The Dark Knight

Image via Batman.ugo.com

It strikes me that Christopher Nolan may be the Dark Knight in this scenario*. He's the man who has confounded us with Memento, bewitched us with The Prestige and breathed new life into the Batman saga. He's drawn to the dark and gritty side of life; his stories driven by crime, passion and power play. Even his less successful Insomnia was a journey into the heart of darkness, set in an Alaskan summer of endless light.

So Mr. Nolan, why so serious?

The Dark Knight is another expedition into darkness. Indeed from the opening shot, we descend through the tumbling plumes of smoke into the heart of Gotham City, guarded by its tireless protector. Nolan's filmmaking is as slick and sinister as ever; Gotham has never looked so good (though cinematographer Wally Pfister should get some props for that as well).

Now, everyone is raving about Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker, and, try as I might to shake things up, I must heartily concur. He's absolutely terrifying! The streaked make-up accentuates the dead eyes and the compulsive licking of his scarred face and lips. He's so horribly captivating in every scene that it feels like everyone else just leaves him to it, or perhaps they just pale into insignificance in comparison.

I do still feel that all this posthumous Oscar talk is a bit much, and more than a little patronising. I heard one (American) entertainment reporter comment, "it's something the fans and the industry feel like they can do to support Ledger and honour his memory." Come off it! If his performance stacks up come awards season (which I believe it will), then sure, nominate the guy. But don't for pity's sake award an Oscar because you feel sorry for him! Ohh that sort of sycophantic, saccharine thinking makes me nutsy.

But I digress...

The film is more than The Joker show; though given less to do this time, Christian Bale carries the duty and burden of Batman well (both as an actor and Bruce Wayne). Gary Oldman makes a wonderful return as Lt. Gordon - I only wish Oldman took more roles, he's a favouite. As are Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine whom I love as the wry and kindly Lucius Fox and boyish Alfred respectively. Maggie Gyllenhaal assumes the role of Rachel Dawes from Katie Holmes and is a much better and feistier fit. Then there's the cleft chinned hunk of American pie Aaron Eckhart as the saviour of Gotham, District Attorney Harvey Dent. After Ledger, Eckhart has the biggest role to play and does so valiantly.

Curiously, my weekend viewing of The Incredibles stood me in good stead for The Dark Knight. No, really. Both tackle the idea of a society rejecting its superheroes yet failing to assume the responsibility of fighting crime. Now obviously the Nolan brothers dwell a little more deeply on the subject, but the comparison made me smile nonetheless.

Christopher Nolan has delivered another confronting, thought-provoking and spectacular looking film for audiences to revel in as well as another terrific baddie for us to revile. May he sign on to another film, for the Batman legacy is in good, dark hands.

Image via The Dark Knight

*It also works because he's a Pom, and could technically receive a knighthood. Hee! Ahh bad joke.