Finally got to see it but definitely need to watch it again before coming to conclusive score. The main problem was where i was so hyped for it, i was thinking two steps ahead of everything that happened. I kept trying to place bits from the trailer into the film and was too busy thinking how they got from point (a) to the point (b) from the trailer.
Anyway, thoughts:
-I hated Heath Ledger since
The Patriot and was irritated by him in the trailers for
A Knights Tale but after
Brokeback Mountain (still not seen it) i figured he was worth more than i originally thought. Saw
Lords of Dogtown the other day as well, and while wasn't blown away by his performance i did like how he'd developed the role into something unlike what i'd seen of him before. Back to
Dark Knight, he was spectacular which hopefully means a lot from someone who wasn't a fan. Oscar worthy? Not so sure, yes it was a powerful performance but there wasn't much emotional depth or range. As an eccentric and magnificently acted performance and totally embodied it's worth Supporting Actor nod at least.
-It was obvious they hadn't finished his scenes at certain points like Dent's party. After Batman saves Rachel, where does the Joker go? Wouldn't have been hard for Batman to wait at the exit for him
-Maroni walking again after having his legs shattered? Think not.
-Going to Japan was a bit of a distraction. Gotham is almost a character and i didn't think it was handled as well as
Begins, just seemed like any other city in
Dark Knight
-Gordon's "death" was pretty dumb, didn't believe that for a second
-Rachel's death however was a complete surprise but didn't feel a particular resonance (save for the excuse of Dent's transformation) and was never entirely convinced she was dead
-Two-Face was a beaut in the film and really liked how he was handled but his relationship with Rachel never seemed to be as important as results led me to believe
-All the kidnapping seemed a bit gah, here they are oh now they're kidnapped. Maybe second viewing will clear it up but seemed a bit uneven.
-All Alfred seem to do was chime in with quotes that are meant to summarise the themes, wasted character
-Lucius had a bit more worth but that 'moral dilemma' was a bit hokey.
-Liked how the end of Joker's arc almost echoed Nicholson until he's saved.
-Joker dressed as the nurse was easily my highlight and the point i fell in love with Ledger's performance
-The actions of the people on the boat was a bit contrived but was expecting something similar to the 'save Rachel or Harvey' twist and was pleased that didn't happen.
-The civilians dressed as a clowns bit was a bit reminiscent of another film, think it was
Inside Man and another film that's really bugging me!!
-Save for Lucius and Alfred and those random cops, loved all the supporting cast and was surprised how good their roles were- Salvatore and Gordon particularly.
-The Scarecrow at the start suited me just fine, a great lead in to the film, though would have liked to see the effects his gas had on perceptions of the Joker
-The change to the batsuit with the projecting spike things made the scene with the Joker pretty transparent
-The third film i'm thinking will be Catwoman and/or Riddler. There's certainly room for the love interest and the buzz of the Riddler being in it
Final thoughts, some great performances and generally spectacular but some characters aren't given enough depth, although compensated by those who are. At times a bit uneven for several reasons but that may change when i see it again.