Starring Christian Bale as the caped crusader, Batman/Bruce Wayne, The Dark Knight is a sequel to 2005’s Batman Begins. In The Dark Knight, Batman encounters murderously deranged villain The Joker (the late Heath Ledger). The Joker promises the mob that the only way they can ensure to continue their organized crime escapades is to “kill the Batman.” The plot twists and turns, gripping the audience throughout.
Heath Ledger Gives Oscar Worthy Performance
Heath Ledger’s performance is nothing if not Oscar-worthy. No other performance this year has generated as much buzz as Ledger’s creep-tastic perfection of The Joker. The lip-licking psychologically-tormented villain is the highlight of the film—both because his character reeks havoc on Gotham City as well as because the audience seemingly freezes and holds their breath when he appears on the screen.
Additionally, if Ledger is nominated for Best Supporting Actor (highly likely), the recent curse the Oscars have been enduring will likely be lifted. Last year’s televised Oscar awards show was criticized for selecting movies and actors that failed to connect with mass audiences, which resulted in one of the broadcast’s lowest ratings in its televised history. Should Ledger be nominated, this year’s Oscars will connect with audiences by rewarding an actor who was adored the masses.
More Great Performances
Though Ledger churns out a killer Joker, the ensemble in this film is also to thank for providing compelling performances as well. Gary Oldman as Gordon is stark and convincing, as is Bale’s Bruce Wayne/Batman. Additionally, Alfred’s companionship with Bruce Wayne is perfected by six-time Oscar nominated actor Michael Caine; Caine’s performance as Alfred communicates to the audience the pivotal role that Alfred plays in Bruce Wayne’s life.
Philosophical Aspect
Aside from brilliant action sequences that caused gasps in the theater, The Dark Knight is a spectacular film in addition due to its underlying plot. Seemingly some sort of rather negative commentary on society, the film delves into how society cannot seem to fully accept an “outlaw vigilante” like Batman because he is not within the limits of the law. Or perhaps this two-time viewer of the film was reading too much into it. Clearly, the plot is not reliant simply upon blowing things up.
The Final Word
If not for the brilliance and epic-ness that this film embodies than for the cultural significance and time mark in film that has become The Dark Knight, this film is required viewing from the biggest superhero fiend to the casual moviegoer.
