This movie is like a classic Scorcese movie (ie The Departed) or Michael Mann (ie Heat) that incorporates a superhero and a maniacal villian, etc. Heath Ledger's performance is truly one for the ages and certainly deserves the posthomous Oscar. Let's not forget how good the rest of the cast is and in particular, Gary Oldman as Commish Gordon. A true epic that needs to be seen more at the theater and more than once. This will be the movie that all superhero movies are compared to in the future, but the reality is that the same can be said for most crime action dramas going forward as well. The movie and direction deserves Oscar consideration in addition to Ledger and Oldman. Don't let the hype overwhelm you, but rather sit back and enjoy it! It's truly deserving of it.