artful film. Thats a lot to say for a movie based off of a comic book.
As the credits started to roll I wondered what the plot twist was. I thought to myself "There must not be one in this film", little did I know how subtle it was. Upon further pondering I figured it out. Bale replies to Caine in one scene "Batman has no limits". That statement is both true and false. The Joker tempts Batman to "break his one rule".
Another part of the film that has deep meaning is The Joker. We know from the film that The Joker was somehow abused in the past. So he has lost all faith in people. There is evil in everyone. Two sides one "coin". The Joker strives to create dramatic examples. By corrupting Batman, their White Knight, and themselves. "When it comes down to it, every man for himself, every person is evil" is his basic logic. The Joker acknowledges that he is morally wrong, but wants to prove it to Batman and everyone else in Gotham that they are not much different from himself (Thats a little Killing Joke for you).
The films puts you into a an exciting roller coaster, and a rather abrupt, yet beautiful ending that will leave you stunned. The story is intelligent and action-packed, it is wonderfully well acted to create great characters, and it really speaks to you.
Batman breaks the law for justice, the city who he protects hates him, and yet he still fights injustice for the right reasons. To keep an eight year old's parents from dying. He will only stop when the evil that created Batman is gone. Thats what a hero is. A+