Since the film’s been out for a week now, and I’ve seen it twice, I finally feel able to talk about what I didn’t like about the film. Couple of things…
First, I LOVE The Dark Knight. This is the best super hero film ever. Without a doubt. Surpassing even Unbreakable for me. Ledger’s amazing. Eckhart’s impressive. Bale’s Bruce Wayne is heartbreaking. Oldman’s Gordon is true, and right and perfection.
Second, this list will have SPOILERS. I can’t talk about the things I think are crappy without stating what makes them crappy. Plus, a lot of the things that drive me nuts happen in parts un-initiated audiences have no clue about. So, with that being said, you’ve been warned. There are spoilers ahead.
Oh, and third…you don’t have to agree with me. You can think I’m full of crap. That’s fine. Tell me why I’m wrong, I implore you. These are just the opinions of a burgeoning, LESSER filmmaker than Chris Nolan analyzing a property he holds near and dear to his heart. So, without any other fodder…
OH Wait! Gimme More!
I
love Nolan. I love Batman. I want money to make movies. I’m excited for this film.
But is he crazy? Movies cost more than ever. And it’s not spectacle that makes it work, it’s not using great, super-high resolution 70mm(65mm) film.
It’s finding a character and discovering the “why” of who they are, and then watching that motivate their actions. When you care about who’s on screen, what they’re doing, and what the ultimate stakes will be. That doesn’t cost a lot of money. And as Nolan will prove with Batman (as all the reviews have continued to pour in) that you can do it with a lot of money as well.
Batman (and Iron Man and Wall*E) demonstrates that big movies can make big money *IF* the story, the actors, and the spirit of the characters is present. Maybe Nolan’s just so good at it, he doesn’t realize how hard it is for some filmmakers to capture so perfectly.
As long as we can believe what’s happening on the screen, and have sympathy, we’ll pay and return time and again. Lucky for all of us, Nolan’s a master at it himself.
