Believe the hype!

Rating: 8/10 (20 July 2012)

Cinematic opera at its best, with the usual quota of larger-than-life characters, exquisitely detailed sets and kinetically charged, almost aesthetic, action sequences. The plot, such as it is, addresses subjects like the role of government, the birth of anarchist movements typified by Occupy Wall Street and the ambivalence of Batman towards the whole good vs evil debate. Christian Bale has made the character of the Dark Knight his own, and plays it with what can only be described as aplomb. The supervillain Bane, played with a visceral mix of menace, physical presence and pathos, by Tom Hardy is not going to remind you of the surreal (and brilliant) Joker portrayed by Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight, and that is not the ambition of the character, for he too is merely a cog in the storytelling apparatus rather than the focal point of the movie. Anne Hathaway is beautiful (oh those tights!) and competent as Catwoman. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has a pivotal role, and at times one wonders why, until the big reveal at the end. Yes, without saying too much, I can say that there is a twist in the tale, and it is very very good. Special mention for Michael Caine, in his best performance as Alfred yet. Chris Nolan directs with a deft touch, demonstrating a growing awareness of his craft. A must see, and I, for one, will go see it again, in IMAX.