Latest Batman movie leaves critic speechless
"Dark Knight" performance should earn Ledger posthumous Oscar nod, he says
8:35 a.m. Friday, July 18, 2008
Let me start by saying “The Dark Knight” is the best film I've seen in
2008. This amazing, absorbing movie is the sequel to 2005’s “Batman Begins,” which, at the time, I thought was the best comic book movie ever made.
An incredible script filled with twists and great dialog fuels “The Dark Knight.” Director Christopher Nolan fully understands these characters and their context. With so many characters I really liked how Nolan never overexposed any one of them, and they all had significant moments in the film. The other thing I appreciate is how Nolan approaches the Batman films -- there aren't too many villains vying for screen time, which has been a problem with other comic book franchises.
Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker, Batman's greatest nemesis, is a haunting, memorable performance that will stand the test of time as one of the greatest screen villains ever seen on film. There is no conceivable reason why Ledger's performance should not lead to a nomination and win at next year's Academy Awards.
I was not a huge fan of Ledger's previous work before this brilliant performance. But, his excellent portrayal of a villain in “The Dark Knight” makes me wonder what the future would have held for the Australian actor. Regardless, this role will be a highlight of his career and an unforgettable one for Batman fans.
Christian Bale, who is one of the best actor’s working today, again proves he's the best to ever wear the Batman cape and cowl. He has the look, talent and believability to pull off both Batman and Bruce Wayne personas. I think the aforementioned performance by Ledger has somewhat overshadowed Bale and how good he is as well.
As for the rest of the cast, Gary Oldman is terrific as Jim Gordon, and the talented Maggie Gyllenhaal is definitely a step up as she replaced Katie Holmes in the role of Rachel Dawes. Another one of my favorite actors, Aaron Eckhart, is great as well in the pivotal role of District Attorney Harvey Dent. Then there are Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine reprising their roles as Luscious Fox and the beloved Alfred. These two Oscar-winning movie veterans seem to be having a blast in their respective roles and that comes across vividly on the big screen.
The two-and-a-half hour running time flew by because there is not one wasted scene in the movie; every scene is an important thread in the film's cinematic fabric. The film also doesn’t play out as just a comic book film but as a great crime drama as well.
The action is amazing with more than just a few edge-of-your-seat moments. The chases through Gotham City are expertly done, and this film as a whole doesn’t seem to be filled with too many special effects. It feels incredibly believable and real.
I have been a Batman fanatic since I was 5 years old, and nobody has been more critical of past incarnations of Batman on the big screen than me. But, as I left the screening of “The Dark Knight,” Ledger's tormented Joker and the quality of all the performances made a lasting
impression on me and rendered me nearly speechless when asked what I thought of the movie.
This is not just a film for Batman fans, but also one for non-fans or those not familiar with these characters. In my opinion, it will hard for any movie to one-up “The Dark Knight” this year. I believe it should receive Oscar nominations for best film, director, supporting actor and original screenplay.
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Comments
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Jul. 18, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)robwelcher (Rob Welcher)
THIS MOVIE WAS AMAZING!!!!
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