Reaction to The Dark Knight

    AMAZING! That’s just one of the many words I can think of to describe my experience watching The Dark Knight, the latest installment of the new Batman Film series. It is very well crafted to say the least. Director Chris Nolan definitely gave the franchise the treatment that it truly deserves. He has put life to the character like no other filmmaker has ever done. With the Dark Knight, Batman and the whole of Gotham City has become as believable as they could get because they deal with realistic issues that are, in fact, very common in our world today. Issues such as Terrorism and the way the world has been coping with it. Almost anyone who is aware of the reality that the world faces can relate to the morals of this story… or for the Joker’s case, the lack of it.

      To further justify my opinion about the movie, let me be old school with this and academically break it down to you. First, let’s talk about the story. As I mentioned, the overall theme of the movie is very relatable for the average person. It is told as realistic as a comic book movie could be. Initially, a city where a masked hero would cause criminals to run and hide might be too crazy but this movie can convince you that such a scenario could actually happen. The script is so effective of showing that the movie is not merely a story of good agaisnt evil but it is indeed harmony against chaos, control against anarchy and how we, as social beings, are so vulnerable against terror, that we need a  suitable guardian to watch over us and preserve not only justice but righteousness as well. Also, character-wise when it comes to Batman, the film may not entirely revolve around him but it comes back to him as the movie concludes. A very well organized and smooth flow for the plot that lead to it I might add. Just trust me, as the final line in the movie is delivered, you will realized why Batman is dubbed as the Dark Knight and that it is the chosen title of the film with a very deep purpose. Additionally, with a running time of two and a half hour and a vast line-up of characters, the script successfully maintained organization between scenes and that every character was given enough screen time. (although, I highly doubt anyone could get enough of the Joker.) 

    Now, lets talk about acting.  As in Batman Begins, the actors succeeded in bringing dept into their respective characters. Christian Bale should be applauded for being so hardworking as he is very convincing in playing, not just one, but three different characters: Batman, the Billionaire Playboy and the Real Bruce Wayne. Other than that, Master Bruce has certainly shown growth for his chosen task in Gotham. The Playboy has certainly proven to be more careless, Bruce Wayne is now more sensitive for the effects of his actions and Batman surely got better in beating some manners out of the scums that plague his city. Some people might argue that Bale’s Batman Voice might be too much but sometimes, I think its kind of cool. That Bat-rasp makes him more intimidating.

    Maggie Gyllenhaal has replaced Mrs. Tom Cruise (Katie Holmes) in the role of Rachel Dawes. As far as acting goes, Maggie is way more convinsing that Katie. There are just scenes in the movie where I couldn’t imagine Katie being as effective as Maggie. Gyllenhaal certainly added depth to the character which was important as she was the love interest for both Bruce Wayne and District Attorney Harvey Dent.

    Speaking of Harvey, Aaron Eckhart played the character well. As every Batfan know, Harvey Dent eventually becomes the vigilante Two-face in the comics and it did occur in this film. At first, one might argue that a single incident instantly transformed Dent but I would say there was also a slow transition from the righteous D.A. to the maniac vigilante. This transition was effectively projected by Eckhart through the scenes where his character showed off a little schizophrenia when it comes to handling criminals. As one of my friends pointed out, “Aaron Eckhart was made to be evil.” And After seeing his performance, I have to agree!

    And of course, I would have to be retarded to not mention the very POWERFUL performance of the late, great Heath Ledger. Although, to be honest, I barely even remember Ledger being in the film. This is because everytime he’s on screen, all I see is the Joker, no one else. And if I rememebr my college thesis correctly, let me point out that good acting is spotted when the actor doesnt seem to be acting at all. Ledger certainly did that. I just love this new interpretation of the Joker where he is less flamboyant and more disturbing and insane. If you have yet to watch this film, expect the Joker to make you laugh, gasp and look away. There isnt even blood and gore in the movie but the Clown Prince of Crime alone is equally unsettling. In Batman Begins, we were given a Batman that is the true symbol of justice then in The Dark Knight, we were given the Joker that is total opposite of that. He is just a  maniacal, dirty anarchist with zero empathy. Batman and the Joker truly are made for each other in this film which, may I point out, is exactly how these characters were supposed to be.

    Other characters further contributed to the quality of the film. Gary Oldman had more screen time to greater establish the noble James Gordon. Morgan Freeman as Lucious Fox still delivers entertaining scenes especially with Bruce Wayne. The ever loyal butler, Alfred Pennyworth, played by veteran actor Michael Caine, might have less screen time now but every time he does show up, he still deliver as much power to the scene as always, if not greater; with his inspiring line delivery and amazing father-figure presence.

    The cool things we’ve known Batman for have also been kept with more. The Batsuit from Begins returned but got replace with a new one. Although I may find the Begins’ Suit better looking than the new one but still, they are both amazing to look at. The new one just has a leener, more amor-like qualities to it. Not to mention that the cowl now is more like a helmet and gives the Caped Crusader more head movement and that is the whole point of the new Batman’s gadgets. They are more practical than good-looking. Although, equipting the cowl with sonar that gives Batman’s eyes a bright white glow certainly is an awesome sight. The Tumbler (Batmobile) also made a return and displayed even more capabilities that wasnt shown before. The newest great addition to the Bat-gadgets is the Bat-pod which is derived from the Bat-cycle and shows that it is as effective as it kicks ass.

    There is no doubt that every Batman or comic book fan would enjoy this movie but it certainly goes beyond that. This film  is a true work of art.  It is entertaining because it is well-crafted, exciting as it is  intellectually and emotionally challenging and it is something that every movie fanatic can be proud of, not just for the comic fans. Being one of the very few successful sequels ever made, the Dark Knight may be Godfather II for this generation.