Stunning.

Rating: 9/10 (5 August 2008)

I awarded this film 9/10 because I just can't endorse this film being the #1 film of all time.
However, it's one of the most satisfying theatrical experiences i've ever undergone. It's actually incredible what Nolan's achieved with this film. Batman Begins was terrific, and i'd insist on seeing that before The Dark Knight as it repositions the Batman character from a campy one-dimensional characateur to a complex, fascinating, credible and multi-dimensional subject. Having established the core elements of this character with BB, the Dark Knight is a terrific bit of character exposition bound up in one of the best action movies i've ever seen.
The Joker was apparently always intended to be the anti-Batman. Nolan really explores that in this film. Harvey Dent and Gotham City serve as metaphors and Litmus tests for the 'Good/Evil' dichotomy that are central. The grotesque nature of all the characters is handled so superbly, that you forget this is an adaptation of a comic and almost suggests the comics themselves should be revisited as serious pieces of literature. This film surpasses the comic book ethic and becomes more like a modern Shakespearean Tragedy. The genius of it is that it works as a comic book adaptation (with satisfying sincerity to the subject matter) but also works as an independent study. Realistically, there are better character studies out there, but those tend to be those that focus all energy on that study, at the expense of satisfying the other other requirements of film.
This contains some of the best action, effects, set-pieces that i've seen in a film. Some of the heist scenes and chase scenes beat anything i've seen elsewhere. Most heist movies fall into the trap of being contrived, smug and pseudo-unpredictable (e.g. Ocean's 11). This one feels like something conceived of a reckless mind. The film's sequences really feel the product of an impulsive and reckless psychopath and adeptly cultivates the feeling of impotence of the hero. Brilliant. The Joker genuinely feels like an invulnerable nemesis. As an action movie this is really outstanding. There is some terrific violent scenes and stunts that will delight any thrill junkie, and there was no overdependance on CGI.
The script was impeccable and i'm sure will work with all levels of viewer without being patronising. The performances were terrific. Bale and Ledger steal the show, though the latter really is brilliant. Watching this you get a real sense of shame that you won't ever see him reprise the role. Ledger is absolutely magnetic. Hilarious, terrifying, menacing but also tragic. He really does blow Jack Nicholson out of the water and the third time you see him on screen you'll feel nostalgic about his loss. The supporting cast are exemplary (I was impressed by Eckhart too, having previously written him off), and you get the same quality performance from the likes of Oldman, Freeman etc. as you'd expect.
The cinematography is superb. I saw this on the IMAX (do so if you can) and it was stunning, the relevance of the film aided by the portrayal of a real Gotham. The pace and plot are terrific and keep you gripped for the duration. There is also a healthy dose of humour and social commentary that is all impressively appropriate. Even the soundtrack is absolutely on point.
I can't hail this as the best film i've ever seen, but it so so good and if the next can improve on this, then that may well have a justified claim. It's a true shame that Ledger as Joker won't be involved.