Originally Posted by
UVaAmbassador
I echo the praise of others for this movie.
First, I too approached this movie with a fair bit of skepticism about Ledger's performance, given the hype. I was totally blown away. It reminded me a bunch of Anthony Hopkins as Lecter. Ledger managed to portray a character who was pure evil, but simultaneously captivating. You can't look away. Like a car wreck you're repulsed but can't take your eyes off of him.
I feel bad for Bale. The guy gave a rock solid performance, but he's getting no credit because of the inevitable comparison to Ledger. Obviously, Bale doesn't carry the movie, but I just can't believe the reviews which characterize his performance as an anchor dragging down the movie. He does an excellent job portraying the billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne. As for Batman, its so hard to deliver a great acting performance when you're covered head to toe in a constume and you're primarily involved in action sequences. Can't see facial expressions, minimal opportunity for powerful scenes, etc. Nonetheless, he does a really great job.
While I did get the general feeling the movie was running long, as I watched the movie, even with this impression in mind, I couldn't identify any particular scene that should have been cut. Just a necessity I guess.
While it won't happen, there should at least be discussion of a best directing nod for the film. Great job integrating the action scenes (which were freakin' awesome btw, I mean, the motorcycle flip, the tractor trailor, etc.) without causing them to overwhelm the movie or take away from the plot, character development, etc.
I also appreciate that it was a thinking movie. It presents some very interesting ethical dilemmas without putting them right in your face or getting preachy.
This may be a rare first day DVD purchase for me.