in darkest knight

The Dark Knight

After what seemed like forever and one viral advertising campaign later, the film I had been anxiously waiting for since Christopher Nolan's redeeming version of the Caped Crusader on the big screen, Batman Begins, it finally came! Thank you, Christopher Nolan, for being the best thing that happened to the Batman film franchise since Tim Burton.

Right, so a brief little introduction. The Dark Knight is the anticipated sequel to its predecessor, Batman Begins, which showed us the origins of the Batman and how he came to be the silent protector of Gotham City. In the final scenes of Batman Begins, we are introduced to a new villain in town, namely the Joker.

Well, over the years there have been many comic book adaptations, to which some have made the biggest blockbusters in the movie world, like the Spider-Man series, the first two X-Men movies (not the last one), Superman and so on. Then again there are those which did not fare so well. But in my opinion, I think what makes a great comic book film, is how much the film can recreate from its comic book counterpart.

This is where I think the Dark Knight shines.

"And here... we... go."

I think something that was probably key to the reception of The Dark Knight was anticipation. I had been waiting ever since Lt. Gordon handed the Joker playing card to Batman at the end of Batman Begins. People all over the world had been waiting for the final performance by the late Heath Ledger, when the actor met his untimely demise soon after the film was completed. And when the anticipation grows, so does the expectation.

Well, for me it did not disappoint. I had my expectations in mind, and I think Nolan & Co. did a great job, especially in creating the same darkness that Batman is all about. About one man's haunted quest to protect the city in what seems like an endless barrage of corruption, greed and evil. What was disturbing, however, was how close it felt to what we know today to be happening in the world around us.

This time around, we are presented with several new players to the game, Gotham's new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, who seeks to protect the people of Gotham in a different way, and of course, the Joker, a vicious, sadistic psychopath, who is unlike anything Batman has ever encountered.

The cast is brought back, with the exception of Katie Holmes, who is replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal playing Bruce's lost love, Rachel Dawes, and they give a great performance. I'm really glad Christian Bale is playing the current Batman, because we all realize now how much it matters, especially in a film like this. Great actor. Micheal Caine, as the faithful butler Alfred, is always a welcome sight as Bruce's aide and friend, offering part of the humour to the film with his dry sense of humour.

Morgan Freeman, as Lucius Fox, gets a little less screen time, but nevertheless, makes full use of it with his domineering presence and experience. Gary Oldman, as the incorruptible Lt. Jim Gordon, takes the character up a notch as a man caught in the crossfire for his firm belief in justice. Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes, gives the "love interest" character a stronger presence and becomes pivotal in the plot later in the film.   

And of course...

Why so serious?

The late Heath Ledger, as the soulless, maniacal, disturbing villain known as the Joker. Well, undoubtedly a great performance by the late actor. It came to a point where you couldn't see an actor playing the villain anymore, but just a villain (helped that he wore make-up). A very freaky villain at that. Earlier, it was said that the performance would be compared to Jack Nicholson's performance in 1989's Batman, and it was. But this Joker is purely different, unlike anything we have ever seen. Heath Ledger turns the Joker into a darker, more twisted, and pure evil bad guy. There is nothing humourous about the Joker. His mannerisms, his demeanor, everything. Whenever he comes on screen, you can't look away :P As much as you want to.

While it was definitely a great performance, I felt that the public's expectations for him were unneccesary. Take The Dark Knight for what it is, a film. Don't let the outsized expectations keep you from watching Heath Ledger's final performance for what it is.

The other new addition that was terribly overlooked, although his character is central to the film's plot, is Gotham's new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, played masterfully by Aaron Eckhart. Those of us who aren't strangers to Batman's rogues gallery, would know the fate that awaits Mr. Dent, and because of that, his story becomes even more tragic. The story behind Harvey Dent is given depth and a new side is seen to the attorney (in more ways than one). Harvey Dent is shown to be a new hero in Gotham, and becomes a part of a love triangle between Bruce and Rachel.

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All in all, The Dark Knight scores in my book. It is essentially, a film about about Batman, and I thought that it delivered most of what he was all about. Of course, though it may appear otherwise, I do think that there were things that could have been improved upon. But there is a lot more to appreciate than to criticize in this film.

Christopher Nolan & Co. have done a fantastic job in redefining the Batman franchise, creating what I think is the closest interpretation of the Caped Crusader so far. Just as Batman isn't your average superhero, The Dark Knight isn't your average superhero movie. But it is definitely worth a watch (or two! :P). It is revealed in The Dark Knight that "good" can be seemingly absent in the story of a hero. Morality may be more complex than we think. And that is something which defines this film, to be something more.

"The knight is darkest just before the dawn."

Thank you Heath Ledger.

You sure put a smile on our faces :)

Why So Serious?

Just returned from the second one. I am still in awe.

The Dark Knight would have to be one of the best movies I've seen.

I'm so game for a third time :) Anyone up for it, just let me know!

A review of my most anticipated movie of the year, coming real soon!

have a seat

Well, I'm off.

Tomorrow, I will be going to Teluk Intan where See Huang, Kee Ken and myself will be spending a few days volunteering in Bethany Home. It is basically a school that teaches children who are physically or mentally handicapped. Apart from academics, the teachers there also take care of these kids, helping them learn to read and write as well as teaching them to build character, like through making friends and sharing, etc.

I've been to Bethany Home before, a few years back, where a group of us from SJGC joined the students of Bethany Home for a camp, to be sort of "helpers" and to just be with them.  And it was an unforgettable experience. I mean, it was the first time I had ever been in such close proximity to these special kids I had heard about, and I think it really changed my whole outlook on these kids. It was really a blessed time, I'm sure all of us would testify to that :)

Well, so I will be visiting them again tomorrow, but this time I actually have no idea what we will be doing. U. Kah Wan told us to "just help out in whatever way you can." That's a simple enough directive to adhere to. Just to help out.

Although I hardly think I'm qualified to be teaching these kids, as it takes some years studying developmental psychology before receiving the proper training and skills to be able to teach them. But I know what they need and I know I can give it to them. All they really need is a friend. I can do that :)

I've said it before...

"Of course, it isn't exactly easy. But all the more why they need our help. I had a great time. Sometimes all it takes is an extra hand, a little more time or even just an affirmation, a smile that tells them they're worth it. God created us all, big and small, of all sorts of differing personalities and character. "

-From my post on my visit to SPICES

So yeah, off I go! I'm sure it'll be another one to write home about.

See you all soon :)

in the desert

On my bed I remember You;
I think of You through the watches of the night.

Because You are my help,
I sing in the shadow of Your wings.

My soul clings to You,
Your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63: 6-8

Thank You Lord for being with Your children.

Though I walk through valleys low
I'll fear no evil
By the waters still, my soul
My heart will trust in You

end of a semester

I must shout it from the rooftops.

My long-awaited holidays have arrived.

Yes, scoff if you will, but I'll tell you, eventhough it's only a one-week break, I'll take what I can get. And they don't come all too often (once in two semesters).

And so, mere words couldn't even begin to describe the joy and relief I feel, but since it's been a rather long time since I last penned down a post in my humble "visitors-slowly-dwindling-and-I-don't-blame-you" weblog, I will attempt to anyway :)

End.

They are here!