Accolades for The Dark Knight - Thus far

Here's something interesting. I was jumping around the blogsphere today and found some enthusiastic reviews from the early press screening of The Dark Knight. Here are what some people had to say.

David Poland: "This is not a Batman movie... this is a 2008 version of The Untouchables with The Batman as Elliot Ness, The Joker as Al Capone, much better toys, and, it seems, a topper."

Peter Travers: "It's enough to watch Bale chillingly render Batman as a lost warrior, evoking Al Pacino in The Godfather II in his delusion and desolation. It's enough to see Ledger conjure up the anarchy of the Sex Pistols and A Clockwork Orange as he creates a Joker for the ages."

Richard Corliss: "In its rethinking and transcending of a schlock source, The Dark Knight is up there with David Cronenberg's 1986 version of The Fly. It turns pulp into dark poetry."

Kevin Smith: "Without giving anything away, this is an epic film (and trust me: based on the sheer size and scope of the visuals and storytelling, that’s not an overstatement). It’s the “Godfather II” of comic book films and three times more earnest than “Batman Begins” (and fuck, was that an earnest film). Easily the most adult comic book film ever made. Heath Ledger didn’t so much give a performance as he disappeared completely into the role; I know I’m not the first to suggest this, but he’ll likely get at least an Oscar nod (if not the win) for Best Supporting Actor. Fucking flick’s nearly three hours long and only leaves you wanting more (in a great way). I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed by it. Nolan and crew have created something close to a masterpiece."


And the award goes to...Kevin Smith! For being the most enthused out of the group. Naturally, seeing the he is the quintessential "fanboy" which is now a word, I suppose. Google it! Lol.

Personally and judging solely from what I have seen of The Dark Knight, I believe Heath Ledger should at the very least receive an Oscar nomination. You can see it in his eyes, he is so shockingly deep into the mindset of a psychopath...it is unreal!

In certain scenes, you can see the physical exhaustion in his pupils, drooping eyelids and all. Yet he pulls it off with the most sadistic smile I have ever seen on film. Amazing!

With Hellboy 2, Wall-E and now The Dark Knight. 2008 is shaping up to be a good year for the imaginative. Credit to IFC Blogs for the references and to Kevin Smith for being such a cool dude.

Tags:accolades, batman, dark knight, david poland, fanboys, heath ledger, hollyweird, hollywood, john darko, kevin smith, movie reviews, nomination, oscars, peter travers, richard corliss