The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight is a landmark film. For so many reasons that are lost in translation, for it's brilliant depiction of what the naive would call a comic book movie, for everything from its cast to direction that make watching it a spine chilling yet enthralling experience. Again the masterful hands of Nolan make their presence felt and with this film, it could be argued that he has made the leap from a superb independent film maker to a master auteur who has an audience that is appreciative of his immense capability.

The film starts predictably enough with everyone calling for the Batman's head, blaming him for the deaths of policemen and some others. But the Batman's got more than public fury on his plate with a new menace in town. This menace, or rather, The Joker played to perfection by the late Heath Ledger is more than just an imagining born from a comic book. He is a maniac, who specialises in playing with people. Everything about him, from his Glasgow Smile to his grotesque make up and terrifying mannerisms, is designed to play on the fear us mortals feel when confronted by the truly insane. The script revolves as much around as him as around Bruce Wayne who along with Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) have to make some hard choices and deal with ethical dilemmas posed by the Joker. The Joker's ultimate goal however is to show the Batman to be just a poor, helpless person like the rest.

The film is a thrill a minute ride and does not make one feel like it's two and a half hour run time. The action is superb with the chases, explosions et al being painstaking close to perfection. Batman's friends, the scientific wizard Lucius Fox  (Morgan Freeman) and his ever dependable butler Alfred  (Michael Caine) are ever present and help him deal with the frightening sceptre of the Joker.

The Joker, a role for which Heath Ledger received a posthumous Oscar for best supporting actor, a rarity in comic book cinema, is truly a memorable character. From his appearance to his devilish ethical dilemmas, he is as scary as they come. As an example, in a scheme near the end of the film, he invites two ferry-loads of passengers to blow up the other before they are blown up themselves. And, unwittingly, you find yourself lowering your defences and entering the choppy environs of the movie. The screenplay and cinematography are tastefully done and accompanied by music from the legendary Hans Zimmer make for a ethereal experience that draws you into its sheer depth and leaves you wanting for more. The film is almost pure noir and puts a different yet engaging spin on things, with Nolan's interpretation showing his creative quality and comfort in dealing with subject matter and challenges that would faze even the most seasoned of directors.

The film was a runaway success, breaking the $1 billion barrier at the box office with ease. Critical reception was highly favourable with most critics genuinely taken aback by how Nolan managed to turn a mere comic book into a human interest affair that won over even the most obstinate of movie goers.

Comic book movies will continue to be made, but 'The Dark Knight' stands a milestone against which all the others will be measured. It shall forever endure as a testament of what happens when a creative genius meets a character born of noir.