2008 Woodie Awards
The Dark Knight delivers on all levels
Marlon Scott
Issue date: 7/23/08 Section: Features
Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" is a rollercoaster filled with incredible action, stunning twists and uncomfortable excitement that tickles the stomach.
Nolan flawlessly executed a cinematic masterpiece and raised the bar for future comic book inspired films. Batman perched on a rooftop at night like a gargoyle and the Joker stumbling in heels while strolling away from an exploding hospital are just two examples of the multitude of dazzling shots in this movie.
The plot was misleadingly simple. Thanks to the combined efforts of Batman (Christian Bale), Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and a new fearless district attorney, Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), crime in Gotham has decreased to an all time low. Things are going so well, Batman is ready to hang up his horns and settle down with longtime love Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhall).
Organized crime in Gotham (led by Eric Roberts) has taken the biggest hit since the appearance of Batman and is ready to accept their losses and retreat. But, the Joker (Heath Ledger) magically appears ready to bring Batman and Gotham to its knees just for the fun of it.
In the opening sequence, the Joker orchestrates a brilliant and deadly bank robbery. It clearly establishes the difference between this Joker and previous incarnations of the infamous character.
With an amazing performance that evokes the question "Jack who?" Ledger portrays a mysterious, psychotic and deviant mastermind that scares audiences like they were citizens of Gotham.
Completely unpredictable, the audience is forced to assume the role of Batman. They are left chasing the Joker trying to guess what is going to happen next while questioning their own moral identity. Every wrong guess means someone dies.
The only thing scarier than Ledger's Joker was the burned face of Harvey "Two Face" Dent.
Ledger may have led the pack, but the rest of the all-star cast gave great performances as well. Each character delivered memorable moments.
Nolan flawlessly executed a cinematic masterpiece and raised the bar for future comic book inspired films. Batman perched on a rooftop at night like a gargoyle and the Joker stumbling in heels while strolling away from an exploding hospital are just two examples of the multitude of dazzling shots in this movie.
The plot was misleadingly simple. Thanks to the combined efforts of Batman (Christian Bale), Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and a new fearless district attorney, Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), crime in Gotham has decreased to an all time low. Things are going so well, Batman is ready to hang up his horns and settle down with longtime love Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhall).
Organized crime in Gotham (led by Eric Roberts) has taken the biggest hit since the appearance of Batman and is ready to accept their losses and retreat. But, the Joker (Heath Ledger) magically appears ready to bring Batman and Gotham to its knees just for the fun of it.
In the opening sequence, the Joker orchestrates a brilliant and deadly bank robbery. It clearly establishes the difference between this Joker and previous incarnations of the infamous character.
With an amazing performance that evokes the question "Jack who?" Ledger portrays a mysterious, psychotic and deviant mastermind that scares audiences like they were citizens of Gotham.
Completely unpredictable, the audience is forced to assume the role of Batman. They are left chasing the Joker trying to guess what is going to happen next while questioning their own moral identity. Every wrong guess means someone dies.
The only thing scarier than Ledger's Joker was the burned face of Harvey "Two Face" Dent.
Ledger may have led the pack, but the rest of the all-star cast gave great performances as well. Each character delivered memorable moments.
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