The Dark Knight

The hype has been established. Ledger for a posthumous Oscar nomination buzzing around the Internet. Single day and weekend sales records shattered by what absolutely must be called the cinematic event of the summer, if not the entire year. I settle into my seat in the IMAX theatre and await what many are calling the best superhero film ever, and one of the best movies of the decade. Richard Roeper (one of my most respected sources) even commented that "Ledger doesn't have to steal every scene he's in because he walks in and owns it from the get-go. This is one of the funniest, creepiest, darkest, most interesting and most amazing performances I've seen in any movie this decade." If that isn't praise coming from an expert, I don't know what is. The lights dim, and after an amazing look at next year's Watchmen, the film begins.

From the opening scene, there is a feeling that this is something different. Not your run-of-the-mill action film, or superhero film for that matter. Maybe it is the knowledge that Chris Nolan has revived a franchise from the depths of comic book purgatory (see Joel Schumacher's mid 1990's debacles). Maybe it is the strangely darker tone that is taken from the opening bank robbery. My personal feeling is that it is a superbly well-rounded feature; from the music, to the old fashioned stunt work (as opposed to CGI), the acting and perhaps best of all, the writing.

Nolan wrote the screenplay with his brother Jonathan, and manufactured the heart behind what will certainly be the most talked about performance of the year - Ledger's Joker. As great and interesting a character as the Joker is, he is only a layer of this complex story that ponders morality and justice amidst a chaotic world consumed with uncertainty and fear. The emergence of District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhardt) takes center stage as the focal point of the story and shines as a beacon of fragile hope for the city, but also accentuates the nefarious nature of the criminal elements that plague the notorious Gotham City.

The Dark Knight is filled with excellent actors who must have been clamoring for their roles, and most impress even with minimal screen time. A noted upgrade over the most recent incarnation is Maggie Gyllenhaal who replaced Katie Holmes as the eye candy/love interest Rachel Dawes, and adds a dimension of humanity and acting ability beyond that of a tree. Gary Oldman gets more screen time on this time around as well as the incorruptible police Lieutenant Gordon.

Acting and story aside (as if that weren't enough), the score is amazing and the stunts are reminiscent of the times before computers made things like transforming cars a reality. The explosions are real, and although some of the fight scenes are a little hard to see due to the dark night, they are impressive nonetheless.

Heath Ledger must be mentioned, as he is the reason for much of the buzz, and it is fully deserved. It is tragic what happened, but he will forever be remembered for his final and finest role of a short yet distinguished career. He portrayed the Joker with undeniable emotion and terror. He conveys his sociopathic tendencies with such nonchalance that it is eerily believable. From the awkward walk to the eccentric talk to the creepy lip-smacking, he brings an intrigue and intensity to the screen that I haven't seen from a character in a long time. His body language and posturing alone is worthy of praise that even the most experienced and respected actors around have taken decades to earn. It is unfortunate that he won't be around to accept his Oscar next year. Excellent film, a true must-see for the summer and the year. IMAX optional. 10/10.