A tale of two sides (The Dark Knight (2 DVDs))

Member Name: zeppelin101

Product:	The Dark Knight (2 DVDs)
Date:	18/03/09 (34 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Heath Ledger's performance, action

Disadvantages: Christian Bale's performance and the slightly messy plot

I like Batman, in the same vein that I like Ironman. Self-made heroes are so much cooler than the ones who get struck by Gamma rays or bitten by something.

Back in Gotham, Batman has been working with Jim Gordon to take down the mob. A new character emerges in the form of Harvey Dent, Gotham's new District Attourney. Amongst all this, the Joker appears and pretty much just lays waste to Gotham for a majority of the film.

I have to say that while I enjoyed the film, Christian Bale's acting performance left me cold. I don't think he could have injected less enthusiasm into his role as Bruce Wayne / Batman if he'd tried. This does him some favours from time to time... mostly when he's punching up criminals if I'm honest but every time he opens his mouth to say something you're bound to feel as bored of his dialogue as he apparently is.

The film is pretty much saved almost entirely by the late Heath Ledger. I had heard that his performance was good, but I didn't expect it to be of the calibre it was. I was absolutely blown away, his on-screen presence is marvellous and the way he portrays the insanity of the Joker is nothing short of masterful. I think I'm being honest when I say I haven't seen a performance like it in a very long time.

The plot itself is a little messy really. It starts well, degenerates towards the middle and just ends up as a murky brawl at a bar in the end really. Which is a shame, as I think with a little more thought it could have been excellent. I suppose that this could have been intended to a certain extent given the chaotic nature of the Joker and Batman's teetering between hero and vigilante but it wasn't entirely convincing in my opinion. Having said that I think that killing off one of the main characters mid-film helps to show just how much anarchy and chaos the Joker is bringing to Gotham. A nice touch to be sure, perhaps not entirely unexpected though or maybe that was just me hoping that the plot would have an interesting twist to liven it up a little in the middle of the film.

I have to give a brief mention to Michael Caine, returning as Alfred who adds much needed dry wit to the script as far as Christian Bale is concerned.

If nothing else, watch this for Heath Ledger's performance. My paltry description of his acting masterclass needs to be viewed as he manages a wonderful portayal of the Joker.

Summary: Worth watching for Heath Ledger's performance, perhaps a bit messy though