The Dark Knight (2008) Review

                                       'To them, you're just a freak, like me!'

The Dark Knight (2008) directed by the formidable Christopher Nolan; the aforementioned has managed to create a film with such an allure, such a distinctive style and tone that can capture an audience’s attention with such vigour. A fan favourite for all the right reasons, The Dark Knight features a whole host of memorable characters, from psychotic villains to slightly off the edge burn victims, the film has it all, and unlike most trilogies, the second (in this case) is probably the favourite amongst audiences. 

Set in Gotham, a city formerly plagued by troubles and crime, is now starting to be reformed under the new district attorney Harvey Dent’s (Aaron Eckhart) regime. However, the appearance of a newer, darker and more unsettling villain, The Joker (Heath Ledger) threatens to destroy the very foundations of the city, prompting the appearance of Batman (aka Bruce Wayne, played by Christian Bale) to try and eradicate any potential threat to Gotham, along with the help of Lieutenant Gordon (Gary Oldman), assistant district attorney Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and Wayne’s trusty butler Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine).

The soundtrack (composed jointly by tremendously gifted Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard) is particularly mesmerizing. The eloquently scored ‘why so serious’ is notably striking and accompanies the continual appearance of The Joker in such a way that is particularly emotive and unique; Zimmer stated that he used ‘razor blades on string instruments’ epitomizing the character’s twisted nature and connoting the infliction of suffering onto others - through the torturous way in which unnecessarily harsh equipment was used on delicate instruments.

The performances are unforgettable, particularly the late Heath Ledger who completely submerses himself in the deranged comical lunatic that is the infamous Joker; the time that Ledger spent engulfing himself in the role is clearly evident and he is able to create a character that is notably different to anything you have ever seen in Burton’s Batman films. What is so striking about the performance is the ability to resonate a single line into an audience’s mind (‘why so serious?’) through haunting physical gestures and the eerily calm way in which he manages to interpret some of the more explosive scenes - for example, whilst blowing up a local hospital the Joker walks away pausing whilst the bomb delay-detonates - were partially improvised. The performance is electrifying especially when combined with his on screen counterpart Batman (portrayed by Christian Bale) whose characters pivot around their consistent conflict with each other and The Joker’s desire to upset the foundations of society through crime. Bale and Ledger are able to convey a unique, idiosyncratic relationship in which one desires greatly to break the other down to his tormented level and is inexplicably tantalizing to watch.

The thematic elements of the film encapsulate the idea of good triumphing over evil, devastation, anarchy and the structure of society when it is threatened. For instance, (without giving too much away) the film focuses on the portrayal of one man’s desire to destroy the very fabric of society, to prove that everyone can be stricken down to the same level, after all ‘madness, as you know, is like gravity. All it takes is a little push.’

What contributes so drastically, besides performance, to the film, for me, is the overall aesthetic and tone. The colours are superbly structured, the cinematography and composition of each shot is masterful. Furthermore, the look of the film is almost histrionic; it further emphasizes every sequence with spectacular chase scenes, daring visual re-construction of character’s physical appearance and the technology presented is breath-taking and futuristic.

Although released in 2008, this film has vastly remained one of the most noteworthy and distinguished I have had the up-most pleasure to see. I have watched several adaptations of different mediums of the comic book story (television’s Batman: the animated series, Burton’s Batman etc.) and although I am a huge enthusiast and admirer of Mark Hamill’s portrayal of The Joker, I believe for its particular medium of film, Ledger is able to encapsulate his own, outstanding representation of a widely acknowledged character, which is nothing short of ingenious. I find myself hard to truly express everything the film means to me, and to many others who have watched and will watch this film, it is visionary in its construction and take on the classic comic book story and turns it into something more, something spectacular, to be appreciated as what it is, a work of cinematic art. It presents a perfect balance between visually dazzling and coherently structured, with its characters and setting realistically rooted in a society not greatly dissimilar to our own, adding a gritty, darkened feel to it. It is one of very few films able to enthral its viewers in the subtle but critical line between fiction and reality, good and evil and light and dark, and questions the ability to remain of a positive moral character when surrounded by corruption and the often seductive nature of evil.

On a more lighter and less philosophical note, The Dark Knight is jam packed with catchy, comical and witty dialogue from all of it’s characters (most obviously The Joker, who delivers such twisted, appropriate answers to others around him – ‘and I thought my joke’s were bad’). Overall, the film is sure to captivate, and provide a flurry of emotion and suspense that should appeal to anyone with an appetite for action and particularly those who are aware of the comic book legend. However, if you haven’t been exposed to this significant hero then never fear, you will not be disappointed watching this true masterpiece.

5 stars

Reviewed by Mel.