Movie Spew: The Dark Knight

I take back what I said about Hollywood the other day in my review of The Lost Boys: The Tribe.
It's not all of you Hollywood, it's just some of you. Just like in other occupations, I guess there are people who skate by doing the least possible, and then there are those who light their particular field on fire. Those who take something and make it so memorable that they set the standard for everyone else around them.

That's what The Dark Knight embodies.

Just like in my review of The Lost Boys 2, I'm not quite sure where to begin...but for a very different reason this time. This film was pure enjoyment from beginning to end, and even after it's over it resonates with you. It's hard to shake it's imagery and it's dialogue.

One of the first things that come to mind for me looking back over this film's promotion...one of the most stark realizations...is what an injustice the film's trailer does in terms of conveying the true tone of the film. Especially when it comes to Heather Ledger's brilliant performance. But in all honesty, I wouldn't have preferred it any other way. To have given more of what he does to the audience in the trailer would have been to rob them of the enjoyment of his performance on screen. I'm sure you've already seen it said elsewhere, but Ledger forever owns this character now. If a young life had to end the way Ledger's did, I can't imagine a more glorious final note to end on.
But we'll get back to Ledger in a bit.

The thing I love most about Christopher Nolan's conveyance of the Batman character is the believability he lends to the story. He makes the idea of a billionaire being a vigilante actually seem not only plausible, but do-able. The gadgetry is explained in a completely realistic way so that your suspension of disbelief is really at a minimum. Christian Bale conveys a man who is in a true struggle with his desire to live a normal life and his belief that his work as Batman must be done. He sends the message of an unhappy individual and that's one of the main points of detail that separates Batman from other films in the genre. Thus allowing you to sink in to his film in a way that you would a crime drama, rather than a Summer "superhero" movie.

What really set this Nolan film apart from his first effort "Batman Begins" was the sub-stories.
It wasn't just the story of Bruce Wayne's struggle with his alter ego this time, but several stories. Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent, Maggie Gyllenhall as Rachael Dawes, and Gary Oldman as Lt. Jim Gordon were all integral parts of this tale.

However, as great of a job that all of the above names did in their respective roles, all were, and will always be, overshadowed by Heath Ledger.
Ledger's performance was something that simply defines an actor.
He owned this film every time he appeared on the screen, and when he wasn't there, you were awaiting his next appearance. If I were pressed to site a comparable example, I'd liken his on screen charisma to Val Kilmer's portrayal of Doc Holliday in 1993's "Tombstone", only with a far superior film surrounding it.

Ledger TRULY conveys the psychosis of The Joker in that he's doing these terrible things, but he's being completely...well...clowny as he's going about them. You find your self laughing at the way he kills people which in normal circumstances would be very disturbing. The mental imagery of the videos he forces his victims to make before their death which is very reminiscent of things we've unfortunately come to know as all too real from outlets such as Al-Jazerra, set the tone of this man in a way that no other "comic book" villain has been portrayed before. Then, that tone is counterbalanced by a dementedly funny line or facial gesture that leaves you fascinated with the character. And it's the little nuances like the constant licking of his lips that Ledger lends to the character that really allows you to forget that you're watching Heath Ledger, and BELIEVE that you're watching the Joker.

On a personal note, wherever you are Heath Ledger, THANK YOU for finally helping me in my argument that Jack Nicholson's portrayal of The Joker was campy nonsense, and ultimately proving my position that Jack is NOT a good actor, but only portrays himself in everything he does...but maybe we'll go in to that more another day.

In closing, I can't recommend this movie enough. Not just for comic book fans, not just for Batman fans, but for all movie going audiences. This is simply something that doesn't come around much these days...a movie that gives you all it possibly can for the price of your admission. It delivers in every conceivable way.
If I had one problem with it, it would be this....I can't imagine how it can ever top itself now. I can't see the next outing from Nolan and company setting the benchmark higher.

I of course, hope I'm wrong however.