I really wanted to post commentary on this before now, as it’s been a week since I actually saw the movie, but I’ve been quite busy.
This is all about meeting and exceeding expectations. If I had any criticism to make of the movie, it would be that there was no preamble to what will follow in this latest Batman series. But even that may just be a good thing.
Heath Ledger gets a pardon for that shameful film I like to refer to as “The Miserable Failure” (i.e. Brokeback Mountain) in what will likely come to be known as his final cinematic moments (my understanding is that there is a film called The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus that is currently in post-production, however, it would take a lot to overshadow his role in this film). Without being a spoiler for those who haven’t seen it, this Joker is a far darker and more sinister character that is much more true to himself. The jokes are not implemented through grand motions and vocal intonations, but are delivered dry and to the point. One would think that this would soften the blow of the comedic delivery, however, the jokes have more depth and more humor than even Nicholson’s Joker. The local dime-store make-up job only enhances this home-grown character who has about as many reasons for his facial deformities as there are costumes in a Madonna concert.
The Batman character continues where we left him in Batman Begins. A dark and wealthy man who is a lackadaisical billionaire by day and a deeply complex superhero by night. Again, we are given the deep, overly synthesized voice that became the voice of Batman in Begins, however, it continues to be true and relevant to the story as a method to further mask the identity of a superhero the citizens love to hate.
The development of Two-Face, as a minor sub-plot, is delivered impeccably. Though the character has very little time to develop, he remains central to the story and does not deviate from the core values that make the character until he is greeted with a major life-altering event. At this point, the transformation is delivered with intent and purpose.
Despite these major players in the film, I can not express enough how much I enjoy watching Gary Oldman work. Even after seeing the first film and having difficulty believing that he is indeed playing the part of Lt. Gordon, I still marvel at the diversity of this man’s abilities. Though not nearly as central to the plot and the story as the rest, the character is everything that it needs to be and does not deviate from the character’s true identity.
Last, this movie is all about delivering a believable and real Batman. With a couple of minor exceptions, the techno toys this Batman is given to play with are the brainchild of his own corporate empire and, though not entirely within the realm of our current technological capabilities, are certainly more than believable in this almost realistic Gotham City.
Much criticism has been written about the levels of violence and a couple of relatively graphic scenes that make the film’s PG-13 rating somewhat questionable. Personally, I didn’t see it. This movie had very little in the way of violence that was at all a departure from what one sees in any of the latest action films. The so-called graphic scenes are little more than cinematographic and cg trickery. Though I would recommend a parent see this film prior to taking the children, I personally believe any criticism of this film as gory or at all graphic is simply a perpetuation of the wussification of America.
At the end of the day, I can not say this is the best movie I have ever seen, nor can I say that it is even better than Batman Begins. The two story-lines are wholly different in their purpose and in their implementation. I can, however, say that I think this movie should easily be a nominee for several major awards (including the Oscar for Best Picture). I would recommend that any fan of the Batman comics and the Batman character make it a point to see this film sooner, rather than later.