The latest installment in the Batman franchise is by no means a disappointment, it goes beyond expectation. I have been a fan of Batman for a long time, read my first comic when I was in high school and my love for the character hasn't faded. Through all the adaptations (Tim Burton, Joel Schumacher, the campy TV show etc) the version by Christopher Nolan is a refreshing journey into the essence of the character. Both "Batman Begins" and "Dark Knight" are realistic in format and both are character driven pieces. There are special effects, neat toys, exceptional writing and CGI. "Dark Knight" has no happy ending, the struggle to bring Gotham back from the brink is a continued, up-hill war. It's not nice, it's not clean; like life, it's a mess. There are no rules written in stone, and shit happens.
Bale's performance highlights Wayne's struggles (justice vs vengeance, the mask he wears both personal and public, private live vs public demands etc). When given the opportunity does he go for the kill or does he fight for justice? This challenge always lurks in Bale's eyes. He is subtle and that's what makes his performance so good. His throaty, animalistic growl when confronting villains is not to avoid recognition, it is deeper. He's tapping into a dark, animalistic place (Duh-he's Batman). Descending to a guttural level where criminals live, going down to meet them head on. We see him with cuts and bruises (he's not Superman after all). I like the choices that Bale has made, no slick Val Kilmer-George Clooney-testosterone-charged-macho-gimmicks, just realistic nuances that enhance rather than detract from the essence of Bruce Wayne/Batman. I hope he continues in the role...I suspect there is quite a talent in this actor (his performance in "The Machinist" is truly the creepiest and mesmerizing...kid's got talent). He has said that he is surprised by the success of this film because most of this other films have tanked...my response to this...why do we fall?...so we learn to pick ourselves up. There will be more memorable performances from Mister Bale, and I sincerely hope he will continue to be the Dark Knight of Gotham. If you have any doubts about his performance, please check out the BBC's review of the film-worth a read for sure.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7519246.stm
Heath Ledger's Joker is his finest performance and an excellent counter-point to Bale's Batman. It is a shame that he is no longer with us. I refuse to jump on the "Heath for Best Supporting Actor" bandwagon. Yes his performance is good but the rest of the cast turns in excellent performances as well (hell most of them have been nominated or have won Oscars-these are true craftsmen). It is a shame that Ledger died so young but premature death doesn't warrant discounting other artists merits. Gary Oldman is exceptional as Gordon (the man never makes bad choices). Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Maggie Gyllenhaal (soooooooooooooooo much better than the now skeletal Katie Holmes-girl needs several cheeseburgers washed down with some serious whole milk chocolate shakes) also deliver excellence on screen.
Nolan, his cast and crew offer a mesmerizing, and amazing film. Lets hope he continues with the franchise. A big shout out of thanks to them for creating a humanized view of the Dark Knight who watches over Gotham...truly a fine piece of craftsmanship.
Rounding out the fabulousness...the score by the powerhouses of James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer (you cannot go wrong with these two-just not possible).
If you are a fan of the graphic novels (not the TV show) go see the movie. It will knock your socks off.
If you want to see lots of kitch, CGI out the wing-wang (need I mention "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen"-fabulous concept-truly-entirely too much bad CGI), catchy one liners, and camp galore-rent the Burton and Schumacher versions. (Mind you there is nothing wrong with these films-I enjoyed them for what they are, pure spectacle-but not the essence of Bruce Wayne/Batman; no delving into the man behind the mask, no exploration of the human being).
