Title: The Dark Knight
Year: 2008
Director: Christopher Nolan
Country: US
Language: English
In 2007 the internet was buzzing about Heath Ledger being cast as the Joker for the upcoming Batman movie The Dark Knight. Many people were furious, stating that Ledger was bound to fail and that only Jack Nicholson could touch the role. Admittedly, I did not have my hopes set high because, at that time, I only new him from A Knight's Tale (2001). Thankfully, to everyone's surprise, Ledger played the role incredibly well.
When the menace known as the Joker (Heath Ledger) wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman (Christian Bale) must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.
With the assistance of Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008) finally helped comic-to-film adaptations become serious mainstream cinema with artistic merit. Christopher Nolan merged the crime thriller with a superhero popcorn flick, creating a classic that even the snobbiest of film connoisseurs can admit they enjoy. Nolan's symbolic narrative asks us grand questions and have us pondering about the meaning of good & evil, and what it really means to be a "good person" in a tough society.
The practical special effects, such as flipping a semi-truck into the air, are remarkable. The cinematography, by Wally Pfister, is awe inspiring. The score is memorable, at times it plays randomly in my head. The set design & makeup are Oscar Worthy. While the script can be convoluted at times, much of it works and helps bridge the gap between "art" and "entertainment".
Obviously, the Joker is the standout character and Heath Ledger's performance will go down among the best in Cinema history. Every little mannerism was carefully crafted by the master actor. He deserved his "best supporting actor" Oscar. Dark Knight is certainly a film I've watched more than a few times.
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