I saw The Dark Knight at the IMAX last Friday, and I’m considering going to see it again soon, not because I thought it was particularly awesome and want to relive each moment for a second time, but because I’ve forgotten so much of it already. I’m not sure if I was completely braindead from working all day before I went to the cinema, or just being overwhelmed by the IMAX experience, but after the movie, when my friend was talking about all the moments she liked from the movie, I couldn’t remember most of them. It was like I’d had a blackout. I can’t explain it.

I remember sitting in my tiny chair, with my handbag on my lap, and feeling completely menaced and mesmerised by Heath Ledger’s Joker. Every moment he was on screen was fraught with stress, for he had no concern for anyone, including himself. Everyone else, including Batman, was a planet revolving around the Joker’s Sun. He was a force of nature, a lunatic, “an agent of chaos”. He repulsed me with his reptilian lip-licking, but fascinated me with his demented genius. The moment when he performed his “magic trick” really disturbed me, not least when thinking about all the small children who were watching and who could easily imitate that move with their peers.

I’d forgotten how much Batman’s gravelly tone irritated me. I think I preferred his previous suit, though of course it’s good that he could turn his head now.

The character arc of Harvey Dent was very interesting to watch, as his perceptions and motivations changed so dramatically during the movie.

I enjoyed the scenes between Bruce Wayne and Alfred, the banter between them felt natural and gave the audience a brief respite from all the violence and madness. Though I really rate Maggie Gyllenhaal, I didn’t feel much chemistry between her and Bale.

As always Morgan Freeman gave a solid performance, and his character’s principles about the invasive use of technology to find the Joker raised the issue about how far we should permit authorities to invade our privacy in order to catch terrorists. The situation with the boats also raised some interesting issues about how ordinary people react when their lives are threatened, though I fear that in real life the outcome may have been very different.

Watching this movie in the IMAX really allowed us to enjoy the panoramic views of the city. The amazing sound projection of the space also brought a feeling of realism to the events on screen.

I’d be very surprised if Heath Ledger didn’t get the Supporting Actor Oscar, and it’s such a shame that he died when he was just starting to achieve his full potential.

Though I prefer Batman Begins to this movie, I feel that DK was a very good followup. It gives a bleak comment on our world today, where our protectors and our enemies are not so different.

I would also say that the movie was slightly too long. There were a few scenes which (though excellent) could have been cut, and probably would have made for a more coherent storyline. As my friend and I concluded on the way home, sometimes less is more.

And the Joker agrees with me, look!

Urban Recluse Rating: