Wow.Now I can indulge myself and read all the articles out there about The Dark Knight. I'm not sure what I expected with the insane amount of hype on it recently, but it certainly did not disappoint. Back in 2006 I only knew two things: an excellent title and some unexpected casting to revisit the Joker. Early this year I witnessed a thrilling preview which answered my question on Heath Ledger's final performance: it'll do. Finally I witnessed its glory with Melissa and my sister at a 9:00 AM showing after waiting two seasons to build up an incredible appetite. Two and a half hours later, all initial doubt faded into awe.
Somewhere it said everyone in the incredible cast brings their A game, and it's probably true. Even at this point I'm disappointed Katie Holmes did not reprise her role as Rachel, only because of the crinkle it causes continuity, but Maggie does bring her considerable charm and talent to bear and sooth Old Man Neil. She looks tired, but it only makes sense being pushed and pulled to a pulp amongst all the overpowering testosterone ... and whatever is filling the Joker's veins.
Speaking of the Joker, Missy mentioned Heath "sure went out with a bang". There's even been talk of a post humus Oscar. And while a third of the year still remains, after watching him completely dominate the role, the film, and all lingering thoughts on the plot mysteries, it is hard to argue against such rumor. If I were in any position, I would have him nominated right now. The Joker he and Nolan have is cute and cruel, a fascinating spectacle to say the least, and the thought of him being gone after doing this is enough to bring a lump to my throat.The story here is just oozing with truly sinister realities. WALL-E dropped its own moral studies on us from a Pixar perspective only weeks ago and now Batman has taken itself under the microscope. Where Batman Begins might be an origins story, The Dark Knight holds the consequences. When it's finally finished, the title is displayed on the screen as well as spoken in the last line of dialog and it resonates revelation rather than just "cool name". To me the flick exists to explain its title rather than the title introducing it to you, which is what the previous installment did; the two titles are bookends to a tight little trip into troubled Gotham. If they never made another, these would suffice quite nicely. However, with all the muddled mysteries mashed into these good grits, I am all eyes and ears for another sequel.
Obviously I could rant endlessly, and I probably will as I watch it over again and continue pondering it, but I don't want to spoil any of it for my online stalkers. For now I'm going to sit back and enjoy the score for a while; as if they couldn't make the Joker central enough, his crazy theme sound (can't call it music) even overshadows the auditory. He truly did give us a better class of criminal ...
Spoiler Thoughts
Sandra pointed out that the phrase "You certainly like to play it close to the chest" is used in two separate conversations between entirely different characters. The first is Lucius talking to Bruce then Harvey to Gordon. My only explanation, besides slopped writing, is a missing scene where it is passed on.
Watching Rachel's final scene is only a "twist" the first time you see it. The second (I watched it again on Sunday in the same theater at 9:00 AM) it is still effective as anxious dread takes hold. At least for me, I felt even more awful for her without the buffer of surprise.
The Joker gets progressively more manic as the flick progresses. In his initial scene, hidden behind a cronies mask, he does appear flappable by the possibility of being turned to Swiss cheese by the bank dude with a shotgun. A bit later when he confronts the mob, he's a bit theatrical with a touch of dark humor, but nothing compared to the crazy laughter later on. Maybe he's just more serious when dealing with the mob. Who does his planning if he doesn't, or does he just make stuff up and doesn't care if it happens the way he planned or not? I'd like to think the latter.
Where is the massive network of trains so prevalent in Batman Begins? You do see one or two here and there, but nothing like what's presented previously.
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