ArchivesA Darker Hero in 'The Dark Knight'By Marcos Bernal-SalasFriday, July 18, 2008Batman is back. And this time Christopher Nolan and company introduce the audience to the darkest chapter of the hero’s comic book storyline. ‘The Dark Knight’ is by far the best film in the Batman franchise that will certainly become number one in the box office this weekend. Nolan, together with his brother Jonathan Nolan and David S. Goyer pick up where ‘Batman Begins’ left off. Gotham City has the dark crusader to fend-off criminals and the mob that have long terrorized its citizen. But underneath that false sense of security lays a bigger danger where definite power and a sense of justice continue to fight one another. This time around the darkest character of the comic book series enters the scene not only to shake things in Gotham but to rattle Batman’s moral core. Fans of the series will be pleased to know that the Joker, the utmost favorite nemesis, is the twisted, dark and unscrupulous character everyone has come to love and hate. And without a doubt Heath Ledger magnificently delivers him on the screen. The original cast returns in ‘The Dark Knight’. And yes, it is Ledger who steals the film; he is simply brilliant. Christian Bale returns in the role, but this time Nolan gives the hero a stronger inner conflict and even a much darker resolution. The latter will be a surprising direction for the franchise and the next chapter in the film series. Maggie Gyllenhaal takes on Rachel Dawes with a contrived uncertainty; that makes her character too simple for this chapter. Aaron Eckhart, as Harvey Dent, is fantastic bringing that different idea of justice to the story of ‘The Dark Knight’ and another one of Batman’s enemies. The production quality of the film has also been kicked up a notch. The skyscraper shots for Gotham City and Hong Kong are simply stellar. And on the IMAX screen an awe- inspiring effect. The gadgets, customs and all the toys in ‘The Dark Knight’ will entertain the comic book fans. The story line is solid, though the final arch takes time to develop which involves Dent’s demise as part of the Joker’s plan. Nolan uses this sub theme to shed light into the darkest idea of humanity – which is part of ‘The Dark Knight’ comic book series – that if given the opportunity sometimes people can be changed and not for good. ‘The Dark Knight’ is the most amazing super hero blockbuster film to date – a well needed boost for the remaining days of the summer. Check out ‘The Dark Knight’ Official Site  
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