Roger Ebert Was Right About the Best Superhero Movie of all Time

by

Quick Links

  • ‘The Dark Knight’ Is a Standout Comic Book Film
  • Heath Ledger Made an Impact as Joker
  • All the Characters Mean Something Greater in ‘The Dark Knight’

As a film critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless stories unfold on the silver screen. However, none have left such a lasting impact on me as Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece, “The Dark Knight.

2008 was undeniably an intriguing year for the superhero and comic book adaptation genre. We witnessed not only a dedicated yet seemingly disliked portrayal of Marvel’s antiheroic gunman in “Punisher: War Zone” and an Academy Award-nominated sequel to the 2004 “Hellboy,” titled “The Golden Army,” but it also offered moviegoers the beginning of the MCU, which was introduced by Robert Downey Jr’s “Iron Man.” Although this character evolved to symbolize Marvel Studios (as evident in the upcoming “Avengers: Secret Wars”), the initial cinematic appearance of the CEO of Stark Industries could not compare to a DC character who reappeared on the big screen around the same period.

Previously, the Caped Crusader had starred in numerous films, yet his frequent comings and goings didn’t seem to faze viewers. Directed by Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight broke box office records, selling 25 million additional tickets and earning over 200 million more dollars than previous Batman films. Moreover, renowned film critic Roger Ebert (one of America’s most respected critics) declared in his review that this movie significantly expanded the boundaries of what a comic book movie could accomplish. In fact, Ebert argued that this Batman sequel managed to turn the genre on its head. But just how did it achieve this feat?

‘The Dark Knight’ Is a Standout Comic Book Film

To kick things off, let’s trace back to the origin. Although many actors from 2005’s “Batman Begins” were reprising their roles, the introduction of Heath Ledger as the Joker brought a fresh dynamic, a palpable camaraderie that was evident. The script, penned by Christopher Nolan and his brother Jonathan, masterfully portrays the Joker as both the playful clown of crime and a psychologically unsettling adversary, striking at our heroes’ vulnerable spots. As Roger Ebert put it, “the screenplay has a depth and poetic quality that surpasses expectations.

In a mesmerizing blend of dark intentions and rhythmic acting, Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker intricately plays with Christian Bale’s Batman, while also manipulating Gary Oldman’s Jim Gordon and Aaron Eckhart’s Harvey Dent. Through his nearly intellectual provocation (accompanied by the usual violent flair), the Nolan brothers transformed this villain into a chaotic deity, who reveled in making innocent people face life-threatening decisions. A noteworthy aspect of The Dark Knight, as pointed out by Ebert, is the chase scenes. These seem unimportant until examined within the context of the character’s struggles.

Heath Ledger Made an Impact as Joker

In a stunning display of special effects, the Batpod emerging from The Tumbler is undeniably spectacular. Yet, during the chase scenes, there are numerous unexpected turns and twists that transform Gotham City (which was actually filmed in Chicago) into an intricate labyrinth of architecture, so complex that one could easily get lost within it.

Is it possible for us to observe that in various scenes, whether it’s a convoy of school buses navigating bustling streets, the backdrop windows of skyscrapers emphasizing the grandeur of Gotham City, or even at the start of The Dark Knight with the Joker strolling casually on a busy city street – the creation and design of the setting is always evident.

When a movie like The Dark Knight gets chosen by the U.S. Library of Congress’s National Film Registry, it means that the film is deemed important for cultural, historical, or artistic reasons. In the case of The Dark Knight, the late Heath Ledger’s Oscar win in 2009 was one reason given for its selection (and quite appropriately so, as his portrayal of the Joker was truly captivating). However, it’s also crucial to mention that this film stands out by taking a traditional superhero story and turning it into an all-encompassing emotional journey.

Instead of sticking to the traditional formula like earlier comic book movies such as Fox’s “X-Men” from 2000 or Sony’s “Spider-Man” from 2002, which were content within their intended niche audience, Christopher Nolan aimed for something more transformative with “The Dark Knight”. Just as Batman hides his true identity beneath the cowl, Nolan and the entire team behind the film reinvented the structure of this genre. While paying homage to Batman’s established lore, he infused his unique vision into a cinematic reinterpretation of the DC universe.

All the Characters Mean Something Greater in ‘The Dark Knight’

In both Roger Ebert’s captivating review and the Hollywood Reporter’s analysis published on the film’s 10th anniversary, they both redefined The Dark Knight as an “engrossing tragedy” by Ebert and a “crime-thriller drama” by Richard Newby of the Hollywood Reporter. These labels may have served as invitations for comic book fans to engage with the prestigious film industry, ultimately helping The Dark Knight earn its place among timeless cinematic classics in movie history.

Apart from the theoretical ideas that some critics and film academics might connect to this movie, such as themes of escalation and war, the film’s character portrayals suggest a strong connection to reality. While we have previously discussed the Joker, Batman stands as his polar opposite, representing order. Harvey Dent’s journey from rise to fall offers a compelling interpretation of the corrupted ‘white knight,’ forsaking his virtuous path when the one guiding light in his life is extinguished.

As a cinephile, I found myself captivated by how Morgan Freeman’s Lucius Fox and Michael Caine’s Alfred Pennyworth navigated their roles with an unspoken moral compass, straddling the line between right and wrong to serve the greater good. In this latest installment of the Batman saga, the filmmakers have masterfully redefined the dark and gritty essence that is synonymous with the DC universe, making it accessible and relatable for a broader audience.

In a remarkable twist in the DC universe, Nolan’s second foray successfully achieved what was thought unattainable for years. By breathing life into characters previously confined to comic book pages, he demonstrated that superheroes and villains could be woven into the fabric of masterful narratives. With an exceptional team both on and off-screen, this groundbreaking 2008 film served as his platform to bring this vision to reality. Thankfully, Roger Ebert recognized this unique approach and shared it with his audience. Today, you can watch “The Dark Knight” on Max.

Read More

2024-12-07 18:02