THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)
THE DARK KNIGHT is a masterpiece; a film that transcends genre stereotypes and redefines what a well-done comic book film should be. It's 150 minutes of an awe-inducing adrenaline rush that will leave you at a loss of words.
But in a superhero movie?
It certainly doesn't feel like one. In fact, this is more of a crime epic than a comic book film; more HEAT than SPIDERMAN. THE DARK KNIGHT is about escalation; that things must get worse before they get better, and that's what's happening in Christopher Nolan's scarily-real Gotham. No abundance of neon lights and gothic architecture here... this is a Gotham City that could easily pass for any of today's major metropolises.
The hype generated over Heath Ledger's Joker is perfectly legitimate. Though his Joker is undoubtedly horrifying, it's his ethos that makes this incarnation particularly frightening. Never before has a comic book film seen a villain with such rich psychological depth - this Joker is out to question Gotham's morality and priorities, not kill just for the sake of killing - giving him a specific chill that will leave audiences particularly aghast. Ledger presents a villain crafted so immaculately that he's likely to go down among the ranks of cinema's best, putting him in the same formidable breath as some of the medium's all-time top baddies.
Audaciously diving right back into exploring Bruce Wayne and his own ethos in the struggle to fight for good, THE DARK KNIGHT further develops what BATMAN BEGINS created in crafting Batman's origins. Things are certainly escalating in Gotham, and in THE DARK KNIGHT, crap is hitting the fan. When people close to Bruce start dying, director Nolan dexterously explores his mental struggle: does Batman keep fighting for good or does he succumb to the bloodshed that has come at his hands? Although the award buzz will likely all go to Ledger, it's Bale that must be credited for an equally provocative performance, again proving that his casting was an inspired choice; a blessing for the integrity of the character after a paralyzing series of films a decade before. Bale's Batman is the definitive superhero lead of our time, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
The players of THE DARK KNIGHT don't stop delivering there, and while audience favorites Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Gary Oldman all prove to be admissable, it's Aaron Eckhart's go as Harvey Dent that's particularly beguiling. Gotham's "white knight," as they call him, is strangely courageous, summing up the brazen will to fight the mob and pursue the most powerful criminals in Gotham. His rise and fall is fascinating, enchanting, and ultimately, wholly gruesome. His transformation into Two-Face is an immaculate summation of the tragic hero of old literature, and it's Eckhart's fabulous depiction of the character that will draw audiences in to his unfortunate downfall from the savior of Gotham into a vengeful renegade.
THE DARK KNIGHT is not just the best film of 2008, it's the best superhero film to ever grace the screen. THE DARK KNIGHT is a smart, deep, action-packed thrill-ride that will leave your jaw agape. The gold standard for comic book films has now been set and the bar is higher than ever. It's perfectly crafted modern Hollywood cinema - expert story-telling, brilliant pacing (how many 150 minute films move so quickly?), and a rich, moody score - all coming together to form a beautiful, resounding cinematical success.
This is a must-see. Actually, see it a few times. Take it all in. Experience the rush that a truly great film can give you. And if you don't like it, I only have one question for you: why so serious?
My Rating:
It works, it works, it works!
ReplyDeleteGreat work.
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