Film: The Dark Knight

2008 is already half-way done and it's the time where you choose a film that made an impact on you - My choice is "The Dark Knight".

Based on the fictional DC Comics character Batman, this sequel to 2005's Batman Begins, is directed by Christopher Nolan and explores Batman's fight against the Joker (played by Ledger) and his strained friendship with district attorney Harvey Dent (Eckhart).

Filmed primarily in Chicago (as was Batman Begins), and in several other locations in and outside the United States, The Dark Knight marks the return of the Joker. Interestingly, the role attracted the attention of actors like Paul Bettany, Lachy Hulme, Adrian Brody, Steve Carell, and Robin Williams, who publicly expressed interest in the role. However, Ledger bagged the role, which he described as 'psychopathic, mass murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy'.

I never liked The Batman as a child. He was never my hero. His leather suit/outfit just didn't do for me. Never liked my hero to be in a rubber suit. There is alot of anticipation for The Dark Knight, I decided to give it a shot before making any judgment. And after watching it, I decide that Heath Ledger should be nominated for an Oscars for his role as The Joker. His face is caked with moldy makeup that highlights the red scar of a grin, the grungy hair and the yellowing teeth of a hound fresh out of hell. If there is a movement to get him an Oscar Nomination, it's only the right thing to do.

On the other hand, I feel sad that the first time I took notice of Heath Ledger was in his last film. I felt sad right after the movie. There could be noone who could've impersonate The Joker as well as he did. He was insanely brilliant. Christopher Nolan knew it has to be Heath to take up the role as Joker. Heath had it in him. As compared to Jack Nicholson's interpretation of Joker, which was fun, cartoon-liked and over the top; Heath's was scary. It was tongue-flickingly scary.

I sort of guessed why I didnt like Batman as a child. He was the one superhero with NO superpowers. He couldn't fly without his batman automated wings, or swing from one building to another, neither can he read minds. Without his rubber suit, he is just like anyone of us. Unlike Superman or Spiderman, Bruce Wayne was a known businessman who always has a hot supermodel clinging at his arm. A multi-millionaire who's not only flamboyant and cocky, but the least you can think of as a Silent Guardian who break laws to protect the people of Gotham in the night. He doesn't mind being the guy with the blame because Batman has to do what he has to do. Christian Bale was indeed the anchor of the film.

There was too much hype about the movie. Especially after Heath Ledger's sudden death, everyone was expecting so much from the movie which levels up the anticipation. I am glad to say tat the film did not disappoint. Having to sit through 2.5 hours, this better be good. It better be always this good.

The movie left us with no doubt that there will be sequel and I'm sure the next person to cast as Joker will not only be pressurized to outdo Heath and if he did, it will also get him a golden ticket to being one of Hollywood's A-list. My bet is on Paul Bettany who also starred in The Da Vinci Code as Silas.

Supporting roles in the movie was also quite refreshing. There’s Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes… which I'm not so sure if she should have been chosen to replace Katie Holmes, maybe less vase-liked (if you realised,she has this signature S-liked body curve when she stands)? Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman reprise their roles as Alfred Pennyworth and Lucius Fox, both offered a good amount of humour when there was so much of commotion going on between the Batman and Joker.

Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent gave the film more texture as to experiencing the Good VS Bad battle. Harvey Dent who was upright and just, the best man to serve the country in law and order. However after the loss of the person whom he loves the most, brought him to another extreme to believing that there is no just, no law which cost him his righteous-ness.

Other than the superb computer effects, trailer-turning, exploding buildings - There is a message to be brought across. There's a chinese saying that says - Kill 1 to save a 100. We have to lose to gain. That's the spirit Batman has - 牺牲小我，完成大我。

The Dark Knight is not just the Best Batman movie ever, it is also vying for the spot of the Best Superhero movie as well.

P/S: Please go to the toilet before the film? 2.5 hours of non-stop action is not a joke. You cannot afford to miss any of it. Not one second.

Your Creative Editor,
April