Not quite a review. Well, actually, it pretty much is.
Consider this a note of praise for the highly anticipated performance of the late, great, Heath Ledger as Batman’s next villian–the Joker.
When Chris & Jonathan Nolan were faced with the opportunity and challenge to write (Jonathan) and direct (Chris) the sequel to “Batman Begins,” viewers were anxious for something novel, yet familiar — a very difficult balance to successfully create within this particular genre. Beginning with the first Spiderman, superhero flicks have either hit or miss the target with long-time comic book readers and newbies alike.
Rather than to focus on the same old good-guy/bad-guy story, the Nolans tried something different. In “The Dark Knight” they let the bad guys kick ass for about 95% percent of the movie…and it rocked the house.
Ledger played the Joker in "Dark Knight"
Set in Gotham City ( cleverly disguised downtown Chicago), the film is visually that of a typical big city. By day, Gotham is a brighter (thanks to Batman) city but at night, the dirtbags and mobsters rule the streets. Gotham becomes a shadowy metropolis of distorting sounds and shattering mirrors. We find ourselves flying through the air with the caped Crusader and just as quickly engaging in gun fire and explosives through its tunnels and on its highways.
While the typical criminal seeks out personal interests (usually money, drugs, power or all of the above), the arrival of Joker brings a new perspective in town–sadistic insanity does not require purpose. The mark of a true and formidable villain is one who does not fight for anything or anyone. The Joker is not a terrorist, only terrifying.
Ledger as Joker (look @ his blood drenched hands...the devil is in the details)
By forcing the characters to play parts in his circus and freakshow, the audience went from laughter to horror in 0-30 seconds…and it was awesome. However, just like the paranoia and fear that terrorism provokes, the Joker sought to drive Gotham’s model citizens (including moral crusader and “White Knight,” District Attorney, Harvey Dent) to commit homicidal acts of rage and madness. Imagine, which is scarier: A clown who threatens to carve a smile on your face? Or, your calm and well-known next door neighbor shooting you in broad daylight? And this, was the method to Joker’s madness–driving Gotham to insanity and sitting by the sidelines laughing all throughout.
While all of the characters hold their own, Batman is no longer in self-exploration mode and so he lacked a performance worth noting. All I can really say is that Christian Bale is a fine ass man and the fact that he is ridiculously wealthy (in one scene he is seen on a fly ass yacht), makes him all the more attractive.
I would also like to note something about the love-interest of the film–Rachael Dawes. The character, who is played by Megan Gyllenhaal, is a stark improvement from Katie Holmes…whose dry performance stood out in the brilliance of ‘Batman Begins.’ OK, so let me be a hater for a second. So, I think Megan was too ugly to play the woman who the two heroes fight over but I respect her gangsta because she definitely displayed a fiesty attitude and fortitude that was lacking in the typical “damsel in distress” that we expect. (Maybe they will look to replace the role with a young & feisty Latina instead? Wishful thinking…)
Either way, if you haven’t seen the film yet–go see it. It’s really damn good. Worth the money and definitely worth the wait.
And remember ladies and gents:
“Whatever does not kill you, makes you…stranger.” – The Joker
Oh, how good it feels to be…bad.
