Sypha Nadon on 23/7/2008 at 23:15

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Perhaps dethtoll, but I thought I read somewhere that Nolan said he was very much inspired by that very Joker issue in particular. Seems odd to cut some of that stuff out in that regard...

Also, even though Bale is probably the best Batman, I wish that they'd find some kind of way to white out the eyes on the costume. In the comic you could never see Batman's eyes when he's wearing the cowl (though I think originally you were supposed to be able to... it was Bill Finger's idea to omit the eyes), yet in every movie so far, you can see the eyes, and it always makes Batman look a little goofy. Then again, they did kind of white out the eyes towards the end of this one (that whole Cell Phone action scene thing) and it didn't look all that great either, so who knows...

Angel Dust on 25/7/2008 at 06:54

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Just saw it and I loved it despite some pretty big flaws.

Ledger's performance is staggeringly phenominal. I though he looked pretty damn good in previews but I still wasn't prepared for the the completely realised, sick, twisted, compelling and disturbingly funny character in the film. He really got under my skin, particularly that video of him taunting the member of 'Batman army' and the feel of complete chaos and dispair that Gotham city was falling into was captured perfectly by Nolan. Also big props to the composer for those dissonant pieces that played during some of the Jokers scenes.

The rest of the cast was great too although some really didn't have much to do. Eckhart was a excellent even though the script bungled the fall of Dent somewhat and Bale, while he may only be a good Batman, is a fantastic Bruce Wayne. Gary Oldman however was, apart from Ledger, by far the best even though he did get some of the clunkiest lines. He can be a terrible over-actor but he gives such a great subtle performance here. I was very pleased that Gordron played a bigger role in this film.

I actually thought the action in this one was pretty good and I don't really find many modern action scenes very exciting anymore. Nolan certainly hasn't mastered the action sequence yet but he has shown significant improvement. The truck chase was a highlight although it was confusingly edited when Batman did the jump to block the rocket from hitting the armoured truck.
However it if the character scenes where Nolan's direction truly shines. The whole interrogation room sequence was masterful from the beautiful framing of the Joker's face in the shadows during Gordons interrogation, to the visceral impact of Batman's assault on the Joker. I almost though for a second that Batman was going to cross the line!

The closing sequence was fantastic even with the occasionally heavy handed voice over. The sight of Batman limping to his bike while being pursued by police officers was a powerful image and sharp cut to black was just the right touch

Certainly not flawless but memorably messy epic. It was definitely trying too much and could have used more restraint at times but what it got right it absolutely nailed.

Oh yeah and Ledger should be a shoo-in for a Oscar nomination because, comic-book angle aside, it's exactly the kind of acting the Academy goes for. Perhaps even the film too. Note I'm not saying I think it's film of the year material, although it will most likely be in my top 10, but the Academy like their films epic and obvious.

Also how in the hell is Nolan going to make a third film? Unless he waits 20 years and films 'The Dark Knight Returns' I don't see where he can go from here that isn't down. Although he probably had a plan from the beginning of filming this one and I'm just too unimaginative to think of it :p

Thirith on 25/7/2008 at 11:23

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I think it's more of a knowing wink at Batman fans. There's just as much reason to think that the Riddler will be in the third movie. Calling Mr. Reese...

Thirith on 25/7/2008 at 11:34

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Apparently she's not half bad if she's got a) a good script and b) a good director. Nolan pretty much guarantees those two. However, Berry would also bring the memory of that atrocious Catwoman film, so it'd be pretty much suicidally postmodern to have her in the third of Nolan's Batman films. Not to mention stupid. :D

icemann on 25/7/2008 at 19:19

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Well I hope they dont bring Robin into the mix. Him being brought into the original movies made them way too cheesy. Though admittedly those movies were pretty fucked after the 3rd one. Michael Keaton was easily the best batman before this new series of batman movies came along.

I`m assuming their going to be leaving the Joker character alone from this point, even though he wasn`t killed off in the movie. Though then again so wasn`t scarecrow. If they do indeed make a 3rd movie, which I honestly hope they do after Dark Knight, then its going to be friggin hard to top Dark Knight seriously. It was just such a damn fine movie. They`ve still got a fair few baddies left to choose from. Personally I`d rather they didn`t do catwoman. Though after the events of DK Bruce may very well need a new love interest rather than the usual pop up in one movie then be gone by the next type ones which were the standard in the original series of movies.