The Dark Knight is Worth the Hype.
I finally saw it today on IMAX. IMAX’s advantage is that it gives the movie goer the ability to see Gotham city in all of it’s magnificent glory. Action sequences come alive as you literally see bigger than life buildings, vehicles, explosions, and acting that happens in all the corners of your eye. IMAX screen resolution is about 10 times the size of 35mm film, and IMAX screens are at least 8 times bigger than the largest screen you’ve seen in your life!
Acting
Solid across the board. Heath Ledger truly deserves an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the psychopath Joker, a man without any respect for human life and who can not be bought or trusted. Nonetheless the rest of the cast also does a remarkable job. Especially Christian Bale (Batman), Morgan Freeman (Batman’s Q), Michael Caine (Wayne’s best friend), Aaron Eckhart (D.A.), and last but no least the talent of Maggie Gyllenhaal (Wayne’s ex.)
Direction
Flawless, inspired, ambitious, dark, and using old fashioned film and real Batman gear -the new bat car, and motor cycle- and very believable effects. Choosing IMAX was also quite extraordinary, it gives the movie an edge in all the action sequences and aerial shots. Editing is impeccable you don’t feel the 2 hours, 30 minutes plus of the film. Christopher Nolan deserves an Oscar nomination. This movie will become a classic, and it is already in a class of it’s own.
Script and Screenplay
Superb dialogues, great story with many unexpected twists and turns, smooth transitions, drama, romance, action and finally an ethical tour-de-force that when all combined, literally can leave you speechless staring at the celluloid. Kudos to the whole writing team: C. Nolan, Jonathan Nolan, and David Goyer.
Batman vs. Iron Man?
A comparison can not be made, Iron Man is an action comedy with unexpected depth, remarkable writing and excellent acting. Batman on the other hand is action drama. They are different, both quite good. The only real advantage of Batman over IronMan is IMAX and the added budget. Acting, writing and directing of both are every bit as good.
