What might it mean that The Dark Knight, the second installment of Chris Nolan’s Batman revamp, is well on its way to becoming the biggest grossing superhero movie of all time? Does it underscore a new public sensibility about superheroes, identifying more with normal humans with extraordinary passions? Or is it the result of a perfect storm of good story, superb cast and capable production? Most likely it’s both.
In The Dark Knight, Bale’s Batman grapples with the mob and the raving sociopath The Joker, played up to iconic levels by the late Heath Ledger. Although these two battle it out, the story really belongs to the journey of Harvey Dent, who comic fans will alread know, falls from grace in a major way, flipping the coin on his former life.
The film is thoroughly fascinating, well-acted and engaging. If it does have a weakness, it is, perhaps, as the Joker contends, too serious, holding viewers hostage with dramatic consequences for people who seem a little too real, including a small boy with a gun to his head for a few minutes. Batman readers will note that it all plays into this Joker’s MO, distinguishing himself from previous incarnations. He’s not in it for the money anymore. It’s all about chaos.
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