Slushy
Superhero
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2008
- Messages
- 8,803
- Reaction score
- 2
- Points
- 31
I'll keep this review spoiler-free because to not do so would be a crime!
So I watched the film multiple times and I'm still processing what I've seen. This isn't a superhero film. It's a crime drama (that can stand aside films such as Heat or LA Confidential) of the superhero subtype. It's a tragedy. It's about dealing with the unforeseen consequences of actions undertaken with the best of intentions, it's about making difficult choices when presented equally terrible options. And it's very very good. Perhaps even great. I really need to see the film a few more times to appreciate it's subtleties, as it's an enjoyably layered story.
Compared to Batman Begins, this film is on another level. The action scenes flow much better with the camera pulled back and the editing far less rapid, the stand out being a chase scene in the middle of the film. The FX work is top notch, much like Iron Man. The script is where the real magic happens however. Simple conversations between characters steal this movie, the actors obviously relishing with working with such quality material. All the ****ty one liners from Begins have been jettisoned, although the movie is humorous in places.
Heath Ledger's depiction of the Joker is every bit as good as the press is reporting. He is walking contradiction, a mad man, an enigma, an anarchist, an unstoppable force who can't be reasoned or negotiated with, and in the blink of an eye switches from a darkly humorous weirdo to manic violent sociopath. And while he initially presents as a man who indulges in his every whim, he is also an absolute mastermind in the paradox he presents to Gotham City and it's inhabitants. The scope and genius of his plan cannot be fully appreciated until the final moments of the film. The ending was brilliant, I LOVED it!
Sometimes an interpretation of a character will resonate with an audience to such an extent that it will influence all future interpretations of the character. Just as Frank Miller's run on Batman in the 80's redefined the characters, or the Blade movie introduced Whistler to the characters mythos, Ledger's interpretation is so definitive that it will influence the character in comics and animated form for decades. Just wait until you see The Joker's "Magic Trick" (20 seconds of character shorthand that tells you everything you need to know).
And because Ledger is so damn good people are going to miss the other brilliant performance in this movie. Aaron Eckhart is superb, deserving all the accolades that Ledger's performance has received. His story arc is the center of the movie and is what drives it.
Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman provide solid support. Maggie Gyllenhaal replaces Katie Holmes without missing beat and the difference is Maggie actually made me give a **** about the character! Gary Oldman's Lt. James Gordon gains the most of the characters returning from the first film however.
Dependant on other films to be released this year, I'd expect TDK award nominations for Heath Ledger (Best Supporting Actor), Wally Pfister (Cinematography), Christopher & Jonathan Nolan (Best Screenplay), along with a swag of nominations in various technical and production categories (Best FX, Sound Mixing, Design etc etc). If their is any justice (which there isn't when it comes to acting nominations, too often nominations are given for an actors body of work rather than their single performance) Aaron Eckhart would be a lock for Best Supporting Actor Along with Ledger. Addition nominations for Best Film and Best Director may be a stretch, but not out of reach.
Highly recommended and I am SO happy The Dark Knight beat Spider-Man 3's record because unlike Spider-Man 3, I did not leave the theater feeling disappointed.
So I watched the film multiple times and I'm still processing what I've seen. This isn't a superhero film. It's a crime drama (that can stand aside films such as Heat or LA Confidential) of the superhero subtype. It's a tragedy. It's about dealing with the unforeseen consequences of actions undertaken with the best of intentions, it's about making difficult choices when presented equally terrible options. And it's very very good. Perhaps even great. I really need to see the film a few more times to appreciate it's subtleties, as it's an enjoyably layered story.
Compared to Batman Begins, this film is on another level. The action scenes flow much better with the camera pulled back and the editing far less rapid, the stand out being a chase scene in the middle of the film. The FX work is top notch, much like Iron Man. The script is where the real magic happens however. Simple conversations between characters steal this movie, the actors obviously relishing with working with such quality material. All the ****ty one liners from Begins have been jettisoned, although the movie is humorous in places.
Heath Ledger's depiction of the Joker is every bit as good as the press is reporting. He is walking contradiction, a mad man, an enigma, an anarchist, an unstoppable force who can't be reasoned or negotiated with, and in the blink of an eye switches from a darkly humorous weirdo to manic violent sociopath. And while he initially presents as a man who indulges in his every whim, he is also an absolute mastermind in the paradox he presents to Gotham City and it's inhabitants. The scope and genius of his plan cannot be fully appreciated until the final moments of the film. The ending was brilliant, I LOVED it!
Sometimes an interpretation of a character will resonate with an audience to such an extent that it will influence all future interpretations of the character. Just as Frank Miller's run on Batman in the 80's redefined the characters, or the Blade movie introduced Whistler to the characters mythos, Ledger's interpretation is so definitive that it will influence the character in comics and animated form for decades. Just wait until you see The Joker's "Magic Trick" (20 seconds of character shorthand that tells you everything you need to know).
And because Ledger is so damn good people are going to miss the other brilliant performance in this movie. Aaron Eckhart is superb, deserving all the accolades that Ledger's performance has received. His story arc is the center of the movie and is what drives it.
Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman provide solid support. Maggie Gyllenhaal replaces Katie Holmes without missing beat and the difference is Maggie actually made me give a **** about the character! Gary Oldman's Lt. James Gordon gains the most of the characters returning from the first film however.
Dependant on other films to be released this year, I'd expect TDK award nominations for Heath Ledger (Best Supporting Actor), Wally Pfister (Cinematography), Christopher & Jonathan Nolan (Best Screenplay), along with a swag of nominations in various technical and production categories (Best FX, Sound Mixing, Design etc etc). If their is any justice (which there isn't when it comes to acting nominations, too often nominations are given for an actors body of work rather than their single performance) Aaron Eckhart would be a lock for Best Supporting Actor Along with Ledger. Addition nominations for Best Film and Best Director may be a stretch, but not out of reach.
Highly recommended and I am SO happy The Dark Knight beat Spider-Man 3's record because unlike Spider-Man 3, I did not leave the theater feeling disappointed.
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