So I went and saw The Dark Knight last saturday, and boy does the title ring true for this movie. This is one dark, intense, somewhat exhausting journey. Not to say that by any means I didn't enjoy this movie-going experience, but it was far from a relaxed atmosphere one usually has inside a theater.
I can't remember the last time I was so mesmerized and uncomfortable from a movie character. Yes, the Joker played by the late, and now sorely-missed, Ledger is as good, or more so, than every person's and critic's glowing reviews and opinions. Nothing, not any masterfully written or thought out critique of Ledger's performance comes remotely close to truly giving it justice. Let's just say, the real thing, not heresay from others, is profoundly more enjoyable than one can imagine, unless you have a profound fear of clowns or of Heath Ledger.
Every frame containing the Joker in it caused the entire movie theater to fall into silence. (Mind you, this was a blessing and shock as two or more young children were sitting directly behind me had, understandably, yet annoying, failed to remain quiet for more than ten minutes at the most for a time.) One would have to be extremely brave, boring, or blind/deaf to not be at least slightly moved in someway by this thoroughly unsettling and masterful performance. (My 'move' was my hand flying to the corner of my lip and pressing inward in response to extreme discomfort and horror from the Joker's way of getting someone to smile more easily...and permanently. Self-conscious reaction much?
However, other fine perfomances were provided by Chistian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart (his first performance for me, which was at times inspiring and also quite versatile.
Oldman is just the right amount of goodness and action for an everyday man doing the right thing when no one else will.
Batman isn't the hero he once was. Darkness has fallen around and into him. It's a well-played and balanced act between rightousness and--dare I say it--darkness that Bale takes on.
Finally, Caine is wonderful as the wise and wise-cracking butler and mentor to Bruce Wane. Bale and Kane's chemistry is spot-on and never under or overplayed.
Then there's Maggie Gyllenhaall. Nothing against her. I've only seen her in one movie, Stranger than Fiction, and absolutely loved and adored her acting and character. Plus, I think she's a gorgeous person. Personally, the fickleness of Rachel Dawes, Bruce Wane's love interest, just bugs me...alot! I'm going to reserve further judgement of Gyllenhall's performance, which was just fine, but Rachel's letter was frustrating, until I see this film at least once more.
What else can I say? Go see it now, or regret the opportunity to be a part of this phenomenal cinematic experience for the rest of your life.
