2.4 The Dark Knight

Arguably what is the best Superhero Movie off all-time, Christopher Nolan's Batman The Dark Knight, is being talk about and more than ever compared to Robert Pattinson's most recent adaption in Matt Reeves' The Batman. Making it I feel a perfect opportunity and time to start discussing and detailing what I still perceive to be the best and arguably the greatest Batman film of all time. I don't consider many films or television shows to be prefect and although there are some that come close, when it comes to specifically the Superhero genre I'd certainly say the same applies. Film such as Marvels Infinity War, Civil War and Endgame certainly are some easily recognisable and honourable mentions but what I honestly believe continues to beat the rest is Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight. Whilst the complete Trilogy as a whole changed what Superhero's could become, look like and entail.

For many some would not only easily agree that the film is arguably one of the best Superhero films of all time, but rather also one of the best films of all time also, with it's illustrious, all star cast and truly unforgettable performances, making it not only a film but an cinematic masterpiece and experience that has forged it's way into film folklore. There are so many aspects and elements to not only this film but rather also this particular Batman Trilogy, that make it so truly unique. Personally this is my Batman, it's become such an iconic character that over the decades and countless iterations it's spawned each and everyone who's a fan of this characters and genre of a film. To probably have and hold a particular interpretation and iteration close to there heart. For many it's Tim Burton and Michael Keaton's iconic version of the masked vigilante. However it's Christopher Nolan and arguably Christian Bale's portrayal that is firmly cemented and personally my favourite. That's mainly because these set of films and overall trilogy first started when I was born and finished when I was old enough to finally go to the cinema and see them. With for many generations it will be the same exact reasoning and answer to why in several years people will also place Robert Pattinson into the same category.

Obviously what makes this film stand alone to begin with, is the truly unforgettable and unquestionable performance Heath Ledger delivers as the Joker. Making his performance obviously not only Oscar worthy but rather also within cinematic history. As he arguably lived up and succeed the performances from the likes of Jack Nicholson, with so many believing that once cast, he would never be able to even match or live up to the roles iconic status. Instead he not only changed the face of the character but rather also the level of quality and dedication, one would have to portray, to create such an performance. With Heath's meticulous eye and pursuit for detail within not only the character himself but also his costume, hair and make-up making and moving the Joker away from pervious iterations into more, darker territory. The Dark Knight is arguably more an ensemble casting film when compared to other iterations, in particular and most recently Robert Pattinsons portrayal. As it's a film about the unique relationship and almost psychotic dynamic between both not only the Joker but rather The Batman and Gotham's Criminal classes. Whereas Matt Reeves' The Batman is certainly a more focused and centred take on what a Batman movie and the character in question is. Robert Pattinson is in every scene, it's about his troubles, conflicting morale's and overall search for vengeance not only for Gotham but within and for his personal self. As long as these two movies exist people will always compare, however it must always be said that The Dark Knight was and has been a pioneer for cinema and the Superhero genre in general since. With it being a film real focused and rather more a Villain centred movie, as we see not only the Joker but also how the grief and tragedy of such a man, can consume someone that much. As they decide to become a killer after all and end up becoming what they tried so hard to abolish.

Aside from Heath's performance in particular, there are certainly a whole other array of talking-points and reasons for why this film is truly remarkable. Through Christopher Nolan's direction and writing you end up with some truly unforgettable and spectacle set pieces and action sequences. Mainly which are only enhanced due to the drive and aim to use mostly practical effects. Whilst Hans Zimmer only electrifies and enhances those exact big theatrical set pieces and stunts that feel so captivating and enthralling. Seen and evident through the practical filliping of the truck, part way through the films second act, as Nolan manages to redefine the possibilities of a comic-book movie. Something which other franchises could learn a lot from. As he grounds the unforgettable character in an complex and gritty reality that succeeds just as an entertaining comic book film, but rather as a richly thrilling crime saga that is haunted by it's characters conflicting morals and themes. With it becoming a film not only about Batman or the Joker or Police Chief Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent but instead a film that centres the argument and battle between morality and man. As we're truly made to rethink and possibly even feel slightly guilty about how if the Joker is truly a crazy, psychotic man, or if he's truly ahead of the curve after all. Likewise if Christian Bale's Batman is actually spawning and being a true force for good, as everyone around him seems to gradual change, lie and die to either protect him or Gotham itself. With the ending message and acknowledgement for the character being that he must sometimes fall upon the sword and inflict his own wounds to let Gotham truly heal. As its an haunted film that is never scared to leap beyond its origins and become totally engrossed and entangled in tragedy as by the end no one real wins.

When it comes to the rest of the truly remarkable, unforgettable and Steller ensemble cast, Nolan had acquired, Christian Bale delivers a more complete and wholehearted performance as not only The Batman but rather Bruce Wayne himself. As he struggles to forge a path to true identity and freedom and a life beyond the mask, with his character only ever seemingly allowed to seek reasoning whenever alongside the legendary Michael Caine, Alfred. With those scenes in particular filled with more an underlying sense admiration, love and need for Alfred to best reason with Bruce. As he knows it's the only way to keep him safe and protected from the those who have fallen into a life of either crime or misery. Maggie Gyllenhaal is an vast improvement from Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes as she brings another conflicting narrative and love story between two men who it seems she can only truly reason with and understand. Whilst the whole character arc of Harvey Dent played by the exceptional Aaron Eckhart, is one of true power and memorability as we see a man seemingly on top of the world. Gradually losing not only everyone but everything around him, that made him into the once great and prosperous man that Gotham so desperately needed, as he eventually falls into the Jokers manipulations and becomes the one thing he once swore to eradicate. Which makes on the whole for a very scarily moving performance. Whilst also Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, contributors yet another great performance adding to his already incredible portfolio of work, as he's able alongside others such as Michael Cain and Maggie Gyllenhaal to add a particular level of humour and warmth that feels not only relevant but also needed. When you take into account the dark, bleak, uncompromising and unforgiving Gotham that our protagonists must navigate and survive in. With the skilled Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon making for a thrilling performance as he is often able to brilliantly capture and make even virtue exciting. With such a large ensemble cast all subsequently bring there total 'A' game to the film, which often is rare. For sure there are a few problems some people have with the film, in particular Christian Bale's voice as the Batman, with it at times feeling either brilliantly matched or seemingly out of place. As within some sequences it superbly only enhances certain fight sequences and adds a certain elements of surprise. Whereas on other occasions it only just feels cheap and slightly forced, personally however it's not that big of a problem and never outweighs Bale's redefining, exemplary performance. Whilst doing extra research I was able to discover that his subsequent vocalization was edited and altered in post-production and therefore was why maybe it was the particular subject of such criticism. As it offered certainly a more deeper, hammier and raspier sound opposed to the orginal voice used in Batman Begins.

Eventually however, it's Ledger who due to him completely throwing himself into the role, makes and represents for some of Nolan's most complete, accomplished and mature work to date. As the sequences feel so gritty, intense and still realistic enough and resonant of all the Batman films. With this being one of the greatest, if not the greatest Villain performances ever portrayed, as you often feel the words sinister and frightening aren't just enough to describe how much of a riddled, deep and complex character Heath Ledger has created. Which has subsequently lived on past his death and is still so memorable to this day, as he becomes so intoxicating and mesmerizing in every scene. Along with Nolan's expert writing, direction and character building, his script and overall production is further built out and developed due to the great world building by cinematographer Wally Pfister. Who manages to create a universe that not only matches Nolan's gritty reality but rather also an overall roughness and something that's both raw and elemental within. It's what I consider to best and arguably be Nolan's best work to date and there will be certainly no shame if he's never able to match it once again. With a lot of other filmmakers doing well to get to a nearby given level of quality and esteem, as it's a film that seemingly has been becoming more talked about and debated in relevant times. Making me want to more than ever, express my thoughts and opinions on such matters.

As a whole therefore, The Dark Knight is a timeless classic and for someone who arguably agrees that like art, films and movies are subjective. Anyone who expresses an negative opinion or notion that the film is somehow overrated, I feel isn't someone therefore someone who has much of an idea what there on about. As it's a film which still manages not only to amaze me but rather captivate every single cell in my body making and meaning it continues to remain one of the greatest films of all time. 4.8/5 Stars