discardia

As I get older, while watching movies, I realize two things:

1. I can no longer drink a diet coke and expect to make it through a 2.5 hour long movie.
2. Characterization is far more important than action.

While watching the Dark Knight, both realizations hit me roughly at the same time. And while my bladder was on the verge of detonating in my gut, I realized just how much better the Dark Knights was than it’s predecessor.

It was not anywhere near as frantic in pace (which kept Batman Begins clipping along and enjoyable), and that is not a bad thing! The slower feel to the overall picture delivers a stand-up punch for the characterization. It gives a sense of delivery and growth to all the characters.

And Joker.

That was an awesome interpretation. Not manic, and not crazy. Just a little bit of both. That edge that gives gravitas to the entire interpretation of madness versus genius.

Remember, in the comics, Joker was a smart guy. Just not a thug with a smile. And the force of nature aspect of his “being” really drives this film.

Stellar. Smart. And Real.