The story follows on from “Batman Begins” (2005) with Batman making progress in ridding Gotham City of the greedier, seedier criminals. Enter the Joker as the fearless fruitcake concealing his real agenda (anarchy and the destruction of Batman's character) behind a crime wave taking in the Mob as well as mere money grabbing.
Heath Ledger and that Posthumous Oscar Nomination
It was wise to wait until the hub-bub surrounding the latest film, inspired by the DC Comics character, had subsided before seeing the movie. To go in predicting a lamentable performance from the late Heath Ledger as the Joker might seem uncharitable but was prompted by the media buzz about certain Oscar nomination. However, he is fantastic. Expecting a crisper copy of Jack Nicholson, Ledger's turn is a totally new character. (Nicholson is on record as being “...furious...” at Ledger winning the role).
The voice, mannerisms and menace are wonderful, and his performance a fitting memoriam for a fine young actor despite the fact that the man - Heath Ledger - is almost unrecognisable beneath the make-up. The UK's Daily Telegraph reported that his performance was “....inspired by Sid Vicious, according to his co-star , Christian Bale”.
Indeed, Ledger's depiction reflects the feel of the whole film. This is grimy and gritty yet a very different world from the dark fantasy of Burton's older movie. Gotham is Chicago interspersed with London. Gone is the gothic garishness populated by fifties' fashions.
Not a One-Man Movie Performance
Ledger's star turn does not eclipse the cast as some have suggested. This is a thriller with well-voiced villains as opposed to comic fiends; thoughtful good guys working with Batman, rather than as warm-up men for his flying antics. Aaron Eckart believably takes Harvey Dent from crusading lawyer to vengeful nutter at a brisk stroll.
Gary Oldman reprises Batman's tame Police buddy Gordon; Michael Caine joins in again as the faithful Albert, and Morgan Freeman pops back as Lucius Fox, Wayne Enterprises' main man and the genius behind Batman's gear and gadgets. All fine stuff with Oldman rescuing an occasionally awkward script with his understated good guy. If only Christian Bale had not voiced Batman several octaves lower than his throat can manage!
This is no kids' film, however. Check out the trailer on your iPhone, but the UK certificate of 12A should be heeded before carting the family off to the flics to see it. Thanks to Ledger's intense performance, the Joker's knife fixation and psychotic behaviour, whilst not bloodily displayed, has sufficient force to trouble younger viewers. Great entertainment but for older children and adults to enjoy.
Simon Lewis - A technologist by trade, Simon has worked with and founded a number of internet businesses. In his off-time, his love of cinema and media ...
