Rating of
N/A
The Dark Knight
randomuser7 - wrote on 05/20/10
The typical superhero movie is associated with a thin plotted action film, paced with humor and not very complex. The Dark Knight is an incredible contradiction to the perception. Defined by a thrilling plot and riveting characters, the film is a stunning drama that contemplates human nature as complexly as any other.
The most obvious and discussed highlight of the film is Heath Ledger’s incredible performance as the Joker. Ledger takes a completely opposite direction from Jack Nicholson’s Joker, opting for a violent, sadistic sociopath that relishes in destruction and murder. What is so engrossing about the Joker as a villain is that he has no motives, no desires for money or power, he causes destruction simply because he wants to. As a character, the Joker’s only goal has been to challenge the convictions of the morally right, specifically and most importantly those of Batman. Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker conveys this excellently, bringing an accurate representation of the Joker the a movie for the first time.
The Dark Knight should not be remembered solely for Ledger’s performance, however. The movie itself is a masterpiece of cinema, shattering perceptions of what a comic book movie can be. The plot and script are both extremely well written, weaving a story that is not only entertaining but thought provoking as well. The film moves at a gripping pace. The action is satisfying, but it is the morally complex story that is memorable. The Joker’s fascination with humanity’s innate flaws, Two Faces’ obsession with duality, and Batman’s conflicted desire for good intertwine to leave viewers contemplating the movie’s theme of good and evil. The Dark Knight’s thrilling action, gripping story, and incredible characters result in a film that is one of the best in recent memory.
