The Dark Knight the Movie
July 19, 2008 2:15 AM
So ... finally... I have watched The Dark Knight in one of the nicest movie houses in town called the Gold Class. For such a highly recommended (yes, as early as 2007 I've been hearing it from the Psychic Dude again and again), anticipated movie, why not spend a buck or two to fully relish the movie right? Yup, John just got the best seats in the house and I must say, it's damn worth it!
The Dark Knight is pretty much a continuation of its pioneer movie, Batman Begins. After Batman made its appearance in Gotham, he has helped lower the crime rates. Making criminals from the small to the large scale meet at day and hide by night, a new villain steps out and offers the most outrageous goal and cunning of all plans, Joker. As Joker challenges Batman's credibility to put Gotham in order and Bruce starting to feel the weight of Batman's shadow on him, Batman considers that there should be another face for justice. A face that appears on day, a face that follow the rules of the system, a face that is known to the public and doesn't hide behind a mask - District Attorney, Harvey Dent.
The Dark Knight is pretty much a continuation of its pioneer movie, Batman Begins. After Batman made its appearance in Gotham, he has helped lower the crime rates. Making criminals from the small to the large scale meet at day and hide by night, a new villain steps out and offers the most outrageous goal and cunning of all plans, Joker. As Joker challenges Batman's credibility to put Gotham in order and Bruce starting to feel the weight of Batman's shadow on him, Batman considers that there should be another face for justice. A face that appears on day, a face that follow the rules of the system, a face that is known to the public and doesn't hide behind a mask - District Attorney, Harvey Dent.
- Videography A good 8 out of 10. Quality of the film was good. Sadly though, we all know. Super heroes, most especially the rich boys, get their gadgets. I feel that they haven't much highlighted on the toys used by the big boys. Have to admit though, the Tumbler being transformed to a bike in steroids rocks. Batman's armor was like um... Uh-huh. Ok. It's light. What else is there? His hightech communications + sonar project was nice but very few on the detail there, if ever, the emphasis on the tool was not there.
- Cinematography The pace was almost uniform in speed. Though, slow mo-s and pumping bass on throbbing sound was lacking. The movie has utilized quite well on its characters especially on Gordon. From what used to be the head of police being as a bumbling idiot who's always left hanging, Gordon has transformed into what comics has depicted of him - an officer, a leader, a family man. I am not quite sure, but I felt that the Mayor had the lacking aggression on Batman who was referred to the movie a lot of times as a vigilante. The Mayor character was a bit passive. Can someone please confirm? Part of the beginning of the movie, Scare Crow appears. Appear meaning, makes some bad negotiation and runs for it. So much for the scare gas and the verbal encounter. He would be a viable opponent. Add a Joker here, Two face there, and then Scare Crow. Triple deal. Much like Catwoman's encounter of Two Face, Joker and the Batman - actually in this issue Penguin just pops in as well.
- Music Score There was no well known songs that are with lyrics. All orchestrated and all fit the feel of the movie really well. Yes, gotta love those cellos.
- Script The lines are not as quirky as Iron Man's though it has much discussions on human nature, blaming Alfred. I like Morgan Freeman's character, Lucius Fox. He was sharp and smart and funny. A definite difference of the Bucket List and the Wanted part. Oh and one more thing, I swear how you would shed a tear for Alfred's declamation - such loyalty, such quirk. Delicious!
Anyway, the Dark Knight was quite good and substantially it has quite highlighted how the character of Batman really is rather than the villain. In the comics of Batman, in general, you have the rising of Batman, the hating of Batman, the reflection of Batman and then the resurrection - then again it doesn't apply only to Batman. Though I would hate the part to see Batman, or rather the end of Bruce Wayne as he is paralyzed by Venom, so soon, I must say, they seem to have stick quite good on the character that every hero faces especially for Batman - that they do have a personal life.
The profoundness of the movie teaches the value of honor, respect, loyalty, focus, and human nature - the good and the bad.
One thing that really stuck out for me in this movie for the next couple of hours:
Even the best is a puppet inside.
Well, actually, the best seats would be in an IMAX theatre. There's a couple of scenes done specifically for IMAX.
Digital. hehe..
Oh and you have to see the movie not as a "superhero" movie per se. Don't look at it like a James Bond movie where the gadgets control the person. (Although Casino Royale reinvented JB and he now rocks).
It's just a person who wants to fight crime. Stripped of his Tumbler, his utility belt, even his suit, he is still The Batman.
Blame Bruce Timm for the often repeated sequence where 1) The Batman sees badguy, 2) Batman beats up badguy, 3) Batman leaves by using his grappling gun. It is a cool sequence though...
Oh and about being the villain, there is this little theory that's been around for ages that The Batman is also insane but is just leaning on the side of the good. As compared to The Joker who is insane and is all about evil. Go read "The Killing Joke" and "Arkham Asylum" to get into this mythos.