CAUTION: This article contains definitive spoilers for The Dark Knight. If you have not yet seen the movie, read with caution and then immediately watch it. You will be amazed. Seriously; for real, in real life.
You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.
There is darkness where there is light and Gotham City is no different. In the latest installment of the reinvented Batman film saga, which opened July 18th, the many side of light, dark and even twilight are explored with fantastical glory that will have fans on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
The Dark Knight focuses on Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) working hard at his double life, roughing up his body and growing weary of combating foes and imposters alike. Bruce sees hope in the city’s new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, as a way to help combat the sheer mass of crime that still holds Gotham by her neck. Dent (Aaron Eckhart) is handsome, charismatic and publically bold, making him the perfect candidate for the title of “Gotham’s White Knight”. Even those going to see the movie on opening night showed their support for his ideals, a group of campaigners gathered outside one Metropolitan Detroit theatre complex.
“I believe Harvey Dent has what it takes to clean up [Gotham],” said Ian, one of the enthusiastic fans passing out flyers. While some passersby made excuses for not voting, a select number caught on to the campaign’s true motives. It was a good thing too, as all twenty-eight theatres showing The Dark Knight in the complex were sold out of the midnight showing and seats were going fast for the three-thirty shows.
At the start of the film, a new villain arises from the depths of Gotham that neither Dent nor Batman could expect: the Joker. Anonymous, eerie and blatantly manipulative; he steals the show from the very beginning. His goals and origins change with each twist and turn of the story. Heath Ledger’s Joker is no dress-up villain; his grit is real and lust for anarchy remains unrivaled amongst his fellow criminals. While production was marred by the actor’s untimely death, this posthumous release was undeniably what he will be remembered for. While the Joker’s plans are executed and his appearance deteriorates, his eyes remain devilishly sparkling; they are the eyes of a malicious mastermind.
While many came to see Mr. Ledger’s last completed performance, the rest of the movie was not wholly under-minded because of it. The plot is an intricate mix of compelling story, tricked-out gadgets and excellent acting. The film seems to almost drag on, over two and a half hours long, ensnaring the audience’s imagination the entire way. The time is worth it though, as the story’s two clearest arcs show near two movies at once.
Towards the center of the story, a horrific accident disfigures Dent seriously, leaving his left side scarred in one of the most haunting incarnations of Two-Face yet. While the film sets up what could become an engaging and multi-tiered fight between Two-Face and Batman, the character becomes oddly used… making fans cry out for more.
The Joker’s “mad dog” and Dent’s suddenly wrought outlook on life bring to light some of the true insanity they possess that not even Gotham’s mobsters possess. It has a negative effect on Batman, making him seem disturbingly similar to a wary public. By the end, he is ostracized by the very city he saved, turning him into the city’s “Dark Knight.” None of the scheming any villain could do would help him out of this mess, so Batman slinks into the shadows as Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) reluctantly gives into the media’s pressure and cuts ties with the Caped Crusader.
While The Dark Knight is definitely shaping up to rival Iron Man for the favorite summer movie (and movie of the year), questions in the fandom have been rising. Will Heath Ledger receive a posthumous Oscar? Can his death be ironed over? Is it really the end of Harvey Dent? Who will become the new Bat-villain? While rumors of the Penguin have already begun to ricochet, a number call for Catwoman to have her reinvention. While no one is eager to see Batman Returns: Revisited, the standard is set even higher for the third installment to the new series.
The Dark Knight is rated PG-13 and is not intended for younger audiences. The Joker presses too many buttons for comfort, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for those around him and in the theatre.
