Christopher Nolan's Batman: The Dark Knight
Review of Summer Blockbuster with Heath Ledger and Christian Bale
Aug 8, 2008
Audiences that flock to the theaters during the summer months are not always expecting a stellar film. They anticipate explosions and action sequences, not necessarily good scripts and impressive acting. Finally, there is an entry into the superhero movie genre that includes all of these components. “The Dark Knight,” expertly written by the last Batman movie scribe and director, Christopher Nolan, is a master class in entertaining. You’ll be on the edge of your chair from start to finish.
Why Heath Ledger Should Win an Oscar
The late Heath Ledger turns in a brilliantly frightening performance as the Joker. One look at his ghoulishly lip-smacking interpretation, and you’ll be convinced of his Oscar worthiness too. If Ledger wins an Oscar, it will be the first time an actor has been awarded the gold statue posthumously since the 1970’s, when Peter Finch won Best Actor for “Network.” Despite the tragic circumstances involving Ledger’s drug-induced death earlier this year, he so fully inhabits his character, that rarely during the film does the audience remember that he is acting.
What keeps this film suspenseful and interesting are the true villain qualities the Joker displays. He is an ‘agent of chaos,’ a psychopathic killer that goes on crime sprees simply for the desire to create panic. Christian Bale plays the perfect foil to the Joker’s mayhem; his Batman is brooding but intellectual in his plans to protect Gotham City.
Harvey Dent, Eckhart's Tour de Force Role
Another actor who turns in a remarkable character study in the film is Aaron Eckhart, who plays the dashing DA, Harvey Dent. While he has stolen Rachel Dawes’ affections away from Bruce Wayne/Batman, his fortitude is admirable and the audience still finds itself rooting for him. His progression throughout “Dark Knight” is unexpected and dramatic. The twists and turns revolving around Dent’s struggles help to portray the true nature of man. While Ledger’s acting helps the film retain its spooky quality, it is Eckhart’s dialogue that allows the film to keep its dark and gripping storylines intact.
Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Dawes, taking over the role from Katie Holmes in the previous film. She isn’t given much to do during the film, except to look stunning in several scenes. This film is about daring special effects and realistic set design—Gyllenhaal doesn’t always fit into the plot or aesthetic feel of Gotham.
It is no surprise that this film has been breaking box office records left and right. It is fast becoming one of the top grossing movies of all time. And it’s no great shock that audiences are turning up to see a superhero movie in a franchise that is actually super.
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