The Bat's 10 Favorite Moments in The Dark Knight Trilogy

I just spent the past couple of days re-watching the entire Dark Knight trilogy from start to finish. I've intended to do something for a while, which is to list my top 10 favorite moments of the trilogy. This list will not agree with everyone; that's why it's simply my opinion and not meant to be all-inclusive. There are scenes not mentioned here that are very important to the trilogy; such as The Joker's interrogation scene in The Dark Knight, many scenes with Alfred, Gordon, and more.

10. The first part of 'Batman Begins'

The reason I like the opening to 'Batman Begins' so much is that it doesn't even look like a Batman movie. It's a ballsy move, but opens the trilogy superbly. It's shot on an exotic location, and even has Bruce Wayne and [who we later find out is Ra's al Ghul] sword fighting (an obvious nod to Batman and Ra's al Ghul fencing!). It's one of the most beautifully shot sequences in the entire trilogy, and the part where Bruce saves "Henry Ducard's" (Liam Neeson) life demonstrates a realistic example of not only how far a person would go to save another man's life; but what Bruce Wayne will do to save the life of a [then known to be] bad man. Brilliant.

9. "Does it come in black?" (Batman Begins)

 

This is not only the introduction to what's essentially the Batmobile; but also the mutual "keep it on the DL" and witty banter between Bruce and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman). The look of "the Tumbler" definitely took a while getting used to after all the flashy Batmobiles of previous movies; but once you saw it in action, you never looked back. The look on Fox's face as Bruce is driving the Tumbler like a kid in a race car simulator is priceless.

8. Selina Kyle's fight at the bar (The Dark Knight Rises)

In one of the early scenes in The Dark Knight Rises, we knew Selina Kyle is slick but here we get a (very satisfying) taste of her kicking ass before we see her in her cat burglar suit. As soon as the police arrive, she's the damsel in distress all of a sudden, a true chameleon. In reality, she's totally fearless the whole time, and just casually strolls out of the scene that has erupted. I love it!

7. The Joker Card (Batman Begins)

Batman Begins might be one of the best "origin stories" for a comic book character. It was another brave, but wise move to not include one of the more well-known villains as the antagonist. Although Scarecrow and Ra's al Ghul are no slouches in the Rogues gallery, they're not as well-known to non-hardcore fans. With a semi-happy ending, there can only be one logical conclusion: escalation. The goose bump-inducing Joker tease is so much cooler for the fact that it was only meant to be a tease, originally.

6. Agent of Chaos (The Dark Knight)

 

This scene is so cool for several reasons: it's two great Batman villains in one scene. Nurse Joker is wearing the "I Believe in Harvey Dent" sticker on his chest. The Joker disturbingly convinces Harvey "Two-Face" (and by extension, the audience) what's truly fair in the world. In effect, he makes Harvey look at the other side of the coin. It ultimately ends with the best practical effect in the trilogy and non-verbal acting by Heath Ledger--the hospital explosion.

5. Breaking the Bat

Batman and Bane's first fight in the sewers is just so brutal, you wanted it to end because you knew early on Batman didn't stand a chance. Stunning imagery and choreography, no background music, and one of my favorite lines in the movie (Bane: "Theatricality and deception, powerful agents to the uninitiated. But we are initiated, aren't we, Bruce? Members of the League of Shadows!"). Batman's cowl getting smashed in brings about tears of pain, one crack at a time. Of course, it ends with the famous "backbreaking", which happens so quickly that it's more painful to see here than it can be depicted in comic books.

4. The Climb (The Dark Knight Rises)

This scene resonates with me on many levels. Bruce faces fear again. He was broken and redeems himself. It brings back the "Why do we fall?" theme. The way "the chant" and Hans Zimmer's theme build up and culminate in an uproar of applause. We even see bats again. And then Bruce sees sunlight for the first time. The prison serves as a metaphorical Lazarus Pit ("Batman" is brought back to life). Most importantly, Bruce gives people hope. I get chills every time he makes the jump (without the rope).

3. The Dark Knight Rises Prologue

The third film starts strong with a stunning aerial sequence and a grand introduction to Bane, with the best IMAX has to offer in an action movie. Bane is an imposing physique but can disguise himself when needed. It's very similar to The Joker and his clowns robbing the mob bank in The Dark Knight prologue, although the stakes are much higher here (literally). You also get a sense of Bane's "true believers" ("Have we started the fire?"). Everything works for me here: the imagery, the [practical!] stunts, the soundtrack (big beats, pounding bass), dropping the fuselage of a plane to the ground, you know, that sort of thing. Bane also moves quickly and smoothly through the hijacking, as if this sort of thing can be trained for. I was a bit shocked at hearing Bane's "new" voice at first (as I think most were), but I got used to it right away.

2. Armor Car Chase (The Dark Knight)

Even though I think The Dark Knight Rises is a better action movie overall (and has some amazing cinematography), The Joker chasing the SWAT van carrying Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight is, I believe, the best action sequence in the trilogy. It's quite a long scene (all in IMAX) with no background music, and mostly all practical effects. "SLaughter is the Best Medicine" is a nice touch and very much The Joker. I also enjoy The Joker's military-grade arsenal. We see the reveal of the Bat Pod and get treated to yet again one of the best practical effects in the trilogy--the 18-wheeler truck flip. The scene is just so satisfying when Gordon is revealed as the SWAT driver.

1. The last 5 minutes of The Dark Knight Rises

So many good things happen in the last 5 minutes of 'Rises' after one of the most mind-blowing reveals: Talia al Ghul (although most fans speculated it for a while), along with an amazing action sequence and painful conclusion for Talia. We first get despair, thinking Batman died to save the people of Gotham. John Blake is revealed to be Robin John Blake. (We were waiting for Dick Grayson or something similar. . . but they went straight for it.) Bruce's idea of Batman being a "symbol" is carried on as Blake aka Robin finds his way into the batcave. The music fits perfectly, as the bats fly over Blake (I'm just going to call him Robin) and then Hans Zimmer's score hits hard as Alfred nods straight ahead as he's looking at (an alive) Bruce Wayne, who's at the cafe with Selina Kyle who is wearing the pearl necklace. Our despair becomes hope. Alfred's "fantasy" becomes a reality. Robin "rises" in the batcave, water falls down, cuts to black, and The Dark Knight Rises title card appears. A perfect way to end the trilogy.

The Many Interpretations of The Joker

While it can be argued who Batman's greatest villain is, no one can really argue with The Joker. Here are some of the more notable Jokers in live action and animation over time. Who's your favorite?

Cesar Romero

A common theme among the different Jokers is that they fit into the world they're in. And that's certainly true of the "Adam West Batman" Joker. Brighter, more colorful, and more of a prankster than a threat. A true clown. Cesar Romero refused to shave his mustache for the roll, wearing makeup over it. Hardcore cosplayers mimic this effect, sometimes even using "fake" mustaches.

Jack Nicholson

 

Jack Nicholson held the spot as the most iconic Joker for a long time, even getting imitated by Jim Carrey in stand up. Isn't it cool that The Joker and Lucius Fox become best buds in "The Bucket List"? Jack Napier is theatrical and twisted, which is Nicholson's forte, and very fitting for Tim Burton's Batman. And what's with that stupid grin?

Mark Hamill

I have this poster at home. Hee-hee!

Certainly the best voice for Mistah J, who would have thought Luke Skywalker had such a twisted laugh? Batman: The Animated Series holds up exceedingly well over time. Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill are the best Batman and Joker in animation, period. Or is it Joker and Batman? (laughs) What I like about BTAS Joker: he's scary to the layperson (see episode: "Joker's Favor") but also engages in cat and mouse chases with Batman (see: "The Last Laugh").

Heath Ledger

That Australian surfer dude in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, yeah, what's his name? Whereas Jack Nicholson was theatrical, but had a little too much "paunch", Heath Ledger's Joker is tall, slender, grungy and disturbing. The Bat and The Cat were at the midnight show, and the sold-out crowd went nuts after Heath's first major scene of dialogue with the mob. I think it had less to do with Heath Ledger's passing, and more to do with his overwhelmingly convincing performance. Given all the themes in the movie, it makes you question your own moral ambiguity--you want Batman to catch him, but why are you laughing along with him? He kills innocent people, but you think he makes compelling arguments. Sooner than later, he became probably the most cosplayed character since Chun-Li.

 

John DiMaggio

One of my personal favorites. While he might not have the vocal range of Hamill's maniacal Clown Prince of Chaos, he was meaty and dominating--just the right kind of alpha male to beat the shit out of The Boy Blunder. The Joker in Batman: Under the Red Hood also has a similar aesthetic to Heath Ledger's Joker--with the long unkempt locks, dark eyes, tall and skinny appearance, and long coat. His humor was twisted in a more self-serving way rather than making you laugh.

Michael Emerson

Now that Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 is soon to be released on blu-ray, we get another full-length feature with The Joker. And The Dark Knight Returns Joker is certainly a different style: broad-shouldered, more "human" (but certainly not a humanist) and vocally more calm . . . at first. I can't wait! Who is your favorite Joker?

Scene Stealer: I'm Necessary Evil

"I'm Gotham's reckoning, here to end the borrowed time you've all been living on."
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.)

The Dark Knight Rises is a hot topic this week, because the home release comes out in 7 short days. It's exciting (although shocking) that some people will be seeing it for the first time.

One of our favorite scenes in the movie is not even a big action or IMAX scene. It's when John Dagget (Ben Mendelson) wants to talk to Bane about things not going according to plan. Little does Dagget know, Bane has another plan.

Right before Bane enters the room, you hear him breathing, reminiscent of Darth Vader.

"Speak of the Devil, and he shall appear."

The way Bane casually rests his hand on Dagget's shoulder and Stryver (Burn Gorman) leaves the room is very chilling. Bane shows Daggett who's boss!

Actually, it reminds us of the scene in The Dark Knight with The Joker and Gambol in the billiard room. You know, "Why so serious?"

"Let's put a smile on that face."

Granted, Tom Hardy is standing on a higher level than Mendelson, embellishing his height again, but that's subtle movie magic.

In the last shot, Bane snaps Daggett's neck. Even though it's not seen, Tom Hardy sells it well with the quick head turn. Daggett squeals and Stryver flinches--giving you a glimpse of the terror to come.

It's all PG-13.

The Only Actor in Both Generations of Batman Movies

Nicky Katt appears in both Batman & Robin as "Spike", as well as The Dark Knight as the [uncredited] S.W.A.T. member in the passenger seat of the unknown driver (later revealed to be Liutenant Gordon).

I recognize Nicky Katt most for his role in The Boiler Room, where he was a real jerk senior broker, as well as an arrogant cop in Christopher Nolan's Insomnia.

I don't even remember his character from Batman & Robin, but I do remember him being in it. It must have been a small role, but it's not worth revisiting.

In The Dark Knight, he's the one spouting all the one-liners during the famous SWAT van chase scene. Ordinarily, it would come off as cheesy, but his mouthiness really worked in the context of the scene. It's one of the biggest action sequences in the entire film, with no musical score, so the monologue is a key component in the soundtrack. It's very, very similar to Batman and Bane's sewer fight in The Dark Knight Rises, in that sense.

Come to think of it, the entire Dark Knight trilogy has some borderline cheesy one-liners, which I hate at first, but is all part of the fun on repeat viewings.

What's Unique About IMAX?

More than just a giant screen

IMAX is a name that gets thrown around a lot these days, but not all IMAX are created equal. The Dark Knight Rises has 72 minutes of scenes shot in IMAX (and thankfully not 3-D). That's crazy when you consider that most purpose-made IMAX films (those documentaries about wild animals or outer space) are usually only about 45 minutes in length.

The IMAX Difference

 

1. Screen size

IMAX screens are gargantuan. Remember, we're only referring to screens that project IMAX film, not IMAX digital. We're talking 10 times the display size of 35mm film projections. (For the record, the largest IMAX screen in the U.S. is at the AMC Loews Lincoln Square in New York, at 76 x 97 feet).

2. Incredible detail

IMAX film resolution is also 10 times the normal 35mm resolution. This is immediately apparent when a movie switches back and forth between IMAX scenes and letteboxed 35mm images.

3. IMAX scenes are shot differently

IMAX cameras are bulky and heavy, and can only load 3 minutes of film at a time (Christopher Nolan bypassed this for The Dark Knight by having two IMAX cameras on hand). They also have a shallower depth of focus and are therefore harder to shoot with. IMAX isn't just a blown-up image; it's actually shot in a way that you see more on screen.

4. IMAX sound

IMAX sound is incredibly realistic. When you hear a rocket ship launching, a gun firing, or a Lamborghini engine revving, the bass will startle you. You also hear a lot of minor details, no matter where you are sitting in the theater. This is because each row has its own set of speakers along the side walls, and the screen has tiny holes where sound comes through.

5. The seating

IMAX stadium seating ascends at a steep angle. This is possible because the screen is so tall. What this accomplishes is that everyone is closer to the screen and has a full view.

Bottom line

IMAX scenes make you feel like you're there. When you combine the incredible detail, vibrant colors, realistic sound, and the fact that IMAX scenes fill your vision, you should experience true IMAX at least once in your life. The Dark Knight Rises is the perfect opportunity to do so.

List of IMAX theaters displaying (15/70) film