The greatness of "The Dark Knight"

have just returned from watching "The Dark Knight" and let me say, it is stunning. And not just in an "action-guy-oriented" way. No, no, no. This movie is stunning in its themes, characters and relisitic grasp of what it takes to survive, let alone stand up against evil. To be frank, Heath Ledger should win an Oscar. His Joker is not only good, but is scary, and in some ways, truly horrific. He is horrific because he not only embodies evil, but is unafraid to share his views with others, which is something that is difficult to discuss. When moviegoers watched "Lord of the Rings" everyone left the theatre amazed at Gollum--Andy Serkis--, but could understand how he had become truly evil: The ring corrupted him. With Ledger's Joker, there is not such explanation. This man kills because he "wants a new kind of criminal" in society, one that ""I'm gonna give the citizens of Gotham." He kills because he can, and wants to. Even knowing this, moviegoers must grapple with Batman's choice to not kill him, as the Joker will continue to kill others. The title, "The Dark Knight" literally says it all. Batman must become societies "darkness" in order to root out all evil.

The movie is also excellent at giving moviegoers numerous Biblical themes. From lying, to the Fall, every moviegoer will leave with clear symbols of Christs' sacrafice for us--taking our sin upon himself--while knowing that He did not do anything. Batman not only grapples with life's issues--much like Peter Parker did in Spider Man 2--he knows that his Batman is created in order to preserve the symbol that he created. This is what will become incorruptible, all while he himself is slowly turning into the very evil he has fought against. And yes Corban students, Batman struggles with his very identity, albeit, on a symbolic scale, not individual level.

This is a powerful movie, one that will stay with anyone many days and weeks after the viewing. How? you ask. Two reasons: The symbols and issues the movie shows society, are always with us. The other reason is very simple: Ledger embodies evil as the Joker! His performance is so great that I can think of two evil characters that surpass him: Darth Vader and Hannibal Lecter. He is truly stunning.

This movie is not for little kids, as the violence is palpable throughout. However, those who go to see it, are in for a devastating and truly fantastic movie. Drop what you are doing, and go see it NOW!

Student Critic

Andrew Madaus