Simply Fantastic...
So I've seen Dark Knight twice now. Opening day was just fantastic. There was an energy in the air that I haven't been witness to since the Matrix movies. Just arriving at the megaplex (20 screens), and seeing a fully packed parking lot gave me an idea that this film was going to be big. Lines and lines of moviegoers eager to get that perfect seat confirmed my initial hunches.
I have not gone to the IMAX yet, but the Harkins Theater setup with DLP projector coupled with the Klipsch Commercial theater speaker array is really a fantastic way to see a film. The audio system is a very large improvement over the JBL speakers one can find at many other theaters.
From the opening sequence of the movie, to the final closing title shot, this film forces you to be engaged. It only occurred to me at a couple moments that my theater was nearly silent the whole way. No one eating popcorn, not a cell phone ring or vibration to be heard. I looked around and everyone in attendance that I could actually see was on the edge of their seats, practically gripping the armrest.
This film sets a new benchmark for comic book film making IMOH. It transcends the normal ear and eye candy we've been accustomed to, and the Dark Knight makes you think about the basic absolutes of what is Right and what is Just.
But forget all of what I've said so far. Heath Ledger has left the building and apparently there is someone on set calling himself the Joker. OMG, he is just amazing. I love Jack Nicholson, and I loved his interpretation of the Joker character. Ledger doesn't play a character though. The Dark Knight's Joker is an attempt to show us the world through the eyes of a psychotic sociopath terrorist, who "has a flair for theatrics." I really hope the academy gives a posthumous Oscar nomination for Ledger for best Supporting Actor.
One more thing. Don't take your children under 10 to see this movie. It's pretty scary at certain points, and it can get very twisted through Joker's life outlook. If your child really wants to see it, I would highly recommend you see it first and judge for yourself whether its appropriate or not.
Long live Christopher Nolan's directing reign over one of our most beloved comic characters. Go see this movie.
