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- First reviewJuly 19, 2008
- Last reviewJuly 19, 2008
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FaithfulBuckeye's Reviews
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The KNIGHT is here!
PostedJuly 19, 2008
FaithfulBuckeye
from Columbus, OH
THE DARK KNIGHT is a masterpiece; a film that transcends genre stereotypes and redefines what a well-done comic book film should be. It's 150 minutes of an awe-inducing adrenaline rush that will leave you at a loss of words.
But in a superhero movie?
It certainly doesn't feel like one. In fact, this is more of a crime epic than a comic book film. THE DARK KNIGHT is about escalation; that things must get worse before they get better, and that's what's happening in Christopher Nolan's scarily-real Gotham. No abundance of neon lights and gothic architecture here... this is a Gotham that could stand-in for any major American metropolis today. Well, that is, except for maybe one glaring exception: a certain sociopathic, meniacal clown-faced villain.
The hype generated over Heath Ledger's Joker is perfectly legitimate. His Joker is undoubtedly horrifying, but it's his ethos that makes Ledger's incarnation particularly frightening. Never before has a comic book film seen a villain with such rich psychological depth - this Joker is out to question Gotham's morality and priorities, not kill just for the sake of killing - and that's why the character is so specifically chilling. He's a villain crafted so immaculately that he's among the ranks of cinema's best, putting him in the same formidable breath as Anthony Hopkins' Hannibal Lecter and Alex from A CLOCKWORK ORANGE.
Audaciously diving right back into exploring Bruce Wayne and his own ethos in the struggle to fight for good, THE DARK KNIGHT further develops what BATMAN BEGINS created in crafting Batman's origins. Things are certainly escalating in Gotham, and in THE DARK KNIGHT, crap is hitting the fan. It's Batman that is serving as the motivation for the Joker and consequently, the Joker is killing because of him. When people close to Bruce start dying, Nolan brilliantly explores his mental struggle. Does Batman keep fighting for good or does he hang it up before too many people become victim to his campaign? Although the award buzz will likely all go to Ledger, it's Bale that must be credited for an equally spectacular, emotionally-powerful peformance. Bale as Batman is, yet again, an inspired choice, a blessing for the integrity of the character after a paralyzing series of films a decade before. Bale's Batman is the definitive superhero lead of our time, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Even Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent is remarkably captivating. Gotham's "white knight," as they call him, is strangely courageous, summing up the brazen will to fight the mob and pursue the most powerful criminals in Gotham. His rise and fall is fascinating, enchanting, and ultimately quite gruesome. His transformation into Two-Face defines a Shakespearian tragic hero in every sense of the word, and it's Eckhart's fabulous depiction of the character that will draw audiences in to his unfortunate downfall from the savior of Gotham into a vengeful renegade.
THE DARK KNIGHT is the best film of 2008. It's the best superhero film to ever grace the screen. It's a smart, deep, and action-packed thrill-ride that will leave your jaw agape. The gold standard for comic book films has now been set and the bar is higher than ever. It's perfectly crafted modern cinema - a powerful score (it sounds much better and much more effective on screen than it could on any album), brilliant pacing (how many 150 minute films move so quickly?), and expert story-telling all coming together to form a beautiful, resounding cinematical success.
This is a must-see. Actually, see it a few times. Take it all in. Experience the rush that a truly great film can give you. And if you don't like it, I only have one question for you: why so serious?
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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