Batman was good, but the Joker was better!
Ian Brockwell
July 23, 2008
Although a Batman movie is a pretty safe bet to put money in the bank, I suspect that part of the "Dark Knight´s" success may be down to the public´s somewhat morbid association sometimes with death and the fact that the "Joker" (played by Heath Ledger) died earlier this year.
However, whatever the reason for attracting such a good response, Heath Ledger´s contribution was more than sufficient reward for peoples curiosity. In fact, I would go so far as to say that without it, Batman would probably have been a "Dark Night!"
Many have suggested that Heath Ledger should receive a posthumous Oscar award for his performance, and I certainly wouldn´t argue with that. He turned the Joker from a "clown" into a seriously believable (and often very sinister) character.
It is probably fair to say that Christian Bale will not go down in history as the most memorable "Batman", and his other roles have promoted his talents much better. Michael Caine was a pleasure to watch (as usual), as was Morgan Freeman, whose appearance was all too short.
Some have said that the latest Batman offering is a little "too dark" and this may be true, but it does contain an interesting message. Like any superhero film there is a battle between "good and evil", but the movie also touches on an area of reality. Despite all the good deeds by Batman for the citizens of Gotham City, they quickly turn their backs on him when a small number of people attempt to blacken his image. How often have we seen this happen in real life?
One of the funniest moments for me was watching the Joker walking away from an exploding hospital. I don´t want to spoil the plot by saying too much, but you will know what I mean when you see it.
If you haven´t seen the film yet, be sure to put this on your "to see" list. It was a pleasure to see such a fine actor (Ledger), but saddening to think that we won´t get another opportunity to do so. However, an Oscar might be a nice way of showing our gratitude for some real talent.
However, whatever the reason for attracting such a good response, Heath Ledger´s contribution was more than sufficient reward for peoples curiosity. In fact, I would go so far as to say that without it, Batman would probably have been a "Dark Night!"
Many have suggested that Heath Ledger should receive a posthumous Oscar award for his performance, and I certainly wouldn´t argue with that. He turned the Joker from a "clown" into a seriously believable (and often very sinister) character.
It is probably fair to say that Christian Bale will not go down in history as the most memorable "Batman", and his other roles have promoted his talents much better. Michael Caine was a pleasure to watch (as usual), as was Morgan Freeman, whose appearance was all too short.
Some have said that the latest Batman offering is a little "too dark" and this may be true, but it does contain an interesting message. Like any superhero film there is a battle between "good and evil", but the movie also touches on an area of reality. Despite all the good deeds by Batman for the citizens of Gotham City, they quickly turn their backs on him when a small number of people attempt to blacken his image. How often have we seen this happen in real life?
One of the funniest moments for me was watching the Joker walking away from an exploding hospital. I don´t want to spoil the plot by saying too much, but you will know what I mean when you see it.
If you haven´t seen the film yet, be sure to put this on your "to see" list. It was a pleasure to see such a fine actor (Ledger), but saddening to think that we won´t get another opportunity to do so. However, an Oscar might be a nice way of showing our gratitude for some real talent.
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