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Rating: Country: USA Release Date: July 18, 2008 Distributor: Warner Brothers Director: · Christopher Nolan Cast: · Heath Ledger · Christian Bale · Aaron Eckhart · Maggie Gyllenhaal · Michael Caine · Morgan Freeman Related Sites: · Review by Jeff Ritter · Review by R.J. Carter Grade: A-

What’s your motivation? That is a question asked of actors about their roles, and it is the question at the heart of “The Dark Knight,” an exciting and violent new film featuring the next to last cinematic performance by the late Heath Ledger. In it he plays Batman’s (Christian Bale) ultimate nemesis, the Joker, and (move over Jack Nicholson!) makes the role his own in a truly mesmerizing performance as a maniac, terrorist, fanatic, and all around champion of chaos. Calling this movie “dark” doesn’t do justice to the word. Virtually every character in the film has something torturing their souls, and in the end the line between good and evil becomes very blurry indeed. It is that aspect of “The Dark Knight” that makes this film a special one, as we are forced to ask questions of ourselves about what we would do given situations where the right choice isn’t necessarily obvious, and isn’t necessarily good either.

If we lose a loved one to a criminal, for instance, what is it that is the best choice for us to make in the end? Should we pursue revenge? Should we work towards rehabilitating that person? Should we allow the system to function to bring resolution or at least offer some relief for our pain? These are some of the questions that were running through my mind as I was watching “The Dark Knight.” Sometimes, even, there is no right or wrong choice, there are only things we are driven to do in reaction to circumstances. For example, in the film the Joker places bombs on two ferry boats, one filled with criminals and one with innocent civilians. Each boat has a detonation device, and the Joker warns that unless one of the boats pushes their button to destroy the other boat, he will blow both of them up at midnight. Here, two individuals had to make a horrible choice that was thrust upon them without time for much consideration, and to the credit of both, they made what I believe were the right choices in their situations.

The film is a sequel to “Batman Begins,” and it is apparent that there are going to be more films in what I believe is a new series based on Frank Miller’s (“Sin City”) vision of Batman. In “The Dark Knight” Gotham City is controlled for the most part by the Mob, led by Maroni (Eric Roberts, good work here) who, at first, dismisses the Joker as a mild pest. Unfortunately for him, the Joker’s plans not only include the destruction of Batman, but the dissolution of the Mob itself, which would leave the Joker as the major player in crime within the city. The Joker is always one step ahead of his enemies, and as a result the Mob, Batman, and Gotham’s new DA, Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart in his finest performance to date) and city attorney Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal, excellent), are all manipulated to the point they play right into the Joker’s hands, and plans.

All is not what it appears to be on the surface among Gotham’s finest, either. There are traitors within the police and DA’s office, paid by the Joker to help him carry out his work. Their treachery costs Batman and Dent dearly, causing the death of someone close to both of them which eventually pushes Dent over the edge, and he begins seeking revenge in the worst possible way.

Written by Jonathan and Christopher Nolan, from a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer, “The Dark Knight” is almost a horror film rather than a comic book adventure. This is a good thing, as we are led to feel the actual despair and terror felt by the principals. Even Batman has to look deep within himself to find the strength and courage necessary to face the Joker and fight against his machinations.

The film is directed by Christopher Nolan, and it is with this direction that I find some problems with the film. The action sequences are not fluid, and hard to follow in many instances. There are scenes that pass by so quickly one is left wondering what just happened. Despite the confusion I felt at times, everything does become clear as the film draws to its climax.

Morgan Freeman returns in the role of Lucius Fox, and is his usual reliable self here. Michael Caine is again Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler and confidante, Alfred, and of course Gary Oldman is Lt. Jim Gordon, who actually ascends to the position of Gotham City’s Police Commissioner before the film ends. There is no question there is going to be another Batman film in this series, and there is a brief appearance by an old Batman villain from the comic books, The Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy). I’m sure there will be more from that character down the road.

“The Dark Knight” opens everywhere on July 18^th, and on Monday morning, July 21^st, there will be a lot of people in a lot of offices across the country talking about this film. I should also mention this film is not for children, and I would discourage parents from taking anyone under 12 to see this movie. “The Dark Knight” offers a glimpse into the darker places within each of us , which might be cathartic for some, but others will simply be afraid.