Anyone who really knows me also knows that I have been waiting for Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight' since...oh, I don't know...2005. Once I saw "Batman Begins" I figured there would be a sequel. I suspected that if it were made by the same people, it would be just as good as the first. By December of 2007, the first trailer was finally released (there had been a minimal teaser already). Since then, I would check for updates whenever I was on the Internet. I am not normally given to such activity, but at least I never allowed it to get in the way of more important pursuits - like getting married:)Still, I had not been this excited about a movie in a long time. I found myself thinking July 18th would never arrive, or that I would probably somehow lose my eyesight right before the 18th, because of God's displeasure with my anticipation. You know how the mind plays tricks...
Therefore, you can understand how much of a vindication it is to see the film not only do so well financially, enough so that it has become something of a cultural event, but to be so widely praised by nearly every critic in America! Such superlatives as "haunting" "thrilling" and "epic" were almost overused. My mom (and to some extent my brother Ben) would often ask "But what if it's not good?" Oh how wrong they were (of course I had to see it with them so I could say I told 'em). I like to think that I can usually tell from the trailer if a movie will be good or not. Case in point, I had a feeling that 'Spider-Man 3' would suck. I had an opposite feeling with 'TDK'. There is a prophet in Israel!
Anyway, after seeing it three times (twice in IMAX, and once at 12:01 am on July 18th) I can now rest easy. At the request of my wife, here is my review of 'The Dark Knight'.
Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight' succeeds at being many things at once - a tough crime saga, a moving tragedy (huh?), and a thrilling superhero epic. Going into it, I only really anticipated the latter. It is to Nolan's credit as a filmmaker (and storyteller) that all of these threads are given equal attention - woven together seamlessly with expert precision and craftsmanship.Should we have expected anything less? Nolan's films have always been primarily about emotion, story, and human behavior. Films like 'Insomnia' and 'The Prestige' demonstrated the motivations behind increasingly reprehensible human action. 'Batman Begins' was a surprising triumph of story and values over effects (though they were certainly exhilirating). This time he tops himself with a truly breathtaking accomplishment that should merit serious Oscar consideration, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, and any technical category you can name.
The story begins not long after the events in the first film. Batman (Christian Bale) has the criminal element in Gotham on the run. Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) doggedly works at freezing the Mob's assets, while Batman does most of the hands-on crimefighting. New D.A. Harvey Dent (played with equal measures of confidence and despair by Aaron Eckhart) wants in on the game, and before long Batman is performing a simple, yet difficult rendition in Hong Kong in order to seal the deal (it's only difficult if you think parasailing into the window of a high rise, and being snatched up by a moving plane is tricky). These scenes carry enough action and thrills that many lesser movies could take lessons from it. The strength of the narrative lies in the relationship between Batman, Gordon, and Dent. These three men, each trying to do what is right in their own way, provide the basis for the ethical and moral tragedy of the film.
But that's just the beginning.
Enter the newest (and best) of Batman's villains - the Joker (Heath Ledger). Whenever he is on the screen, it is truly riveting. I found myself in suspense during each of his scenes, largely because of his unpredictable and brutal nature. His pencil-trick entrance is enough to convince anyone with half a pulse of that. His actions are only motivated by a desire to unleash as much chaos as possible on Gotham and its protectors. One of the great strengths of the film is the way it realistically portrays a city's descent into anarchy - and how easily it could come about. The Joker's attacks are executed visciously, and at one point Nolan makes great use of editor Lee Smith in staging simultaneous murders. One is reminded of the famous Baptism scene in 'The Godfather'. Suffice to say that once the Joker's plan is set into motion, I had the sense that Batman was up against a real threat and may not make it through without serious consequences.
The film does not rely on action scenes and effects to generate tension. A perfect example occurs in a scene where the Joker is under interrogation at Police Headquarters. Without spoiling the events that unfold, suffice it to say that it is my favorite scene of the movie. The dialogue is masterfully written and delivered, leaving one in total suspense. Quieter scenes work too, as when Alfred (Michael Caine) is advising Bruce Wayne on his limits, and then protecting him from heartbreak. The film is not without it's flaws, including Bale's raspy voice (more on this later) and some slightly expository dialogue near the film's conclusion. Then again, the action scenes are masterfully staged, and thoroughly exciting. Yes, it is better to see the film in IMAX, though the 35mm print will play very well, I'm sure. Here again, Nolan's instincts are too good to allow him to sacrifice the story's credibility by digitizing Batman's world. I hated the overuse of CGI and digital animation that plagued 'Indy 4', to the point that I had to wonder what Steven Spielberg was thinking. Here, cars slam into each other and the physics of the action always enhance the thrills. What little CGI there is blends well with the rest, such that one is never distracted. Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard play against type, creating a pulsing musical score that refrains from the usual heroic overtures and underlines the anti-heroic themes of the film.
A word on the acting. Christian Bale is the best Batman hands down. Though the raspy voice is a little off-putting, it certainly takes a backseat to his physical presence. I am sure that Nolan would have been aware of such a vocal interpretation (which stems from Bale's view of Batman as an animal-like creation). He's an even better Bruce Wayne, creating a playboy that is so arrogant and seemingly indifferent that I would never suppose he was the Dark Knight. I liked Aaron Eckhart as the crusading D.A. who finds that all his efforts bring him to inevitable loss and corruption, despite his good intentions. Maggie Gyllenhaal is neither an improvement nor an asset to the character of Rachel Dawes, the woman that both Bruce and Harvey love. Her character is in the film just as much as she needs to be, and I think the decision to put her in the backseat is not detrimental at all. Morgan Freeman is valuable as the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, and Batman's engineer. Michael Caine brings wisdom and honor to the proceedings, displaying just enough worry for his friend Bruce that we begin to think he may be onto something. Gary Oldman is consistent and sturdy as the real moral backbone of the film. His performance hits all the right notes and keeps the film grounded.
Finally, there is Heath Ledger. Much talk has been circulating since his death, with many claims that he should be nominated for a posthumous Oscar. I agree. Such a nomination would not even be motivated out of sympathy or anything other than his pure transformation as a memorable and terrifying villain. He captivates the audience and nearly steals the entire film.
'The Dark Knight' is above all a great entertainment. I found myself thrilled, shocked, and challenged by its moral message. Dramatically it is an amazing meditation on fundamental moral issues and current challenges. It is also a satisfying and gargantuan thrill ride. By the end, the fate of the Dark Knight (and Gotham City) seemed more appropriate than I ever could have imagined.
Four stars out of 4.
Well, that's my review.
Now I can focus on the things that really matter - like finishing school, getting a good job, and loving my wife more completely. The film had its place to be sure, but now it is a fading part of my life - just as I expected it would be.
But I'll still get the DVD, I think...
