Not sure if most of you know, but The Dark Knight (Batman - to those that don't know, obviously) came out last night around the world. Well, it's kind of a big deal in here in Gotham (Manhattan - again for those who don't know.) Two posts ago I showed photos of the Batmobile on the city streets here for the opening premier of the show.
So, tonight it opened to the public and I thought, on a whim, that I might try to get into the IMAX release of it. I DID! Tickets are sold out for the IMAX and original theaters until the middle of next week, and better yet, selling on craigslist here for money, barter - an even fair swap for a 1st gen iPhone - I know crazy right, but it's happening. I left my apartment and head down to the AMC Lincoln Center theater in hopes to see a slew of people lined up -- NOPE! When that happened I thought my hopes were through and dashed, but I still went in and up. Up the escalators, round the corners, and up again, rounded another corner - still no line, anywhere. I came to a lone guy, Roger. He was the "ticket-taker" of the evening for the IMAX theater for the 12:01 showing of The Dark Knight, and more importantly, we didn't know just yet what how our paths would cross. But they would. And they did. When you think of Roger, think of a rough 50+ guy, who looks and talks like Rocky's cousin, Vince.
ME: I bet it's been a crazy night?
Roger: Ya, it's been ruff... Peoples been just tramplin each otha to get in. Everytime they go in, they comes out and go backs in with anotha different person. It's like they think we don't know. Ya, know?
ME: I bet man, I bet...
Roger: Whose you waitin on? You're woman inside with ya ticket?
Me: Who me? No. I don't have one yet.
Roger: What a woman, or a ticket?
ME: A tic...
Roger:I'm messin, Just yankin ya chain, pal.
ME: ket. No, I know. I'm hoping people won't show, and you guys'll sell a few tickets more.
Roger: Well, that ain't happenin, kid. Ah, there'll be a seat or two. Always is. Go on. Their gonna come round an look again, so tell 'em, Roga got's ya ticket.
ME: Really? I appreciate it. You, ah, want me to give ya a few bucks, or something?
Roger: Nah.
ME: Hey, man, thanks!
Well, that's how it played out. I got in free, Roga hooked it up and the movie was as good as Ironman. Not better, just, as good as. The movie has a couple of twist, not going to give anything away, but you are in for a real treat.
Now, the sadness:
Heath Ledger is, for lack of better words, brilliant. This movie is like a long kiss goodbye. Every minute of every moment becomes a trailing heartbeat that slows and wanes with an all-knowing end. We all know of Ledger's death during the final production stages of this film, but there was a surreal feeling when watching The Dark Knight. I can only liken it to a bright sadness. You're watching his creation that upon his death his soul would become encapsulated until it was viewed tonight, the whole world over. I can't explain the sense I felt watching him cooing the audience and I with his whimsical, joker of a character. He was, suffice to day, an explosion; moreover, a culmination of his abilities, thoughts and madness in one complete character. One could only pal in comparison to Ledger performance as a proper villain, Jack Nicholson. 
However, Nicholson's role is not his Joker, but his Jack. I would say that Ledger's Joker is the perfect villain, and it will be the standard from here on out. Also, If Ledger were here with us now, we would still be saying this for years to come, however unfortunate, he is not. That being said, this performance has sealed his short, but legendary career as the greatest villain the world has ever known and may know for quite some time.
I would love to know what you think, when you've seen it. Please drop in and leave a comment.
good summary and good story. i'm waiting patiently for the chance to see the film.
Posted by: wonkitime | July 18, 2008 at 11:35 AM