I have been given the go ahead to review The Dark Knight, but this is the type of film that I need to see at least two or three times before attempting such a task. The film is so very expansive, so incredibly epic. I decided that instead of a full review, I will just share my first impressions. But lets first talk expectations. Going into 2008, I was looking forward to only a few films, The Dark Knight being one of them. As you probably already know, WALL-E was at the top of my list, and Pixar’s latest didn’t disappoint. I was very sure that WALL-E would end up being my favorite film of the year, and it is… errr WAS. That is until I saw The Dark Knight. I screened the film on Saturday night in Los Angeles, and now that I’ve had a few days to think about the film, I thought I would share my ten spoiler-free reasons why I believe that The Dark Knight is a masterpiece - an almost flawless comic book movie adaptation.
1. The Movie is Epic - The Dark Knight is not just a superhero movie. It is the first comic book adaptation to transcend the genre. Imagine one of the greatest crime thrillers of all time which just happens to have a guy who dresses in a bat costume and fights crime. Think Godfather 2 or Heat, with a insane terrorist who paints his face like a clown and goes around killing random people. It’s expansive in feel and tone. It’s the type of film which you make a point to refer to as a “film” instead of a “movie”.
2. Bigger, Better, Longer - I’ll admit that I wasn’t completely blown away by Batman Begins. Sure, it was the best Batman film to date, incorporating darker themes and a sense of realism that the franchise had never seen before. But Batman Begins is also not without its problems. I think even hardcore fans would agree that the film suffers from third act problems. The Dark Knight is bigger and better in every single way. The film is 152 minutes (two hours and thirty two minutes) long, and every second is gripping. Does it feel long? Yeah. But at the same time I wouldn’t have removed a thing. Every single second is necessary to tell this story. Nolan even keeps some plot developments off screen which resonate in various scenes throughout the film.
3. Heath Ledger - Some friends have expressed concern that the death of Heath Ledger will taint their Dark Knight viewing experience. It doesn’t, and here is why - Heath is amazing. From the first second he steps on screen you will forget that their is an actor behind the make-up. Heath doesn’t play The Joker, he IS the Joker. You will believe that a psychopath wearing clown makeup is terrorizing a whole city. The performance is Oscar worthy. What Anthony Hopkins did for Hannibal Lector, Ledger does for The Joker.
4. Two-Face - At the core this movie is not about Batman, or even The Joker, but instead about Harvey Dent, and his transformation into Two-face. In a way the story is almost a Shakespearean tragedy of a man who goes bad. The screenwriters play against the established conventions of Two-face’s origin story to give you something new, refreshing, and ultimately more authentic than the story presented in the comic books. You will believe that a hero becomes the villain. And you might also be shocked at how long the two-face character appears on screen. It’s not just a tease - you will get everything! His computer generated make-up is so gruesome and realistic looking, that I’m shocked the film was able to get a PG-13 rating.
5. The Empire Strikes Back - The Dark Knight is The Empire Strikes Back of comic book movies. It is dark, bleak, and realistic. Kids looking for a fun superhero movie need to look elsewhere. This is a multi-layered, authentic crime tale. There is more than one casualty, and it doesn’t exactly end on a high note. Fans will eat the ending up. After sitting in the theater for two and a half hours, it will leave you wanting more.
6. IMAX - If you don’t see this movie in IMAX than you haven’t seen the movie. A few of the action sequences and many of the establishing shots throughout the film were shot using IMAX cameras. The result is breathtaking. There is a sequence where Batman leaps off the top of a building (you’ve probably seen it in the trailers) and the camera pushes in. It’s so vivid and high resolution that it almost felt like it was part of one of those motion controlled theme park rides. Going into the screening, I thought the IMAX thing was probably more gimmick than anything else. Previous IMAX presentations involved up-converting the 35mm film image to fit on the IMAX screen. The footage shot with the IMAX camera is amazing. Even if you’ve seen a traditional IMAX movie in the past, you will be blown away by seeing a Hollywood action film on the big big screen. It makes you wonder why more Hollywood productions haven’t begun incorporating the IMAX camera. I wouldn’t be surprised if the inevitable third Batman movie wasn’t shot completely shot on IMAX cameras.
7. Gotham City - The extensive on location filming in Chicago adds to the authenticity of Gotham City. There is never a moment that you feel like you’re watching a bunch of actors on a Hollywood soundstage.
8. Characters - Every character that appears on screen has a history. Even when Nolan doesn’t show us this backstory - we see it. Even a corrupt cop that has two lines of dialogue has an extensive past, at least I’m convinced they do. The world is so full of rich three dimensional characters, some of which only appear on screen for brief moments. And some of the characters do have backstories which were provided in the extensive viral marketing campaigns. If you participated in the alternative reality game online, than you will get more out of the film as a whole.
9. The Bat-Pod - You will love how the Bat Pod is introduced in the film.
10. Nontraditional - The screenplay is both multi-layered and nontraditional. I was caught completely off guard at the many wonderful choices that Nolan and Goyer made in the script. You will wonder how they got Warner Bros to sign off on the screenplay, and I mean this in a good way. Characters that you expect to die might survive, and characters you expect to live will meet their ultimate demise. Even Two-Face’s origin is not exactly as you expect. That said, I advise you to stay as far away from spoilers as you can, because this is a film you want to experience for yourself in a packed IMAX theater on opening night.
To me, The Dark Knight is an almost flawless cinematic experience. Is The Dark Knight one of the best films of all time? No. Where does it fit in my top 100? I’ll have to digest it a couple more times before my mind finds a suitable placement. Rewatchability is an important factor to me. While I do think this film will hold up to multiple viewings, I’m not sure that the expansive IMAX sequences (which are part of the reason why I loved this film) will translate in a home movie viewing environment.
I do believe that The Dark Knight is the best comic book adaptation to date. For me it takes over the spot held by Spider-Man 2. For others it might replace Superman: The Movie, X-Men 2 or The Incredibles. And who knows, some people might be disappointed. Those expecting a fun movie filled with hope might come out sadly disappointed. I’m also not sure this film will play for younger audiences. And I’m not even going to pretend to know what women might think of it. I can only tell you my thoughts. I can’t wait for you guys to see the film so that we can have a discussion.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Nice list, Pete. I couldn’t agree more with your points — and the fact that you restrained from using the term “cinematic revolution.” Good choice. :P
July 1st, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Great, thanks a lot for making the wait that much more unbearable.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:31 pm
god dammit i’ve waited so long to see this. i would kill to see an early screening. literally
July 1st, 2008 at 11:34 pm
that’s awesome peter. i hope this movie blows my (already high as fuck) expectations.
quick question, without spoiling anything major, how was the dark knight press event? did you get any one on ones(no sexual pun intended) with any of the crew?
July 1st, 2008 at 11:34 pm
@ Neil
Can somebody please remove “cinematic revolution” from my brain? Hahaah. It’s going to haunt my screening, I just know it.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:41 pm
i can only imagine just how well these ten points resonate, long after you’ve left the theater. i’m telling you: after watching every single film nolan has made - i’ve wanted to re-watch them immediately.
btw, ANYTHING that jonah nolan writes is fucking poetry. he’s one of our greatest scribes, and it’s even better when the brothers team up.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:46 pm
I actually had a dream last knight about TDK, this is driving me crazy, I have to see this
July 1st, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Can’t fucking wait. Is it July 18th yet?
July 1st, 2008 at 11:49 pm
STOP IT! Stop torturing those of us who have to wait! Ugh, you critics are all evil evil people.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:01 am
My dear lord…
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:08 am
Ok i read this like 5 times already… i cant stand it anymore! Movie needs to come out now! I mean right now!
Peter I’m so jealous right now. Planning to see this film more then three times.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:15 am
i am starting to question this websites objectivity on movies. wall e was… well, kinda meh and super sappy. before you object, i know its a kids movie, i just don’t think people should be nutting over it. the incredibles was a lot better. i hope this is as good as people are starting to say, but everyone on this site seemed to love the hulk too and that was pretty bad.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:18 am
I’m appreciating the fact that people and critics are taking this film seriously, and labeling it as such. (Cinematic revolution? Amazing.) Comparing it to the second Godfather and Heat only makes my mind look at it as a serious film with an interesting twist embedded into it. And so far it’s turning out to be an amazing combination based on what I’ve seen.
Peter, I know this has been discussed already on multiple movie sites and all, but for Ledger, do you think he could get an Oscar nom?
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:23 am
@ Seth
That question has been talked about as nauseum, and the answer is yes, a nomination at least.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:23 am
*ad
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:28 am
What women think? HA HA HA HA HA HA!
Well, really. This isn’t Victorian times, friend. I think a lot of women will like this film very well. I know I’m chomping at the bit to see it, myself. As are all my best girlfriends.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:32 am
@Peter
on a scale of 1 to 10, how bad ass does Batman look when he walks into the interrogation room to see the Joker?, is that scene really electrifying? iconic perhaps? :D
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:42 am
I think I might explode if I have to wait any longer. This is reaching near sexual levels of hype.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:01 am
Well, I’m a woman and I’ve been looking forward to this a long time (and so are many of my women friends), and frankly it’s the only movie I’ll insist on seeing in a cinema this year, and I’ll see it several times there, and buy the dvd on release day. I think this movie will define this year, and will redefine contemporary epic film.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:28 am
didn’t Christopher Nolan and Johnathan Nolan write the screenplay for The Dark Knight? David Goyer did Batman Begins, but I’m not too sure he did this one.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:43 am
Nice article Peter!
Awesome, I totally agree.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:50 am
I came just by reading this.
They’re gonna need a mop in that theater to clean up the massive amounts of nerd spunk that shall be spilled.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:01 am
I’m a 16 year old girl, and I’m absolutely positive that this movie is going to own me and my wallet all summer.
Hell, I’m going to go freaking ballistic and have a nerd spasm when I first see it. I chewed my nails down to the quick reading this. I NEED TO SEE THIS MOVIE!
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:19 am
Awesome review! I still haven’t seen the movie, it’s not coming to my country. :S
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:36 am
Did no one notice that it’s a story about a man dressed as a bat fighting a clown? Dress it any way you like, it’s still a big stinky turd of a concept.
July 2nd, 2008 at 5:04 am
fine, but when does Beverly Hills Chihuahua
come out?
July 2nd, 2008 at 5:16 am
@ HI man theres always some flamer i roast you now:
You’re ropert and epert’s love child man!!
ok i’m done
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:06 am
droooool
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:14 am
You made my fucking morning Peter. I just printed out this entire list and its on my fridge for my roommates to see. Keep rollin’ rollin’ rollin’ rollin’ yieah.
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:14 am
RE If you don’t see this movie in IMAX than you haven’t seen the movie.
After explaining how this batman distinguishes itself from mere ‘movies’ and transcends into ‘film’ it’s surprising to read this. Are we talking about a work of art or a theme park ride? (There is a difference)
Also saying that this is your favorite film since wall-e, which was released something like 5 days ago, is not very inspiring.
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:18 am
@Pangless
I don’t about you but im loving their reviews and there doing what they are meant to do, make me want to see the movie.
I saw Wall-E and I thought was the greatest movie of the yr so far. I think I liked that a lot because I went in not expecting a lot but got blown away. And the same goes for the Hulk. It wasn’t the best movie of the yr but it wasn’t as bad as some people made it out be. I mean how do you expect a giant green monster to look.
Now on to The Dark Knight, the one movie everyone wanted to see but me. I just didn’t se it as something I had to see but with everyone saying how good it is and now this review, I think I might as well get it a chance. Plus I live in Chicago and I want to see the hospital get blown up, I was there when they filmed it.
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:26 am
@Peter
Not one of the best films of all time, but you say it’s in the top 100? Doesn’t that mean it’s one of the best?
Otherwise great review, I am so going to see this in IMAX!
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:31 am
Very nice, Peter! I absolutely cannot wait for this movie to come out! I’m eternally jealous you’ve gotten to see it already, and the rest of us have to wait 17 [or more] days to see it.
I might even wait a week to see it because the one movie theater in this town puts new releases on the older screen with more seats that are crappy and old, then a week later, moves it to the newer screen with nice seats.
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:33 am
In Kevin Garnett’s words “I’m so Hype”
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:34 am
Firstly, I adore your website. In case you’re interested in one woman’s POV: the two movies I was mosted excited about this year were SATC: The Movie and The Dark Knight. I think anyone, regardless of their gender, wants to see terriffic movies. Your review made me even more pumped! Yeah!
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:45 am
Great review! Love the spoiler-free detailed list!
I’m going to wait and see this one in IMAX - very excited.
PS. I loved Wall-E and Wanted.
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:52 am
I think the explanation of how TDK destroyed WALL-E on my list might only work for regular readers of the site who know how much I was looking forward to and how much I was expecting from that film.
A Better Class of Criminal: Best of all times is really a subjective idea. Will this film rank in my personal top 100? probably (but again rewatchability is a big thing to me, so I need to see the movie again before deciding such placements…)
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:54 am
I thought I couldnt get any more pumped about seeing TDK!! good job not giving spoilers too.
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:55 am
I’m not going to lie. The lists started out reading like you were really impressed by the film. Then it seemed like your were changing your mind as you went a long. By the end you seemed unsure.
As much as I want to accept what you wrote, I’m going to have to just sit and watch it myself.
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:28 am
Dark Knight Dark Knight Dark Knight Dark Knight!!!!!!
…that’s all I had to say really
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:36 am
Why not mention Iron Man as one of the best comic books adaptions to date? Just cause you didn’t like it, it *is* largely viewed as an above par comic book film, by critics and audiences alike.
Can’t believe you mentioned the “Incredibles” and not Iron Man. Heck you even mentioned Superman???? But didn’t give Iron Man its props?
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:38 am
So I’m guessing we can put Tommy Lee Jones interpretation of two-face to rest?
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:58 am
Not sure what I thought of your take Peter. I took your end blurbs almost like they were negative.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:03 am
Thanks Peter…I decided after reading this that I would get Imax tickets, 32 dollars later, and I am on the will call with my wife. Won’t be seeing it opening night, but saturday morning is going to be an amazing morning.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:21 am
@ brent burke
goyer wrote the story, NOT the screenplay for tdk - huge difference. the nolan brothers wrote the screenplay.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:21 am
lol, fuck you gocitizen.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:22 am
he wrote the story with chris nolan.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:53 am
I don’t understand people saying that the last few items in the list seem negative? That the movie is unique is a negative? That the batpod is amazing is negative? What are you guys talking about?
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:57 am
Here in germany, we have to wait till august. ._.
I already heard Heath Ledgers german voiceactor, usually he fits but not this time. This time i have the feeling that it’s going to ruin his performance.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:00 am
Least your review isn’t overly gushing. I read a review on another film blog where it seemed like I had come across some personal love letter from the blogger to Christopher Nolan. It was embarrassing to read.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:03 am
fuck…its only the 2nd……..fuck
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:14 am
two weeks till midnight screenings!
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:40 am
Adding to the female vote for this movie –The suspense is
KILLING me!
My kid (12) is onboard as well, so there’s another female. LOL
She and I went to see Wanted last night and had a ton of fun. It was her first over the top action flick and she was on the edge of her seat…in a good way.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:49 am
I don’t think I’ve ever seen such hype for a movie. Usually it gets me so worried that it won’t live up to people’s, or my own, expectations, but honestly, I have yet to hear a truly negative thing about The Dark Knight. That alone gives me goosebumps. And this is the first film I’ve ever not wanted to be spoiled for. I could usually care less, and even when I was stalking the set last summer, I didn’t really care. But now, I’m downright vigilant about it.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:29 am
What women will think?
I’m absolutely sure that women such as myself who study film, will have legitimate opinions, notes, and conclusions on this film.
Maybe if you had more female bloggers, you could get the full scale in which women can and do think of films.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:18 pm
All of the action sequences were shot in 65 mm IMAX. Not just “a few.” Good review though.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Hey! What’s that line about women supposed to mean? ;) I’m a girl and a HUGE Batman fan—and I can’t WAIT for the awesomeness that is this movie.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I can’t remember being this excited for a movie ever. I don’t even think I was as excited for Return of the King as I am for this film. Everything about it just looks beautiful. Just after watching the trailers after about 100 times, this movie looks absolutely perfect. After being a fan of Batman since literally birth (Pretty Sure the first none kid movie I saw was Batman, with Jack N.) I am really excited to see this film. This list only heightens my excitement.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
WE will drive an hour and change to the nearest IMAX theater (surprisingly enough we’re in Miami….nearest one is Ft. Lauderdale…) to see this movie! The midnight screening is SOLD OUT already! I hope it blows my face off like Harvey Dent and leaves me cowering in the corner next to the handicap seat. Just watched the Gotham Knight Anime and Im super pumped to see Dark Knight its incredible.
shit.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:07 pm
My local theaters are preparing for the onslaught of people. I’m pretty sure 20 of 30 rooms at our big theater will be playing it the opening day. I’m not to the point where I’d mug a child for these tickets, but I’m pretty close.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
One question and one criticism.
Question:
What about Maggie Gylenhaal? Is her role relatively minor? Isn’t she the “leading lady”? I can only assume that because not one review I have read has mentioned her, that she either doesn’t hold her own against Bale and Ledger, or her part is very small.a
Criticism:
Why does everyone think Heat is so great? It’s a midling crime drama - and in no way deserves to be compared to Godfather II. The Departed - and heck - The Untouchables - set much higher standards for the crime thriller genres. Throw in Goodfellas while were at it. All three of those wipe the floor with Heat - which in my mind is only notable for being one of Natalie Portman’s earliest roles.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Capt.-
what can I say? Peter’s list doesn’t mention anything about dancing dogs in TDK and that is what was going to sell me on this film. No dancing dogs. What was Nolan thinking? Even Burton knew enough to put a monkey into Returns. I’m skeptical.
…and what do we get for eye candy? Maggie Gillanhaal(sp)?? C’mon. She’s a pretty good actress , but if Nolan threw in an entertaining lap dog and some crazy half naked cat chick, fanboys would have been sending in money without even going to a screening.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I just bought my ticket - I prefer an empty theater. I love watching films by myself, where I am immersed without distraction. I am more prone to laugh, cry, and let all my emotions out when I am alone.
I bought a ticket for 9:30am Saturday morning. I’m hoping it won’t be packed.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Not once in my life can I remember a time I was so excited to see a movie. There have been several instances, but this one takes the cake. If The Dark Knight is as good as it looks, and as good as everyone says it is, this may be Top 10 material for me. It seems like a phenomenal stand-alone movie (if Batman was never created until now), and the best comic book/superhero movie.
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:16 pm
“And I’m not even going to pretend to know what women might think of it”
I am a women and I am going to be right in line at midnight with my tickets in hand on July 18, 2008 at 12:01am to watch this film. Since the IMAX ones are sold out I have to settle for the regular theatre but I do plan on seeing it in IMAX during the weekend who knows maybe even the same day.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:11 am
Most realistic? Uh, hmmmm, I think Punisher beat TDK to it years ago… probably another one I’m missing but Yeah, this isn’t groundbreaking stuff here folks. Throttle down.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:39 am
@evan: I haven’t seen DK but from what i heard Maggie Gylenhaal kicked Nolans ass to make her role stronger and way more interesting. Not just some damsel in distress.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
@evan: Heat is a great movie, but def. overraated…however it is brought up a few notches into the all-time great category for the action genre with it’s notorious bank robbery scene (unquestionably one of the greatest scenes of all-time) and probably a few more notches for the 1st ever shared screen time of Deniro/Pacino
Prediction: TDK will be a top 10 greatest movie of the new millennium, if not the best…Bet. That.
July 4th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Penguin should be next cuz he was always second from Joker. But not like Devitos monster. More like a con artist playing a role more then a odd ball called ozwalt. To me, only Phil Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix or best choice without popular choice Andy Serkis, the man who played King kong in King kong, Smegal in Lord of the rings, and morelikly Tesslers buddy in The Prestige, made by Nolan. But Two Face and Batman need a bad guy to hunt down and battle over. RIddler would be good to if they made him more like Jigsaw style then gay like Jim Carry’s tights wearing villain in “you know what” Forever. Bean would be the best choice of villians Henchman cuz he’s mostly real if you pump Human Growth in him. Just feel i wanted to give my two cents but leave it to the pros to decide. just no Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy or Catwoman. And no RObin or else we lose Bale.
July 4th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Penguin should be next cuz he was always second from Joker. But not like Devitos monster. More like a con artist playing a role more then a odd ball called ozwalt. To me, only Phil Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix or best choice without popular choice Andy Serkis, the man who played King kong in King kong, Smegal in Lord of the rings, and morelikly Tesslers buddy in The Prestige, made by Nolan. But Two Face and Batman need a bad guy to hunt down and battle over. RIddler would be good to if they made him more like Jigsaw style then over the top like Jim Carry’s tights wearing villain in “you know what” Forever. Bean would be the best choice of villians Henchman cuz he’s mostly real if you pump Human Growth in him. Just feel i wanted to give my two cents but leave it to the pros to decide. just no Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy or Catwoman. And no RObin or else we lose Bale.
July 4th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Guy Pearce should be Riddler. You would agree if you ever saw Memento, which is an awesome puzzle peice movie made by Chris Nolan and written by him and his brother, who as i heard wrote the script for Knight. I think Brittany Murphy should play Harley Quinn, and Michael Manson would be a great edition as BULLECK, a shady detective bent on stopping crime but despises Batman and the other freaks like Two-Face and Joker that come around and change the nature of the streets of Gotham. I agree with No Robin though. And Alfred should finaly die in 3, because he will get old or sick, like ROcky’s sidekick/trainer. Anyway, The Dark Knight will finaly excel the comic book movies to a new level, change the system, or give superhero movies a chance to last just a little bit longer. I only hope Nolan gives us 2 more batman movies like TDK and then not see the bat for another 8 or 9 years or more.
July 7th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Jesus Christ. I saw the trailer so many times, i can not wait for this movie. Might be one of the greatest movies of all time, not just 2008. Dark Knight trailer all ready owns the entire Ironman franchise. Heath Ledger as Joker, all ready better then Anton Chigurgh! Nah, but damn, hes intense. Thisnt just a superhero movie, its a freakin crime drama masterpiece. Im not suprised if its up there with the likes of “Pulp Fiction”, “Heat”, and “Casino”. i will watch this movie at least five times. Dark Knight.
July 10th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
argghh…damn i cant wait for dark knight!!
July 18th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I love the ending. I can’t stop thinking about it. Ahhh!!! I need to see it again!!!
July 18th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
the movie…simply wow, I’m still taking most of it in. Yea you have to see it in IMAX.
July 18th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I’ll watch it simply for Heath Ledger’s much talked about performance. Everything else will be “icing on the cake.”
July 19th, 2008 at 9:15 am
HEATH LETGER IS: JACK TORRANCE, TONY MONTANA, HANNIBAL LECTER AND AMERICAN PSYCHO IN ONE PERSON…A LIKED…
July 19th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
YES, HE DOESNT ACT THE PART OF JOKER. HE BECOMES THE JOKER. INCREDIBLE… RACK EM UP!!
July 20th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I agree with you, I very love this film.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:40 pm
people seem to say unanimously that the Joker stole most every scene he appeared in; as far as movie success goes, the Dark Knight completes the Joker and visa versa
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I completely agree with all your points but I may point out that your “And I’m not even going to pretend to know what women might think of it” line-quite frankly, is offensive. Not all women want to adorn their movie viewing history files with chick flicks or romantic dramas ect.
Just so you know.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:22 am
It’s amazing how a movie this hyped actually lives up to the hype, unlike others that come to mind (ie. Spider-Man 3 and Indy 4).
This movie truly was great, and I didn’t love Batman Begins, either (it was good, and was the right way to go, but I didn’t love it). However, I did love The Dark Knight. Not “the best movie of all time” great, but still great. Until I saw Iron Man, I had actually gotten pretty sick of comic book movies. The Dark Knight, however, truly renewed the idea that comic-book movies can really be great movies.
July 30th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
I think the dark knight is the standard of all super hero movies for years to come. I just hope that the writers and the film crews treat all the super hero movies with as much passion as nolan and company. I want them to make Fantastic 4 all over again and get some one who’s going to do it Justice and not make it a piece of shit!! Remake spawn too while your at it!
August 16th, 2008 at 6:04 am
I was shocked by this film, because of its quality, its frightening intensitiy and for its low rating — in Canada it was rated PG! It is an R rated film for cripes sake. If it were an Independant film it would have an R and with a tiny bit more graphic detail probably an X (no kidding, that’s how corrupt these ratings boards are.) This is NOT a film for young kids, especially not young children! I’m an adult and thought I’ve seen it all, from Hannibal the Cannibal to dinsaurs eating park rangers, but this film was one of the creepiest viewing experiences I’ve ever had. I mean, I was genuinely on the edge of my seat and yet at the same time glancing away with a dizzy feeling in my stomach. If you really get into to the point where you believe in it — which is VERY easy to do — it can literally push you to your own edge.
August 16th, 2008 at 8:25 am
@ Elvis K Anderson
PG, really? Whoa. It’s rated PG-13 in the US; it definitely should be rated that everywhere else. I think it wasn’t rated R because there really wasn’t any blood. So I think it’s good at the PG-13 rating; yeah, it’s definitely NOT for kids.
Pfft, people are dumb if they think their kids should be seeing this, anyway. Then they just turn around and complain how their kids were scared and blah blah blah, blame it on TDK, don’t blame it on yourselves. ;;rolls eyes;;
;)
August 16th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I realize I am very late to this party - I live in Chicago, and waited to see it on IMAX, and this was the earliest I could get tickets!
I agree with the stunning visuals of it - and the writing - and it was a fantastic movie. But I have two things that I just have to say as a counterpoint to the breathless praise for it.
* Sure, it was shot completely in Chicago, and it was suprisingly unaltered Chicago, unlike the Gotham in BBegins where bits and piece of Chicago were used to flesh out a CGI city. Personally, I *loved* the Gotham of BBegins - it was dark, dirty, and utterly believable as a cesspool of crime and decay, and yet with a gothic grandeur. This time around, the city seemed far too clean and neat to be Gotham. The visuals did not reinforce the decay and the desperation and the hopelessness of Gotham’s people, like they did in the first. Joker had to create that mood of fear and helplessness singlehandedly - luckily, he did. It could be that I’m a resident and it’s harder for me to see my city and think Gotham - but it did look mighty clean. It robbed me of that that reinforcing element.
2) Most people I’ve talked to admitted after I asked them specifically about it, that this was not a very emotional movie. It is a fascinating, compelling, mental experience. Kind of like Memento was - no accident! But it lacked an emotional core other great superhero movies (even lesser ones) have had. The actors were great - but Nolan didn’t make this movie to spin off much emotion. It didn’t make me feel anything. It just made we wonder - intensely wonder, of course, but still just wonder - what certain experiences must have felt like.
By way of contrast, for all those people who didn’t like Bryan Singer’s Superman, sure, you can dislike many parts of it. But boy, you came away from that movie with a real sense of what Superman feels, what it’s like to be him, what it feels like to love what he loves and want what he wants, and make the choices he does. You feel how everyone feels - James Marsden, Lois, everyone. He makes you feel it. And it made me think Superman was interesting and compelling for the first time ever, because of what he feels. This Batman movie made Batman compelling because of the cosmic puzzle he is part of, the role he plays in the balance and order of man’s fundamental nature. Philosophically compelling, no question! But emotionally, kind of dry and cold.
Bottom line, I still loved it. But I wanted it to be a sucker punch to my whole being, not just my brain. The only time the movie ever came close was in that brilliant ferry set piece. Just made me wish for more of the same.