The Dark Knight - A

What kind of comic book superhero movie is this? Batman, the expected protagonist, is merely part of a big ensemble and wants to retire. The actual lead, Harvey Dent, is praised by all (including Bruce Wayne), is dating Batman’s ex, and is cleaning up the city legally, not resorting to vigilantism. And Batman falters at nearly every turn for the bulk of the oppressive (but hardly depressive) film. The harder he tries, the more damage he does (America in Iraq, anyone?). His multiple failures recall another sequel that bested its predecessor, The Empire Strikes Back. And like that film, this one ends with a small beam of sunlight after a very nasty thunderstorm.Click below for the rest
The film opens with a Heat-inspired bank robbery, complete with Heat-alum William Fichtner. The Joker (Heath Ledger) steals money from the mob to get notoriety but also to begin his siege of Gotham City, which will descend into anarchy and chaos. As The Joker begins his murderous rampage, Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), and Batman (Christian Bale) join forces to stop him.

No amount of hyperbole and praise will prepare you for the triumph of Ledger’s transformative creation. He is one of the all-time great villains, and has a delightfully murky and unexplained past. It doesn’t matter where he comes from, just what he will do next. As Harvey Dent, Eckhart is nearly as great in a tougher role. His impassioned speeches would be stilted if given by a less capable actor. Replacing Katie Holmes as Rachel, Maggie Gyllenhaal brings more life and depth to the role. Michael Caine steals every scene he’s in and Oldman is terrific as the subdued Gordon. Christian Bale is reliable as the backbone of the film. After the horribly executed and morally reprehensible Wanted (C-), I’ve had my fill of Morgan Freeman, but he is good in his scant minutes here.

Director Christopher Nolan balances the actors very well, never letting Ledger run off with the film (unlike Tim Burton and Jack Nicholson). There are a lot of characters, but they are cast well, with memorable faces. The plot is dense, perhaps a little too full in the last 20 minutes when there is not 1, but 2 bad guys for Batman to capture. Like Batman Begins (B+), Nolan subtly makes his political points and slowly allows the themes of the film to creep in. I don’t fault him for taking his foot off of our necks during the ferry sequence and showing some hope for humanity. As with all the 9/11 references here, the best of humanity did eventually show itself on that day.

The coin that Dent flips isn’t quite as menacing or effective as Anton Chigurh, and the themes of chance and fate were handled better in that Coen masterpiece. But the fact that these comparisons are being thrown around is quite a compliment for a superhero movie. What kind of comic book superhero movie is this? It’s the best: it’s entertaining and unforgettable, and succeeds in its lofty ambitions to show the nature of man, evil, honor, and fate. I need to see it again to be sure about the grade. Can’t wait. A

Medical note: The lip smacking and strange movements of The Joker may have been inspired by a side effect of antipsychotic drugs known as tardive dyskinesia.

Medical note #2: I’ve worked in hospitals for over 10 years and have never seen anyone wear that Joker nurse outfit. But I have seen some nurses wear that much makeup.