The sequel to the critically praies Batman Begins, continues and expands from the formula that has changed what has been considered a campy yet archetypal superhero character into something else that no other film based on a comic has ever accomplished - turned it into a fine peice of cinema and more toward an art form.
"Begins", starring Christian Bale, Gary Oldman and Cillian Murphy, was a rare treat for moviegoers who were tired of the same cheesey, CGI infested cliche' comic book films. It even ended with a great cliffhanger: Gordon (Gary Oldman) meeting with vigilante Batman (now not so much supervillain nemesis, but now a detective determined to stop a corrupt mob from destroying the city from the ground up). The film ends with Gordon handing him something that would prove to change the course of Gotham: a "Calling card" from a new criminal with a taste of the theatrical.
Then came news of Heath Ledger playing the Joker. I was surprised and excited, because I'd known he was a great actor. Hell, the guy's been nominated for an Academy Award and praised for his performances. Anyway, I stuck to my guns about that issue ever since that was announced, and then came the trailer. I was convinced. I saw this film three times. It's riveting. Hell, there were scenes that frightened me the first time I saw it. It really is something of a great cinematic experience (though I may just be saying that now - we'll have to wait and see how it stands the test of time). It's a good modern day noir piece created by smart filmmakers with bright ideas.
You know how every review is going on about how it's supposedly his greatest performance and deserves an Oscar nod, etc etc? Hell, they're right. Heath Ledger was amazing. This is the closest Joker to the comic form that we've ever seen on screen - and probably the best we'll ever get, but also a great addition to film history and will likely fall into the category with the likes of other movie madmen such as Darth Vader, Daniel Plainview, Norman Bates... He's a pure anarchic character who has no motive but that of chaos. "I am an agent of chaos" he tells Harvey Two-Face. Now keep in mind, this isn't a campy, funny Joker (though there are a few hilarious moments). This man is a complete psycho who loves to kill and torture, except for the Batman, who he admits he won't kill because he's "just too much fun". Don't go in expecting a huge climactic showdown between the two (though they do fight), this film's climax didn't even have too much to do with him. Joker is basically a secondary villain in this film, but he's just way creepier that way, being in the shadows. His character is set up in a way that we know Batman will fight him again in the future film. "I think we're destined to do this forever." But we probably won't get that. And that's fine, because the film is nearly perfect. It's earned it's spot among sequel greats The Empire Strikes Back, The Godfather Part II, you name it.
One of the creepiest and best acted (and directed moments) is the interrogation scene. Joker laughs his head off while Batman beats the crap out of him along with that eerie feedback noise in the background that accompanies him whenever he is near. I was on the edge of my seat.
Another great aspect of this film is Gary Oldman's performance as Commissioner Gordon. A pitch-perfect rendition of the ally of the Caped Crusader, rather than the bumbling bafoon in Burton and Schumacher's series. Not to mention, it is quite an emotional performance, which brings me to Aaron Eckhart's Two-Face. He was the only actor I wasn't too sure of, just because I hadn't seen much of him, but he didn't disappoint.
A great ensemble cast with an interesting and provocative morality play. 10/10
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