The Dark Knight

I've been debating writing this review since Saturday. I've seen the movie twice already and can't wait to see it again (this time on IMAX). Truth is I just don't know how to do this movie justice. It goes so far beyond what you expect, so far beyond what you think it will be that reviewing it seems like a lost effort at encapsulating perfection.

And that's what this film is; the perfect Batman movie. And more; a perfect crime movie. Take away the costumes and what you're left with is the most taut, twisted and unexpected thriller since Se7en. Take away the superhero and what you have is the type of film that would be at home with a December release date and strong Oscar buzz.

And yes, Oscar buzz. Why not? There isn't a single weak link in this movie in terms of acting. Heath Ledger's performance is already legendary so I won't add much except this: I've been watching Heath since 10 Things I Hate About You and I've liked him in everything he's been in. The late actor's face has been everywhere for months now. Anytime the Joker was on screen I looked for the guy who played Mel Gibson's son, the guy who wooed Julia Stiles and earned himself knighthood. I never, not once, found him. All I saw was a sick, insane, creepy lunatic. A man whose very voice sent chills up my spine and set my hairs on end. This performance is just amazing and believe me when I tell you that as sadistic and gruesome as the Joker's jokes are you will laugh. My friend did and she's not the type who takes to jokes about murder. What an incredible actor.

But the Joker isn't the only character and the film doesn't suffer one bit when he's not on screen. Quite the contrary it continues to shine as brightly with Christian Bale once again lending a menace to the Batman that's never been seen outside the pages of the comics. Aaron Eckhart sells his role and his transformation in a way few actors could. And he gets help in doing so from Maggie Gyllenhall. I dislike Katie Holmes in any role that doesn't involve some variation of her Joey character from Dawson's Creek. Batman Begins suffered for her presence. Gyllenhall brings depth and strength to a character that becomes pivotal to events in the film and upon whose acting ability (along with Aaron Eckhart's) the movie hinges upon. Because this film wouldn't be half of what it is without those two being pitch perfect in their roles. Kudos to Ledger but I can't stress this enough: without Harvey Dent and Rachel Dawes being as incredibly played by their actors as they were this movie would sink in the last hour.

Another performance that should not be overlooked is that of Gary Oldman as police lieutenant Gordon. Playing a villain is always fun and interesting to watch but playing a good guy, a truly good guy, can often be a pitfall. It is Oldman's incredible talent that makes this performance not only interesting but also a close second to Ledger's.

Michael Caine also delivers a solid character in reprising his role as Alfred and he shines in selling Bruce Wayne/Batman as a very real, well-rounded character. Without Alfred and Bruce's chemistry it'd be hard to relate to the titular character or sympathize very much. Their dynamic is great and I have a hunch their relationship will become more prominent in future films as the Batman continues to consume Bruce.

But the biggest compliment I can pay the film is this: I never saw any of it coming. All the credit for this goes to co-writer Christopher Nolan (with brother
Jonathan) and his direction. Every twist, every plot point is expertly and subtly set up and executed. On a repeat viewing I was amazed by how every single line and action had some effect on the narrative but never on the first viewing do you notice this. The characters are too interesting, the story moves too swiftly for you to process and think "oh, that's gonna come back later." There are also no lingering shots or cutaways here winking at you and making you feel like a 10 year old with no deductive reasoning skills. The plot plays out the way all films should; in the moment with the audience too engrossed to realize where they're being led or that they're being led anywhere at all.

While watching The Dark Knight you won't be aware you're watching a movie. You'll be too busy experiencing a masterpiece.