The best way to characterize "The Dark Knight" is as a work of art. Heath Ledger became Joker in all of its essence and lived out each scene in the same way the symphony embodied the score. And of course, Christian Bale left nothing out in his dual role of Bruce Wayne / Batman -- he was no more or less one than the other, yet never showed his hand to link the two. The plot, moral dilemmas, personal conflicts, and ultimate resolution were nothing less than a masterpiece. I highly recommend it!