The Dark Knight

Another comic book movie for 2008? Not this one. To label TDK as a comic book movie is true, but not fair….it is a crime drama. The likes of which could be easily compared to contemporary crime dramas such as Heat, The Departed, and in some cases, Silence of the Lambs. This movie breaks out of the “Super-hero” movie mold thanks to the stage that was set by Batman Begins. TDK is based in even more of a real-word than Begins was. In fact, if Christian bale wasn’t wearing the cape and cowl, you may not recognize it as a Batman movie. Gotham looks and feels like a real city and not as if it were stuck in a fantastical story book. The cinematography and special FX are smooth and real, both effectively adding to the drama and the building tension throughout the film.

The overall theme of this movie is that of escalation. Batman’s presence in Gotham city not only has had positive effects, but some very negative ones as well….many of which Bruce Wayne never expected. Along side of this, the movie builds tension and chaos that grows and grows towards the end. Another theme examined in more detail this time around is that the Batman is not just a man, but a symbol, a symbol that many want destroyed. The citizens of Gotham, do not understand Batman’s motives, all they understand is that he symbolizes justice and hope. And its this hope that Batman wants to shift to a “real person” when he meats Harvey Dent. Its this symbol of hope that jeopardizes the criminal underworld. Ande that’s where the Joker comes in.

This is not the silly, random-motivated Joker we have seen in the past. This Joker wants to throw Gotham into chaos and test the limits of all of those who believe in just about anything. The Joker, unlike Raj-al-ghul, has no soaring ideals that motivate him, he is essentially the polar opposite of Batman, With Harvey dent positioned right in the middle.

Everybody is going crazy about Heath Ledger as the Joker. I mentioned before that I thought Jack Nicholson was the perfect Joker….He was, for the comic-book fantasy interpretation of the Batman universe. But Heath Leger’s version is much more grounded in reality. He has achieved a level of terror and insanity that rivals the best of movie villans. I can think of no other than Hannibal Lector to compare him to. I also loved how the character really has no origin story…he is just there. There is a moment where you think you are getting an explanation of his existence when he explains where his scars came from, but he tells the two more times, each time totally different. Heath Ledger will forever be remembered for this role….and yes, it is Oscar worthy….and no, he wont win. Come on people! Its a Batman movie! Don't forget, the same rumblings went on for Jack Nicholson back in 1989.

By the end of this film, you are left dumbfounded. It is not a happy ending, but a dark, heroic one, which aptly is reflected in the title. This is definitely the best Batman movie to date (how will they top this?....they probably won't). It leaves all other comic-book movies in the dust….that’s right….The Dark Knight, in my opinion, is the all-time best movie based on a comic book character. If you want to argue it….well, I’ll just have to show you a magic trick…let me get my pencil.

10 out of 10.