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| James A. George eyes movies for Eyewear |
James A. George
on The Dark Knight Rises (12A)
Christopher Nolan is a rare gem. The last
in his Batman trilogy is similar to his previous hits The Dark Knight and
Inception, in that he creates entertaining blockbusters that are both art films
in disguise and intelligent. Rather than regurgitate the same old Hollywood
tricks, Nolan believes his audience are as smart as him, that appreciate
complexity and room to contemplate and reach their own conclusions – and with
the financial figures from these movies it seems fair to agree with his
enlightened vision for Hollywood.
Collaborating with brother, Jonathan Nolan,
The Dark Knight Rises is a spectacular work and subsequently one of the most
sublime end of trilogy ever filmed. Politics, economics, psychology; it all weaves
through the plot effortlessly. The scale has been amped up, it needed to be
after Heath Ledger’s iconic performance in the predecessor. Although the
presence of the Joker is sorely missed, what is lacking in the new villain Bane
is almost made up for with a more calculated and physically terrifying rival.
Tom Hardy does not tackle this role but becomes it. With merely his voice and
his eyes, due to a H. R. Giger like mask strapped to his face, Tom Hardy
portrays Bane with a tightrope balance of beast and genius.
Christian Bale reprises his role as Bruce
Wayne. I say Bruce Wayne rather than alter ego Batman since Bale portrays a
truly tragic human hero. After the events of the second film in this Batman
series, he has been psychologically and physically beaten down. An example of
Nolan’s command over the end cut of this film is evident in the sheer amount of
time it takes for Bruce Wayne to regain his strength. A real sense of fear
surrounds the hero, and unlike other action films one is really left wondering
whether Batman will survive this last outing. Hence we are rooting for Batman
and not for the $280 million visual spectacle (rather, that is the icing on the
cake).
The powerhouse combination of Nolan and
cinematographer Wally Pfister shine again. Every shot is both beautiful and
tells a story, whether it is non-CGI aeroplane stunt sequence or a close-up.
There are too many characters to go through in a review and too many new ones
for the final part of a trilogy. The story becomes murky at points and a couple
scenes rely on coincidence and superbly convincing acting to carry an
occasionally clunky script. Cat Woman is the strongest female we’ve seen from
Nolan and superbly played by Anne Hathaway who has shaken off her Disney image.
On a side note, it is important that we realize how sexy and powerful her
character is and yet never objectified like other Hollywood films. Her
attitude, intelligence and wit make her sexy and there is not a single mischievous
close up of her tight leather clad body.
As far as film roles are concerned, Joseph
Gordon-Levitt seems to have transformed from boyish charmer to a complex man of
ideals without anyone in mainstream cinema realising. It has always been there
of course, but with this film hopefully everyone will recognise his greatness. Michael
Caine has a few standout scenes as Bruce Wayne’s surrogate father and butler
Alfred. There is one short shot of him that really blew me away and is perhaps
the most spellbinding single shot, and performance within that shot, of the
year.
The Dark Knight Rises is a very long movie
yet engaging throughout. It falls short of the masterpiece of The Dark Knight,
but is equally as unexpected and expertly conceived. It does bring something
new to the table however, perhaps even new to Nolan’s entire catalogue,
emotion. The final scenes are incredible if a little overly sentimental, but there
was a definite sense of catharsis in the eruption of applause and bittersweet
smiles amongst the quivering fans as they left the auditorium simultaneously
cheering and tearing up. Not many films can evoke such reaction. Despite its
flaws, largely which are forgotten by the time the gripping
final act takes place, it is a strong contender for film of the year.
Comments
This film has now become famous for all the wrong reasons, of course. Hopefully there won't be any more copycat shootings as it screens around the world.
Best wishes from Simon