CINEMA : THE DARK KNIGHT

2008

Cert: 12A

Dir(s): Chris Nolan

Starring: Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart

What You Need To Know: "Batman Begins". Round 2.

The follow-up to 2005's 'Batman Begins' has erupted onto UK screens after an avalanche of press publicity, controversy and tragedy. Already breaking box office records, 'The Dark Knight' is the most financially successful 'Batman' film yet.

'The Dark Knight' is a show down between Batman and comics' most popular villian, the Joker. Christian Bale returns as a stronger, more self assured Batman. He once again confirms that his take on the caped crusader is the best yet. Christian Bale brings an intense gravitas to a role that has stood the test of time, enduring parody(in the 60s) and ridicule ('Batman and Robin'). Perhaps inevitably though, it is Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker that truly stands out. Joker '08 is a beast that annihalates any previous interpretations of the character and will stand as the example where all future versions will be judged against. A truly twisted and delightfully disturbing villian, the Joker of 'The Dark Knight' will surely be joining the ranks of cinema's greatest antagonists. The rest of the cast are also excellent, with Maggie Gyllenhaal delivering a captivating take on the most thankless of roles, the Batman love interest. No suprises from Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman, who all keep up to their own, high standards. The writing by the Nolan brothers is suprisingly thought provoking and the score by celebrated musicians Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard is suitably dramatic. Infact, 'The Dark Knight' is a perfect example of a group of extraordinary talents, actors, composers and film makers, at the height of their game.

Despite this, and the hype surrounding the picture, 'The Dark Knight' is not completely perfect. Nolan still has yet to master the shooting of an action sequence and the editing is at times clumsy. A thrilling climactic battle on a building site is stifled by a video-game-esque set up and execution. Aaron Eckhart's brilliant potrayal of Harvey Dent is damaged by a somehow slightly limp payoff. As stated before, Maggie Gyllenhaal does a great job in bringing more to the damsel in distress role but the character, Rachael Dawes still just feels like a plot device that is there purely to inspire angst in other, male characters.

Having said all of this, 'The Dark Knight' is an accomplished piece of movie making. Despite being around two and a half hours long, the film never sags or over stays its' welcome. Its' faults feel extremely minor when considering what it gets right. As stated before, the acting is first class, while the action and tension never lets up completely. Rising high above its' predessesors in the comic book movie genre, 'The Dark Knight' is an intelligent and thrilling accomplishment. Easily the best 'Batman' movie ever made, it has raised the bar not just for comic book movies but summer blockbusters in general.

Conclusion

With gigantic performances from Bale and Ledger, stunning action sequences, thoughtful themes and a solid moral core, 'The Dark Knight' is essential, spectacular viewing.

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