The Dark Knight
Plot
Batman is now a figure of respect within Gotham – fighting the good fight at night, and keeping criminals living in fear – but they are still out there.
New DA Harvey Dent is attempting to do the same during the day, and wants the mobsters of Gotham off the streets.
A new player in town – the “Agent of Chaos” who calls himself Joker is out to change the rules, by playing all of them against each other.
Direction
Near perfect direction from Christopher Nolan, who helps deliver still one of the best sequels of all time, but also one of the best superhero films. Complemented by brilliant screenplay, as well as cinematography – characters and performances.
Nolan’s use of practical effects as apposed to visual and computer imagery are forefront here too, with such brilliant action sequences such as several car chase scenes, and the epic truck flip – and finally the blowing up of a hospital.
There was also some impressive camera work during some of the heavy dialogue sequences too (such as 360 spins etc).
Cast/Characters
A stacked cast once again, with returning players Christian Bale (as Bruce Wayne/Batman), Michael Cain (Alfred), Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox) and Gary Oldman (Jim Gordon). While none of them really deliver ‘bad’ performances, I enjoyed their work better in the previous film.
New players include Heath Ledger as Joker, Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent, and Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel, the latter taking over the role from Katie Holmes.
Ledger, who died before the film was released, clearly gets the MVP – and plays one of the most aggressive and sadistic Joker’s to appear on screen. His legacy as this role was honored by a posthumous Oscar.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
Starting with the epic bank robbery, which introduces us to the primary villain, Joker – it doesn’t let up for the almost 2.5hour runtime.
Themes present include morality, love, conflict and escalation. Inherently good characters (Bruce, Harvey and Rachel) try to keep their morality in an immoral world – with all of them paying the price of the evil in the world during the film.
Love is present, as there is a clear love triangle between these three as well. Rachel is torn between Bruce and now her new love Harvey.
Most of the film is also conflict between parties, (the mob vs the law, the mob vs joker, joker vs everyone) – and the slow escalation of his ‘plan’.
The film is also not afraid to do the unthinkable, especially in regards to important characters. I remember watching for the first time and being gobsmacked that they killed this character off.
The screenplay is as good as the first film, with many memorable quotes and monologues that have gone down in pop culture history.
Score/Soundtrack
With another score by Hanz Zimmer and James Newton Howard, the score is simply breathtaking (including the ending credits). There is great use of synthesizers, especially during some of the heavier scenes (like the interrogation scene) – which adds to the unease.
Overall
Amazing second film in Nolan’s trilogy – is still one of the best sequels ever made, with nothing but positive things from the screenplay, direction, cast and score.
While not perfect (I found Gordon’s fake death a tad unnecessary and didn’t really add to the grand scheme of things), it is still very good.
4.5/5
If you’re able to, please “buy me a coffee”