Rama’s SCREEN

This is not just the best Batman movie, this is not just one of the best Superhero movies out there, this is, deservingly so, one of the best movies I’ve seen in recent years. Director Christopher Nolan and his brother screenwriter Jonathan and fellow David Goyer have crafted… the most complex, gritty, psychological story for the Caped Crusader. THE DARK KNIGHT will provoke you to think, it will have surprises around every corner and it will leave you in absolute awe. Heath’s amazing performance as The Joker is only a small part of what have made this movie truly remarkable.

With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and the committed new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham City for good. The triumvirate initially proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces The Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.

The word out there compares this movie to the great Sequel movies of the past like Godfather part II and Empire Strike Back. I’d have to agree. Not only the running time is similar but the story also has more depth or unexpected profundity.
I’m glad Nolan brothers did not choose to go to unnecessary route of showing The Joker’s origin, it has a part where he sorta mentions his past but what’s important is the thing that compels him, which is his belief that nobody is good and he means to make it evident, at all cost.

Gotham is the star of this movie, whereas Batman Begins focuses mostly on Bruce Wayne becoming Batman, THE DARK KNIGHT features the people of this gloomy city, the corrupt, the ones with conscience, the political hierarchy, the criminals, even the hospital and the bank. Everything and everyone ties into the storyline in representing what society would do when they are pushed to the point of not having much option to choose from.

I really love the camera work in this movie, I think it sets a new standard in filmmaking which other movies would try to copy in the near future. The cinematography is excellent. It’s great that they make use of Chicago as Gotham City because it makes the scenery felt more real and relevant.

Bravo to the way the movie deals with various intense scenes… by having them show up at the same time but you see one sequence and then another, and then to another problematic sequence… it gets you to the point where you’re worried if there’s even a solution to any of the problems.
I really admire the visual effects especially the way they did Harvey Dent’s face.
The original score deserve a standing ovation the music gets your heart pumping and it’s won my utmost respect.

Let’s talk a bit about Heath Ledger’s performance, shall we. It is Iconic!
I’m glad that his last role on this earth was a great on. Career-wise, he went out with a bang, in a blaze of glory!
You literally don’t see Heath on the screen. He’s so deep in his character, that all you see is The Joker himself. Sinister, evil, heartless villain who tries to come up with the most creative ways of annihilating people, ways that only he thinks are funny.
Every time Heath’s Joker shows up on the screen, it’s not just captivating, it’s a revelation. But I don’t recommend this movie for the younger audience because this ain’t your Sunday morning cartoon Joker.

If you’re looking to see action-packed, then you’re probably going to be disappointed, but if you’re looking for an Oscar worthy Superhero movie, then by all means, say hello to THE DARK KNIGHT and let’s put a smile on that face!

* Place the cursor on the image below to check my grade for this film