Morgan Bell
Kynaston
REVIEW: The Dark Knight
August 24th 2008 19:24
Directed: Christopher Nolan (Memento, Insomnia, Batman Begins),
Written: Christopher Nolan (Memento, Batman Begins), Johnathan Nolan (Memento), David S Goyer (Blade, Batman Begins, Jumper) - based on the comic by Bob Kane
Starring: Christian bale (American Psycho, 3:10 To Yuma, Rescue Dawn), Heath Ledger (Brokeback Mountain, A Knights Tale, Candy), Aaron Eckhart (Erin Brokovich, Thank You For Smoking, No Reservations), Gary Oldman (The Scarlet Letter, The Fifth Element), Michael Caine (Children Of Men, The Weather Man)
I know that Batman is in this film but by the end I couldnt recall one memorable thing he said or did - this film is a showcase for The Joker and i was completely mesmerised every time he appeared on screen.
It was a bitter-sweet feeling to watch Heath Ledger so fully emmerce himself in the role of The Joker, knowing that he will never be able to reprise this defining character that he so masterfully etched out. I had to stop myself from falling completely in love with The Joker because i knew i would never see him again. It is impossible to separate Ledger's performance from his death as it alters the way you relate to The Joker and forces you to keep him at arms length. If Ledger were alive today The Dark Knight would have been a completely different experience, you could freely emmerce yourself in The Joker's passion and complexity without inhibition, knowing there would be more to enjoy later.
Before i get all misty eyed lamenting over Heath Ledger's death (again) i will paraphrase Oscar Wilde and say that sometimes a tragedy can contain artistic elements, beauty and style that appeals to our sense of dramatic effect and enthalls us. Heath Ledgers real life tragedy unintentionally generates a guarded feeling towards his portrayal of The Joker, and within this context the character gains an impenetrable layer that completes the role so perfectly. I was enthalled by the poetic justice. Not scared, or saddened - just enthralled.
The Joker is a sort of anti-hero forcing the people of Gotham to re-evaluate whether Batman should have absolute power over crime and punishment in the city. The Joker sets up a series of eloborate tests for Batman, the police force, the politicians, the criminals, and the general public to shine a light on all that is hidden and to prompt people to question for themselves and find common ground with their enemies. The Joker is a ruthless and manipulative killer, a sociopath devoid of empathy, and above all completely fearless.
Throughout the film The Joker snuffles and licks his lips like the car-chasing dog he likens himself to. But we see glimpses of his bare wrists and forearms to remind us that he is mere man with human skin. When runs his fingers through his grungy hair we are confronted by his dark black eyes - empty, hollow, darting, deranged - perhaps only the shell of a man?
The Joker, The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight is brilliantly written and constructed, the plot is very sophisticated (a caper within a caper within a caper) and the political and moral themes are woven seamlessly into the character conflicts. Great dialogue. Great character development. This film is an instant classic.
Thankyou Heath . . . this really is the feather is your cap . . . rest in peace xx
Written: Christopher Nolan (Memento, Batman Begins), Johnathan Nolan (Memento), David S Goyer (Blade, Batman Begins, Jumper) - based on the comic by Bob Kane
Starring: Christian bale (American Psycho, 3:10 To Yuma, Rescue Dawn), Heath Ledger (Brokeback Mountain, A Knights Tale, Candy), Aaron Eckhart (Erin Brokovich, Thank You For Smoking, No Reservations), Gary Oldman (The Scarlet Letter, The Fifth Element), Michael Caine (Children Of Men, The Weather Man)
I know that Batman is in this film but by the end I couldnt recall one memorable thing he said or did - this film is a showcase for The Joker and i was completely mesmerised every time he appeared on screen.
It was a bitter-sweet feeling to watch Heath Ledger so fully emmerce himself in the role of The Joker, knowing that he will never be able to reprise this defining character that he so masterfully etched out. I had to stop myself from falling completely in love with The Joker because i knew i would never see him again. It is impossible to separate Ledger's performance from his death as it alters the way you relate to The Joker and forces you to keep him at arms length. If Ledger were alive today The Dark Knight would have been a completely different experience, you could freely emmerce yourself in The Joker's passion and complexity without inhibition, knowing there would be more to enjoy later.
Before i get all misty eyed lamenting over Heath Ledger's death (again) i will paraphrase Oscar Wilde and say that sometimes a tragedy can contain artistic elements, beauty and style that appeals to our sense of dramatic effect and enthalls us. Heath Ledgers real life tragedy unintentionally generates a guarded feeling towards his portrayal of The Joker, and within this context the character gains an impenetrable layer that completes the role so perfectly. I was enthalled by the poetic justice. Not scared, or saddened - just enthralled.
The Joker is a sort of anti-hero forcing the people of Gotham to re-evaluate whether Batman should have absolute power over crime and punishment in the city. The Joker sets up a series of eloborate tests for Batman, the police force, the politicians, the criminals, and the general public to shine a light on all that is hidden and to prompt people to question for themselves and find common ground with their enemies. The Joker is a ruthless and manipulative killer, a sociopath devoid of empathy, and above all completely fearless.
Throughout the film The Joker snuffles and licks his lips like the car-chasing dog he likens himself to. But we see glimpses of his bare wrists and forearms to remind us that he is mere man with human skin. When runs his fingers through his grungy hair we are confronted by his dark black eyes - empty, hollow, darting, deranged - perhaps only the shell of a man?
"Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it! You know, I just, do things. The mob has plans, the cops have plans, Gordon's got plans. You know, they're schemers. Schemers trying to control their worlds. I'm not a schemer. I try to show the schemers how, pathetic, their attempts to control things really are."
The Joker, The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight is brilliantly written and constructed, the plot is very sophisticated (a caper within a caper within a caper) and the political and moral themes are woven seamlessly into the character conflicts. Great dialogue. Great character development. This film is an instant classic.
Thankyou Heath . . . this really is the feather is your cap . . . rest in peace xx
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