By the time I had finally got around to watching this movie, the hype had already cemented itself in my head. ‘It’s the greatest super hero EVER!’, ‘It’s one of the greatest movies EVER!’ Of course, such hype rarely lives up, but I went in wanting to love this movie. While certainly a great uncharted dimension for super hero movies, certain to shape the future of the genre for the foreseeable future (Superman is already to tread the path towards the dark), it does fall short in key places. So first off, my criticisms on why this movie as a whole doesn’t live up to the hype. Unfortunately, to fully explore this qualms that seem to solely bother me, I will have to give a spoiler or two.
Firstly, the movie strikes a dark and twisted realism that is very well done, giving a certain tone to the film that separates it from others. It’s gritty and chilling to say the least. However, with some glaring moments, Nolan leaves some farcical moments in the movie, for me at least, tarnishing the experience, mainly the unrealistically incometent police force. For example: Leaving the Joker with idiotic guard, going into a known death trap under the overpass… the list just goes on. Now of course, the Gotham City police has never been the brightest, but never to this ridiculous extent.
Secondly, while it would be inconsistent with the comics, and a few key themes of the movie, I’m just one of those guys that believes in killing the bad guy so he doesn’t come back for a sequel, especially in this case. Now, in the 3rd installment if there’s even a passing mention of The Joker, or lack of one, you’re going to have a massive elephant in the room… because that’s right kids, The Joker, terrorist and mass-murderer at large, lives to see another day. Now I might write this off had Ledger not died, but since his unfortunate death, Nolon knew he couldn’t bring the character back in any form, so why not just dispense of the character, especially since this presents no inconvenience, since in the last scene, he’s on his way down anyhow. Just let him go, and there’s no elephant. Also, A Dark Knight would imply some murder to his methods, as is, he’s more of a white knight, because he captures and brings to justice.
Speaking of the late great Heath Ledger, his performance is not only his best, but worthy of all the hype. If he doesn’t win a post-humous Oscar for this role, it would truly be a crime. Ledger not only gives a creepy and psychotic performance that sends chills down your spine, he completely rewrites the book on the character/psychopathic personality. Hannibal Lector almost looks like Santa Clause comparitavely. The rest of the cast is eqally excellent, from Bale to Gyllenhaal, from Caine to Freeman. Aaron Eckhart on the other hand gives a severely underrated performance, as he gives equally spine-chilling scenes… just not to the caliber as Ledger.
Just for kicks, I watched the original 1989 “Batman.” Comparitevely, the once heralded movie now looks even more of a farce, and an all-out comedy. From tone to acting, to story and everything else, there’s no comparison as Nolan has taken Batman from farce to brilliant charactacher. But that doesn’t mean this movie is the great, as I would even argue Batman Begins is a little better, and Iron Man still ranks as the greatest super hero movie so far. While putting up excellent performances and quite a few jaw-dropping moments, Dark Knight doesn’t follow through, and leaves some rather large elephants in the room. Odds are you’ll love this movie, but I’d personally would probably only watch it once.
