6. "The Dark Knight" (Warner
Brothers)
Box-office earnings are never a reason to prop up the critical attributes of
a picture, but in the case of "The Dark Knight," it is a clear example of a film
transcending its genre to become unquestionable and universally accepted art.
"The Dark Knight" is the first superhero picture where all filmmaking elements
coalesced, allowing the audience's suspension of disbelief to reach another
level. The film doesn't just attempt to set Batman's world in a realistic
setting -- it forces the audience to accept and embrace it. And although Christian Bale's subtle performance is a key ingredient, Christopher Nolan's exemplary direction allows you to
completely believe Bruce Wayne's alter ego is a necessity in confronting the
unexpected threats that plague the 21st century.
The embodiment of that fear is Batman's historical archrival, the Joker.
Usually portrayed as a clinically mad villain, the Joker -- as envisioned by
Nolan and his screenwriting collaborators Jonathan Nolan and David S. Goyer --
here is a self-delusional anarchist: the embodiment of a fear of unexpected
terror attacks that haunt our modern world. It is a clever concept fleshed out
by a daring and, arguably, pitch-perfect performance by the late Heath Ledger. The actor smartly makes the Joker human enough
that he doesn't even seem that evil anymore, just a man on a severely misguided
mission. And although those qualities alone can elevate a picture from pure
entertainment to true cinema, "The Dark Knight" goes further. Nolan's purposely
planned journey ends with our hero willing to sacrifice himself for even more
unredeemable heartache for the greater good. And after all the pain he's
endured, all he's lost, that's why the final haunting image of Batman being
hunted, racing away into the light, a sacrificial "dark" knight, leaves
audiences holding their breath and praying for more. -- Gregory Ellwood
"The Dark Knight" is available on DVD.
Next: No. 5 movie of 2008
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