I’m pretty sure I’m the only person in the world who does not like The Dark Knight. I can tell from the lack of negative comments about it in our class discussion, and the fact that most people look like they want to punch me when I tell them that I hated watching it. From the start, I didn’t think I was going to like it, but honestly did keep an open mind, because everyone else was so excited to be watching it. Allow me to explain – firstly, the idea of superheroes has just never appealed to me as it does to so many others. I understand that they are inspiring and exciting for many, but the fact that those situations are so unrealistic ruins it for me. I’d much rather watch real-life heroes such as Paul Rusesabagina in Hotel Rwanda, or at least arguable pretend ones that are realistic like, Theo in Children of Men. I find heroes like this to be much more motivating, as they save people and bring about positive changes in ways that are actually within a human’s reach, unlike Batman.
If you have read my other film reviews, I’m sure it is apparent to you by now that excessive and senseless violence in movies greatly bothers me. It’s not that I think gore automatically makes a film bad, it’s that I personally don’t enjoy watching it, especially if I feel that the amount featured is unnecessary. This was the case with The Dark Knight. I recognize that the plot is centered on good vs. evil, and that brutality is used to make a point, but I felt that too much screen time was dedicated to it. Although this definitely appeals to some audiences, it is off-putting to me. It is just so upsetting and uncalled for to show innocent people being victimized for absolutely no reason. At least in movies like Hotel Rwanda, it is being shown with a purpose – that is to retell history and warn future generations against genocide. It just feels like The Dark Knight has no aim or reason to show that, other than to satisfy some people’s craving for gore.
However, I did appreciate the fact that The Dark Knight delves into the human psyche and explored the concept of madness. It was very interesting to watch the Joker’s seemingly insane behavior, and try to figure out what is wrong with him. In this sense, the film accomplished its goal of being a good psychological thriller, even though his character is never clearly explained.
I also enjoyed the acting – I thought that all the actors did a great job at portraying their characters. Obviously, Heath Ledger is greatly acclaimed for this role, and he was fantastic. I though that Maggie Gyllenhaal was also amazing, as were Christian Bale and Michael Caine, who always impresses.
To conclude, I did not enjoy watching The Dark Knight; it’s not my kind of movie. However, I would not discourage anyone from seeing it, so long as they don’t mind a lot of violence. I know that pretty much everyone else who has seen it loves it, so I know it has a lot of appeal to others. As well, being a high-budget Hollywood film, it is well-made and the acting is very effective. So I must say, go ahead and watch it, just don’t come and rave about it to me afterwards, because I won’t share in your delight. ;)
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