Rating of
4/4
Not Quite Exemplary But Very, Very Good
Franz Patrick - wrote on 09/27/08
Do I think this is the best superhero movie ever made and in comparison to what? Yes, I think it is the best superhero ever made (as of July 2008) and it’s about five times better than the great “Spider-man 2.” Do I think this is one of the best films of the 2000’s? Yes, I do because it not only works as a first-rate superhero film, it also works as a gritty suspense-crime thriller (some scenes are as heart-pounding as “The Departed”) influenced with noir films from the mid to late 1950’s (such as “The Killing”).
That said, I am both impressed and mildly disappointed with “The Dark Knight.” I have two reasons why I was disappointed: the film was not I expected it to be and the so-called twists in the story weren’t twists for me at all because I’m very familiar with the story of Batman along with the citizens and villains of Gotham City. I know the director, Christopher Nolan, means well when it comes to closely following the story of Batman; however, that comes with a price: the movie became almost too predictable. (Don’t get me wrong–I love the fact that Nolan is sticking close to the mythology and providing us great movies for my favorite superhero.) So, when certain events happen, I was sometimes apathetic to them because I knew whether a character will die or live to fight another day. But I emphasize this: some of the twists I did not see coming at all, so those few unpredictable twists almost make up for the shortcomings.
Jumping back to first reason why I was slightly disappointed, I expected the film to be more like the first movie. I wanted to know more about Bruce Wayne’s childhood and his relationship with his parents. I wanted a structure–a solid beginning, middle, and end. This film feels like one action scene after another–kind of like a long middle, if you will. On the other hand, that is not exactly a bad thing because a lack of structure and chaos is what this movie is aiming for, kind of like what the Joker is all about. And that’s why I think this film is so brilliant: the thing I don’t like about it is so fitting; it’s feels so wrong to me but it feels so right when it comes to the movie’s ongoing theme. Also, one could argue that this is a continuation of “Batman Begins” so a beginning is not necessary and neither is an ending because the next chapter is yet to come.
As for the actors, Christian Bale solidified himself as the best Batman because he was able to play his character with such complexity by having a gray moral compass. Although his intentions are good, the repercussions of his actions are sometimes negative. Maggie Gyllenhaal is a big improvement from Katie Holmes by playing Rachel Dawes, who is torn between two lovers. While Holmes comes off as whiny and irksome, Gyllenhaal is tough but vulnerable. Aaron Eckhart effectively showcases a character that supports the Joker’s hypothesis. Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, and Michael Caine were actually given more important roles this time around so their characters are able to grow and the audience can understand their motivations a bit better. I just have to mention Cillian Murphy’s return as the Scarecrow, despite his small screen time, because he was completely brilliant as a once major villain turned into an ordinary criminal. Not only does his return tie up some loose ends from “Batman Begins,” his return reminds us that Scarecrow is child’s play compared to what the Joker is about to bring to Gotham City. If one is familiar with the mythology, it could be a hint (or serve as a ripple effect–a statement regarding the circular nature of the Batman universe) on what could happen in the third movie. Last but not least, Heath Ledger did an excellent job as the Joker. Ever since I was younger, I’ve always thought of the Joker as menacing more than anything else; the laughs come in BECAUSE his actions are so cruel and sadistic to the point where it’s darkly comic, NOT the other way around.
Actors who’ve played Joker in the past often make that dire mistake of being funny more than half of the time. Ledger understood the Joker’s core: he introduces chaos to the world for no reason. As one character gravely stated, “Some men just want to watch the world burn.” Those characters often make the most terrifying and memorable villains. Since their motivations are unknown and they have nothing to lose, that evil can never be purged. Ledger’s performance definitely reminded me of the ultra-violent Alex in “A Clockwork Orange.” Do I think Ledger deserves at least an Oscar nomination for his role as the Joker? Most definitely. Does he deserve to win? Maybe. Only time will tell until or if someone else can do a better job playing a supporting actor role.
It was a great pleasure watching “The Dark Knight” despite its flaws because I knew that my favourite superhero’s story is finally told with such focus, complexity, and heart. I can only hope that the next film will be just as good as “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight.”
