Note: I want to preface this review with a disclaimer that I am absolutely in love with this film and the reboot of Batman that started with Batman Begins. I considered Batman Begins one of my favorite movies, possibly my absolute favorite, but now The Dark Knight sits at the top by a good margin. I think Christopher Nolan is an amazing director and I enjoy all of his films. I was not really into comic books or super heroes as a kid with the exception of Batman. The somewhat realistic idea, at least compared to other super heroes, that someone could actually do what Batman does combined with the great backstory that fuels his desire to fight crime really appeals to me. Just thought you should know that I am biased when it comes to this film. And, this review contains some spoilers for the handful of people who haven't seen it yet.
The Dark Knight begins with one heck of an opening sequence. No time is wasted as the action begins immediately with an intriguing bank heist and the introduction of the Joker. In Imax this scene really pops off the screen. As the robbers kill off each other to increase their take from the score the tone for the movie is set, it will be dark and people will die. The introduction of the Joker at the end of the heist shows his willingness to take part in his own schemes and to get his hands dirty rather than just being a figurehead. Later on the viewer discovers that the bank robbery is not just some action to start the movie with but an important part of the plot as the Joker begins to engage the mob.
I think this is a good point to talk about how great the score for this movie really is. The film's music really does a great job of creating tension and mood. The beginning sequence is accompanied by ominous and suspenseful music that signals something big is happening and heightens the action of the scene. It was a shame that the score was disqualified from the Academy Awards because I think it should win the Oscar for Best Film Score, but that complaint is null and void now that it has been ruled eligible for consideration. (Note: The score has now been deemed eligible for consideration, so hopefully it will receive the credit it is due).
The script for the film is very well written and does a masterful job of bringing weight and importance to every scene. There is very little that does not move the story along as every scene propels the action ahead. I read the script, first one I have ever read, and, even though I read it after I had seen the movie a couple times, I was riveted by the imagery and captivated by how the words on the paper were translated onto the screen. I was a little worried when I heard that David Goyer was not writing the script for this sequel (he is credited with writing the story) but was happy that Nolan would be back as a co-writer. His brother, Jonathan, proved to be a capable partner as he co-wrote the script.
One of the biggest strengths of the film are the all around excellent performances. I can not think of a single actor that did not do a great job, though Maggie Gyllenhaal probably turned in the least inspired performance taking over for Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes, the love interest of both Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent. Michael Caine is superb as Alfred; he was very funny at times but also supported Wayne with advice and wisdom when it was needed. Not to harp too much on the script but the performances where without a doubt made easier by the excellent writing.
Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker catapulted this movie into being the second highest grossing film in American history. Ledger said that his idea of the Joker was a "psychopathic, mass murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy". Ledger lived alone in a hotel room for a month to prepare for the role, perfecting the character's posture, voice, and personality. He kept a diary, recording the Joker's thoughts and feelings. Ledger eventually came up with a voice that completed his interpretation of the character. He was given the comics "Batman: The Killing Joke" and "Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth", which he "really tried to read and put it down". Ledger cited A Clockwork Orange and Sid Vicious as "a very early starting point for Christian [Bale] and I. But we kind of flew far away from that pretty quickly and into another world altogether... There’s a bit of everything in him. There’s nothing that consistent... There are a few more surprises to him." Check this video to hear Ledger talk about the role: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKa-aDga1fE
All the preparation paid off as Ledger delivered a devastating and totally engrossing performance. If you did not know going into the movie that it was Ledger you would not have been able to guess that it was him because he has created a character that is so different and unique and he did such a great job of becoming that character. This is the best performance of the year, one of the best ever, and Ledger should win an Oscar. One has to wonder what the plan was for the Joker after TDK as he does not die in the end and the viewer is left to wonder what will happen to him. Ledger's death helped bring more attention to the film and to his performance but I think it would still be one of the most talked about subjects of the year if he was still alive today. We lost a great actor when Ledger died but more importantly his family and friends, especially his daughter, lost a loved one and my sympathies go out to them all.
Despite my gushing review so far, I do have a few gripes with the film. The cell phone sonar makes the end sequence seem a little cluttered and does not add much to the movie. I know they were trying to add some cool gadget to emphasize Batman's use of technology but it added nothing to the story and the visual of the fight scenes while Batman was using the device were a little hard to follow. Also, the story line of the Joker was missing something to me. I liked the fact that there was no backstory, yet, at the same time, I kind of wish they had revealed a little bit about his past. I am not quite sure how it would fit into the film and understand that leaving out any background creates intrigue towards the character. It is a minor gripe and one that I am not totally convinced I really wanted.
I could go on and on about this movie but I think I will stop here. As you can probably tell I adore this film. Check out my other articles discussing the many philosophical an psychological aspects of the movie.
-Rating: 9.5 out of 10 (As close to perfect as I give out. I want to leave the full 10 rating just in case something amazing comes along that is clearly above every other film)
