The Dark Knight is obviously a sequel to 2005's "Batman Begins". "Batman Begins" did a lot of things that no other Batman movie did before. It took a detailed look at the origin story and how this billionaire named Bruce Wayne decided he would beat up bad guys in a bat suit. The second thing Christopher Nolan did differently was keep the movie "reality based". He makes the audience feel as though this could happen! "Batman Begins" was a great leap for "superhero" movies. The Dark Knight carries on the same reality based tone.
I don't want to talk about plot details, thats why you watch the movie. But I will say this; the story is very original and beautifully written by the director Christopher Nolan and his brother. Christian Bale is magnificent as Bruce Wayne and a very fitting Batman. It's too bad... he's magnificent but Heath Ledger is even better! All the buzz about this movie has always been around Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker. And it's all deserving! The way they re-invented this character, this iconic character is amazing. I loved the new look: the new clothes, the new makeup, the new hair, attitude, the deep and high pitched voice, the way he arcs his back, all of it! My cousin Matt said it best, "Heath Ledger is not in this film, The Joker is".
I think what also adds to the effect of the Joker is that the movie is based in reality. "This could happen" is what takes over your mind and it makes the Joker that much scarier. If Heath Ledger doesn't get nominated for an Oscar, it would be such a shame. It would only be because critics and writters are scared they'll get complaints that they only voted for him out of sympathy. Well the truth is, he deserves the nomination if not the win, whether he was still alive or not. He is brilliant by every definition of the word in the Dark Knight.
What most people don't understand about the Dark Knight, and what I've argued many times is: the entire movie revolves around Harvey Dent/ Two-Face. He is played by Aaron Eckhart who does a great job! The reasoning of my argument: "Batman Begins" dealt with the idea of fear. This notion that you can overcome your fears and do great things in life. Dark Knight's overal idea is "duality". Having two sides to every person. Bruce Wayne/ Batman, Harvey Dent/ Two Face, good/ evil, life/ death. They talk about Batman's only rule being not to kill; well the Joker kills throughout the movie. They talk about life/ death; and not to give anything away, but society sometimes has tough choices they have to deal with. The rise of Harvey Dent, the fall, and the outcome are the backbone of this movie.
Emotionally, the movie is fantastic, and may be nominated for Best Picture; we'll have to wait and see if the people in charge feel like rewarding this film the way they rewarded The Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King. The writing is unlike any other action movie you'll see. Again, maybe a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for Christopher Nolan and his brother. The action is unbelievable. You know how you see an action movie and notice nothing new, nothing you remember when you walk out of the theater? That is not the case with the Dark Knight. There are two scenes specifically that will blow your mind: one involves a semi-truck and the other a balloon and airplane. Trust me, just watch it.
Overall the movie is fantastic, there are some plot holes in the movie but nothing to complain about. The acting is amazing; including Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Cain and Maggie Gillanhall (spelling?). The action and story are unparrallel and the directing is top notch. GO SEE THIS MOVIE. There's very few times in a generation where a movie becomes a cultural event. The last one was The Passion of The Christ and Titanic before that. Appreciate the acting, believe the buzz, cheer the caped crusader and just admire the joker! 5 Stars, 9.5/10, two thumbs up and has officially taken the number one spot on my all time favorite movie.
