A Complex and Intelligent Movie that is not so much a Superhero Movie as it is a Noir-Thriller

Rating: 9/10 (6 March 2019)

Many hold this in regard as the best superhero-movie of all time, and has given other movies in this genre the biggest shoes ever to fill. I myself believe that to be kind of unfair, since this is not what I would immediately classify as a superhero-movie, simply because it has Batman in it. Because Nolan is such a master at mixing intelligent themes and high-quality entertainment together, he took one of the most iconic superheroes in history and made him a human being in a realistic world, where nothing really is to over the top: no doomsday-devices or superpowers, just a masked vigilante who needs to combat organized crime and the anarchy within the very people he fights for to protect them. He and David S Goyer wrote a complex and layered script with deep characters, and made one of the darkest and well-made crime-noir movies I have ever seen(and I don't even like that genre)
Acting:
Christian Bale continues to prove that he is a fantastic actor, with a subtle and laid-back performance as Bruce Wayne and a harsh and brutal portrayal of a struggling Caped Crusader. This is not his best role, not by a long shot, but I can imagine that Ben Affleck was pretty nervous to replace this man.
Heath Ledger, what more can we say about his real that hasn't already been said? In his final role, he delivered one of the most impressive method-acting roles you will ever encounter, with all odd mannerisms, a creepy voice and laugh, and an enigmatic character that steals every scene. Oscar was well deserved.
Aaron Eckhart was the absolute surprise of this movie. Given how few good movies the guy has actually been in, it is a relief and a shame at the same time that he will only be remembered for this role. He gives a down-to-earth, sassy and yet intense performance as a white knight who falls into the abyss of insanity. I believed Bruce Wayne when he said that with a man like Aaron's character, his Batman would no longer be needed.
Gary Oldman's role as Jim Gordon gets expanded in this sequel, showing a grim and hard-working commissioner who suffers just as much from the consequenses of underestimating the Joker as the other protagonists. The man gives a great performance.
Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel is a slight improvement over Katie Holmes, who wasn't very interesting in Batman Begins, but still her character feels like little more than the damsel in distress, and the few words of wisdom and advice that she gives are not nearly enough to compensate for her lack of likability.
Veteran Actors like Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine play their part, and they do it well. I can't help but miss the emotional core that was much more present in Batman Begins with these two characters. The sound of their soothing deep voices is enough though to appreciate every scene that they are in.
Direction:
Christopher Nolan always has a very clear vision and approach to his movies, and this firm grip is visible throughout the entire movie. The tension and weight is felt in every scene, and even the more lighthearted moments are handled very well.
Cinematography:
Wally Pfister, who has worked with Nolan on multiple occasions, has switched drastically in style when compared to Batman Begins. The muddy, brown aesthetic of Gotham in that movie has been replaced with a moody grey, while still maintaining the dark shadowy feel that is associated with Batman. The dialogue scenes in particular are shot very well on steady-cam, and draw your attention immediately. Overall, this is great work.
Music:
Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard collaborate for a second time for a Batman Movie, and Hans brought a harsher and more electronical element into the score. The old themes from Batman Begins are still there, but more expanded, and with a harrowing theme for the Joker that sets you on edge the more you hear it pop up. As a score to listen to without the movie, it isn't that solid, but it is essential to the atmosphere of this picture and Zimmer and Howard should receive high praise for this.
Plot:
David S Goyer and Nolan wrote a complex and dark movie that can become confusing if not careful. That being said, the execution is brilliantly done, with many twists and turns, and surprisingly relevant questions are brought to
light.
Editing:
This ties directly into the plot, and is the main reason why this movie succeeds so well in its execution: because of the complex structure, good editing is necessary, and Lee Smith absolutely delivered in that department. Particulary the scene transitions after powerful emotional moments are exceptionally well done.
Sound:
The old sounds from Batman Begins are back, including Batmobile and gadgets, and now also including the high-speed humm of the Batpod and the unique-sounding explosions that you don't really come across in other movies. It is not outstanding, but very pleasant for your ears.
Production Design:
Even though the setting of this movie appears quite normal, Nathan Crowley spend an extraordinary amount of detail on the sets and props, making them all feel realistic and Gotham like a real city.
Costumes&Make-up:
Batman's dark suit is the best version yet, picturing Batman as a frightening and looming presence without the need to move a muscle. The Joker is exactly what you'd imagine he would look like. So, perfect.
VFX:
Nolan uses cgi as little as possible, which is a rarity nowadays, and the major exception is Two-Face. Like Inception, Nolan aims for the perfect blend of digital and the real thing, and when you look at the horrifying imagery, it is really hard to believe that it is not real. Chapeau!
Tone:
The darkest Batman movie thus far, largely in thanks to the Joker and his schemes, which have such gruesome consequences that the desperation and fear easily carries over from the screen to the audience. The tension is masterfully handled throughout scenes, and a scene in an interrogation room particulary transcends it to a whole new level.
Overall Concensus:
While not all characters and actors are as charismatic as they should be, Heath Ledger and the complex script, together with masterful editing and direction, elevate Nolan as one of the best filmmakers working today.
8.6/10