“Insight beyond insanity,” is the only way to describe the Joker in the new Batman film. (And, quite possibly, the best-ever superhero film. Ever.)
While the internet’s already brimming with positive reviews, (even going so far as reading about TDK being “the Godfather of superhero films) it’s truly, truly hard to disagree. (Plus, as of this writing, the movie’s breaking all sorts of records.)
Great acting all around, (even with the ever-growling Batman voice) with the excellent addition of Heath Ledger as the Joker, Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent and Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes.
What makes this movie even more concrete is taking the Batman symbol that was established in Begins, and the Joker trying to corrupt that, or, at the very least, break it — and then running with it, regardless of how many plot threads and layers are added.
Taking away the Joker’s “unpleasant-run-ins-with-chemicals” origin only adds mystique as to why he is truly deranged. There’s even a little nod to “The Killing Joke,” by making each of his origin stories different, but in truth, he’s just messing with his victims. In the German language, they have an idiom for this, which I think is apt: “In der Kürze liegt die Würze. / In the shortness lies the spice.”
It also helps that all the orange tinge from Begins is replaced by a bluer hue, making everything darker this time around.
After the movie, talks of a posthumous-Oscar for Ledger can be heard. For good reason too, since he turned the Joker into an absolute entity of terror, whose acts are dictated by whim and personal amusement, without regard for anyone. (Insight beyond insanity, yow.)
The Dark Knight was exactly what I expected it to be, and Ledger’s performance is without a doubt Oscar worthy. Although, Ledger’s death is dismal, for we won’t be able to witness his incredible portrayal of the Joker again. Sad…
The only complaint I have of the film is Harvey Dent, (as far as we know), dying. Without Two Face, and the Joker, leaves very few memorable villains. I suspect The Riddler will be next, but without Two Face, how can we have The Riddler? Dent is who introduces The Riddler, forms him into the evil that he is. But, I’m sure things will unfold and the next film will be just as memorable.
@allizor: Agreed. Maybe they could play up the introduction of Mr. Zsasz from Begins, turn him into a serial killer, perhaps? My expectations paled in comparison to what I actually witnessed.