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THE DARK KNIGHT

(Christopher Nolan, 2008)

And on to the final two.  We have Christopher Nolan's Batman epic The Dark Knight.  Batman Begins (2005) surprised everyone and Nolan made Batman cool once more after the Joel Schumacher's horrible and unforgiving take on the Dark Knight, Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997).  Where Batman Begins has Nolan's trademark use of non-linear narrative, The Dark Knight was a linear, almost classical crime epic.  It is debatable if this truly is the best incarnation of Batman (many find it to be a crime film with Batman characters in it) and although not without its faults, it remains one of the best sequels, and blockbusters, of all time.  The performances all around were solid and though there was much hesitation about Heath Ledger portraying the Joker, all worries were laid to rest.  Of course, much publicity went into the fact that Ledger was emotional and mentally exhausted whilst researching and performing the role, he sadly passed away just before completion of the film.  He was rewarded nonetheless for his efforts, receiving posthumously a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.  It will remain one of cinema's true losses.  You guys voted for it and it's your second favourite film of all time.