Well, I have just returned from watching The Dark Knight...
I must admit that after reading Ian's review I was a little worried I would be dissapointed. Thankfully, I wasn't.
Where do I start?
Well, so many have said already, yet it is most definately worth saying again. Ledger was every bit the twisted psychopathic nut case that he should be, in the context of the era of the Batman comics that this film represents. I think any comparison to Nicholsons Joker is foolhardy to say the least, as the contexts of the film are so very serperate. Every last action or word that came from Ledger screamed of the sadistic, uncompromising, unpredictable nature of The Joker. To the degree where in places, it was disturbing. It was certainly an award winning level performance, by many standards.
Bale once again, shone as Batman, probably edging to be the best one yet. It has been mentioned previously that Bale has a different voice as Batman in comparison to that of Bruce Wayne. This actually makes perfect sense to me, since Batman could be recognisable to others by his voice, so therefore it would need to be different. The gruff harsh tone he uses is another element of the fear he strikes into the villains. It makes sense that he almost sounds like a monster himself. Which is kind of the whole point in the first place. Bale seemed to have the both parts down to a fine art and played very well against Ledger. The so very different, yet so very alike one another chemistry was electric throughout the whole film.
Eckhart, as Harvey Dent, played the civilian hero convincingly and was again a very good casting choice. His elevation to Two Face, supremely acted and again, left you guessing exactly where the evil would end.
The scripting of this film was also perfect. The plot moved along at all the right paces at all the right times. Many years ago (even as late as the 80's) it was considered by some, "against the rules" to open the film with your bad guy. This is one of those films that clearly disagrees and does it to very good effect. The opening set up is all about a simple introduction, but it shows jsut how sick yet clever the Joker really is.
Throughout the whole film the levels of comic timing in both the script and the actions were stunning, to the point that they weren't conventionally funny. Everytime there seemed to be a laugh out loud moment, it was accompanied by the psychotic sickening feeling that left the humour in a very twisted place. I didn't know whether to laugh or just be mortified. An emotion that is clearly the intention.
This whole movie has the ability to change the way in which people view the superhero/comic book movie genre. By any normal standards, they chuck in a whole load of action (accompanied by exceptional amounts of CGI) and very little plot and fly by the seat of the pants and hope the "effects" carry everyone through the action. The dark Knight, provokes thought and actually challenges peoples own opinions. For those who have seen it, what would you do in the ferry boat situation? Or indeed, in Dents postition? A lot of it is about psychological terror and corruption, (and not just Batman biff, pow and karacking bad guys) which it so effectively pulled off.
This film showed what genre Batman was always intended for, Crime Thriller. After all, Batman started as part of the Detective comics series. It certainly did not pander to the view point that it has to be family friendly in order for it to work in the "Superhero" bracket.
Superbly shot, with a very little amount of CGI by the standards of most modern action films. It was a joy to watch from start to finish. Even during the squirm in your seat, mentally disturbing scenes which so fantastically came across.
This is a definate must see, and I cant wait to see it again. Possibly on Thursday.
10/10.
