by Chris March

What is it about The Dark Knight that has swept the globe up in such a frenetic stir?

You might coin it the "Titanic" of comic book movies. You might tally it up in the record books as the first summer blockbuster to fire on all eight cylinders in a long, long time. You might call it Heath Ledger's brightest (or darkest, if you wish to be literal) hour. You might even call it a bluff of brilliantly orchestrated marketing.

But you know it goes deeper than that. Director Christopher Nolan and his gang have gouged open some deeper wound; woken up some slumbering slobber monster. You need more than a good movie with good actors and good marketing to become such a nuclear bomb. So perhaps to find the answer to "what is it about The Dark Knight," we need to take a look at ourselves before we start talking Oscar nominations, box office records and sequels.

(Oh, and if you're tired of hearing people gush over this movie, or haven't seen it yet and don't want to stumble over any light spoilers, you probably should stop reading. Like, now.)

The Dark Knight. Such could not be a more fitting title. Structurally speaking, yes, it is long, and it is dark. And with every twist, turn and parry through the movie (over 2 and a half hours worth), the film blooms into something too ripe and frightening to take as just a snap of the fingers for entertainment sake. This ain't Spiderman 4, folks. It's a cinematic thunderclap, and it’s made to shake your whole world up.

Nolan has made a few decent films in the past, but never before has he woven such a poem. It flickers and shines, like giving birth to a star in the middle of the darkest reach of outer space. And that's certainly what this movie is. Every shade of light, every script line, every gesture, grimace, smile, and kaboom is part of some sublime equation coercing into this new wild zeitgeist of life in 2008. Even surrounded by such madness, death, and loss (tragically, on screen and off), The Dark Knight is as alive as big screen cinema can get.

While highly entertaining, it's rather uneasy and will likely saw the ends of your nerves off. Referencing the title again, it’s the story’s unseen corners which make it so rattling. Nolan never shows what fills the Joker with such unhinged chaos. You don't see what Rachael Dawes doesn't see in Bruce Wayne. You don't see why Batman refuses to kill The Joker when you think he deserves it. You don't see why justice has to fight 10 times harder than chance does. You don't see why you fall in love with the bad guys, or why the characters you fall in love with have to die. You never see the speeding trains railing towards you, oh, but you hear them coming, like nails on a chalkboard. And that’s how tense you will feel the whole movie through.

The movie is about crooked love crashing around terrible bends. And about politics running full-sprint through a marathon with broken legs. It's the sun and the moon eclipsing, together, and you can't help but look directly into its dark burning center and see for yourself that we all have two sides to us. The light. And the dark.

And that's the beauty of it.

“This is what happens when an unstoppable force hits an immovable object,” The Joker tells Batman while hanging upside down from a skyscraper.

Truthfully, the movie isn’t about Batman at all. Not really. It’s about us; the world’s superpowers, the world’s outcasts, the vengeful and the avengers. All crusading to stay alive while killing our demons at the same time. And how it’s uglied and scarred the best of us, changed us and criminalized us, made us dark and cornered.

We’ve all become two-faced, equals parts Joker and Batman in one way or another. A comedy and a tragedy. Or maybe that’s just how brilliantly Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, and Christian Bale played their characters respectively, but still…

No words ring louder from the film than Harvey Dent’s press conference. “The night is darkest just before the dawn. But I promise you… The dawn is coming.”

With hospitals blowing up and rescue workers fighting to save every life they can, you can’t help but think about all the wrinkles of now. And the chain reaction of everything that has happened since September 11, 2001. Terror threats, eroded freedoms, war, murder, death, global warming, fear, Paris Hilton, the fall of Britney Spears, super hero movies pwning box office records, declining economy…and the list stretches on.

You can't help from thinking about our government when Batman unveils his new ultimate spying device to Lucius Fox. "I must find The Joker," he scowls, like a hungry wolf. But even at the cost of Gotham's liberty and freedom? In a flash of light, you suddenly see very little separates super heroes from George W. Bush and government policies. Clearly, there is more of us in The Dark Knight's Gotham City than back issues of DC Comics.

We need air. We need light. It’s been so dark for so long now. Hope has all but become a flicker in many parts of the globe. Truth has become a question, not a statement. And where have all the cowboys gone?

But when Dent says the dawn is coming, something eclipses inside of me. It’s not a goofy line in a silly comic book movie. It’s convincing foreshadowing. In real life. In 2008. In America. In Pennsylvania. In Pottstown, Douglassville, Birdsboro, Reading, Philly, wherever I may roam. At that moment, I truly believe in Harvey Dent.

After she saw The Dark Knight, my mom said how depressing of a movie it was. “Too much death.” But I see it differently. That’s what the night is about. It dies every day when the sun breaks through the dawn. Though it’s uneasy and dark, The Dark Knight is the greatest glimmer of hope we’ve gotten for the future in a long time. The night is just a reminder that we’re alive. The light will always be coming back around, no matter how dark it gets.

And it’s hard not to get caught up in the current of hope that seems to be rebuilding an empire right now. Take the most obvious example, Barack Obama. “Change we can believe in.” Whether you like the dude for president or not, you cannot deny that his campaign has stirred up some new wild hope in the people he’s reached.

I can't believe I haven't seen anyone do this on the internets yet.

And as for the movie, when was the last time so many far-reaching people got together behind one common event. Certainly all these people are more than comic nuts. The 21^st century has been all about individualism and struggling to find new ways to define your freedom. For an overwhelming majority of people to be behind this movie says something about us. It says we can still be together, think together, share with one another. It’s been a long time since something like that has happened.

Perhaps we’re ready to rebuild our crumbling castle. We’re ready to believe in each other again. Could it be we are standing at the silver lining of a new golden era?

About death? Ha! Sorry mom, and anyone else who felt that way about The Dark Knight, but it's about coming back to life.

Don’t believe me? Watch the scene again where everything comes to full fruition, when The Joker’s unstoppable force hits Gotham City’s immovable object. Not Batman, but the crowds of scared citizens and crooks held for explosive ransom on their own respective tankers on the river. They turn the Joker’s orchestrated fear away, instead of on each other as so many of us have for a long time now. The tide, it feels, is turning.

“These people just showed you they are ready to believe in good.”

So am I, Batman. So am I.

…

Oh, and want to know how I got these scars?

No, no, no! Not THAT subway.

Looks like I got through to someone? Never underestimate the power of the almighty blog!!

The Subways come to America Sept 9, even tho they're technically here now on tour. They play Portland Oregon right now (one more reason I want to be there).

THESE Subways. (and while you're at it, check out this guy's drawings. I dig.

Dear whoever's in charge,

I know you're busy. You're in charge, so you must be. But if you don't bring this record to American shores soon, or at least let me know when I can expect it to hit sales racks in soon, I'm going to start shooting rubber bands at one random stranger every day until you do so. I might even start shooting spitballs if I'm so inclined.

Don't get careless. People don't need to get hurt over this. But don't think I won't hesitate.

Now think about this, you person in charge. The album has been receiving some very wonderful reviews around the world, right? Do you think me and my people are too good for it?

Not to mention, it was produced by Butch Vig on OUR shores, in LA. This album should belong to us! How could you be so selfish?

Plus, if you compare them to a flourishing mix of Nirvana, Green Day, and Ash, like much of the general rock rags do, you'll note such bands don't have much trouble selling in America. Sure, they sell more in the UK, but who doesn't these days?

And let's not forget the most important part, they are playing in NYC in 3 days, and their new record isn't for sale around here yet? What is wrong with you?

And! They were the first musical guest on The OC when they were promoting their first fiery delightful album--Young For Eternity, over here in the US. Now I realize you did this delayed release thing with them for that album too, but the album did push a few copies right? I know that I mantled them at least. I went so far as to name that record one of the top 5 releases of 2006 (even though Europe had it in their hands July 2005, jerk.)

I know "All or Nothing" has leaked on the internet and I could just get it for free. I don't want this album that way. I have 2 of the singles (look for 'Girls And Boys' and 'Alright' and DL those!) in my iTunes and I want more. I want the full pay off. It's blown my lid off. Nor do I feel like shelling out $30 for it to be imported. It's not the cost that keeps me from doing so, but the principle. And I know you, as soon as I shell out for an import, you'll release it here with bonus tracks. It wouldn't be the first time and I am not prepared to fall into a deep depression over that again.

So remember my threat! I got a bag full of blue rubber bands with strangers' names on it! Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.

Although, I also see that bassist Charlotte Cooper has broken up with singer Billy Lunn. So, maybe I'll let the album slide if you set me up on a date with her. Rawr!

Considering The Dark Knight (predictably) smashed up the opening weekend box office record this week, I'd assume most of you have seen it. Or maybe only a few of you have seen it five times, minimum. But point is, someone is buying tickets to this thing.

In any case, you're probably now asking yourself, what's next for Gotham's winged knight? How can they top "The Dark Knight, " especially without Ledger's Joker? Surely, such a landmark revenue generating franchise will inevitably have another sequel forked up, right?

You don't have to be the Riddler to know the answer to that. I have no doubts, especially with the team involved talking lightly about it already. But where can the series go next? Or more importantly, who can Batman toe up against next? Which dark twisted villains can up the ante from the brilliant portrayals of Joker and Two Face?

Typical well knowns like The Riddler, and Catwoman are obvious choices. But in a movie series that continues to hinge on re-invention, I hunch director Chris Nolan will stay a higher road--his more serious road. (And why so serious? Well, Joel Schumacher and Adam West are why his Batman is so serious.) And in this Gotham City that his vision has brought to life, everything is much more real and heavy. It's a world that makes it hard to envision a penguin man that runs for mayor. A world that makes it impossible to see a woman with control over plants (Poison Ivy), a frozen terminator man (Mr. Freeze). Even a Riddler, though a drastic overhaul could make it so..

There is room for a sexy, sultry re-invented Catwoman. But even if that were the case she'll still need a new supervillain to balance dynamic out with Batman. As a director Nolan is more of an explorer than a story teller, which is why you may expect him to take less developed characters and bring them to new fiery life in the next step of his Batman series. Even though Two-Face and The Joker aren't new per say to the movie franchise of Batman, they were definitely drawn anew and parts of them that had never before been explored were explored. Two Face finally got the story he deserved and The Joker finally got to wield the chaos he deserved.

So who do you think is next for our caped crusader of Gotham? There is plenty to pick from. But are there any that really stand off the sheet to fit into the Dark Knight universe?

Am I seriously the only person in the long rolling hills of medialand to call today "Black Friday?"

To promote the release of Dark Knight in today's paper, I slopped together the promo image above which you should see around area grocery stores and gas stations. And reporter Brandie Kessler and I put together today's story on last night's midnight showings.

I mean what with all these going-ons and nerdy dudes apparently skipping out of work to see the highly anticipated return of Batman to the big screen today, I thought Black Friday would be a SHOE-IN name for anyone to use. But alas, here I am, marketing The Mercury instead of The Dark Knight.

C'mon!

In any case, anyone see it yet? Whatcha think?

Do you got the cahonies to say a bad word about it, because hardly anyone has. And those who have have been swiftly reprimanded by the films savagely rabid fans.

Have you seen this boy?

Of course, we're all talking about the Dark Knight today, even those of us that aren't geeked out and making our own utility belts! It's a caped crusader zeitgeist!

But, why dwell on the now? Let's look to the future!

A new little teasy trailer recently hit the web with another anticipated flick that has Christian Bale coming in to clean up, yet another, Ah-nuuuuuuld mess--Terminator 4: Salvation. (If you recall, Conan The California Governor played the Terminator, as well as Mr. Freeze in one of those Batman movies that we put a mental block on.)

Check it out, you misters and misseses.

We have a bad excuse counter around the office, and I'm dead serious. Everytime my boss hears a bad excuse from one of us, click! And in a newspaper department chock full of snaky necktie-wearing salesman, well, you can sure bet the little gizmo racks up some big numbers without much arm twisting. Click, click... Click!

This entry--which will roughly outline what I've been doing instead of bloggin'--is a goldmine of excuses to any one else pocketing a bad excuse counter.

What have I been doing? Well, I was just disappeared into Knoxville, TN for a 3 day bender over the weekend for starters. I also (cue angelic chorus) finally got my laptop repaired at home. And I've been on this mission to get back into shape (the ladies haven't been callin as much, ya know?) and re-align with some long lost friends. Not to mention, I've been digging up old records (MxPx, Bryan Adams oh yes oh yes Bryan Adams, Zeppelin, early Beck, Metllalica, Sound Garden, etc) and buying all the used $3 CD's I can find (Songs from the Movies of Clint Eastwood, Jesus Jones, Nirvana, Ben Folds, Nouvelle Vague, etc).

Yes my friends, we have crossed into the mid-summer crisis. It happens every year. July rolls around and I suddenly get hungry. I want to read books. I want to write books. I want to make mixes for all my friends. I want to not sleep till noon. Can you believe it!? Get up in the AM WITHOUT AN ALARM! I want to learn every inch of every Tom Waits record. Every cowbell tink and every gruff gravely lyric. I should learn to play piano. Or heck, I should go out on the street with my moroccos and just start shaking it. I should get a pair of mocassins. And wear my fedora more! I want to get my hair cut. I want to grow it out. Should I grow the beard back? I want to re-organize my entire music collection. I want to put new posters on my wall. I want to move out! I want to hang out with my family. I want to meet new people! I want to become a barfly. I want to go to Belgium. Or Australia! I heard Greenland is nice this time of year! But what about Africa! I should go do some mission work. But who's going to mow the grass at home? Wait, when do I even mow the grass? I don't, dad does. But I should! But I hope he doesn't wash my car while he's not mowing the grass, because I wanna do that too. I want to run for president! I'm not old enough. Maybe I should just run. Like run around the track run. I haven't done that since high school! Hey, I should get older! Right now! Although, I guess I am getting older with every word I type, but...not old enough! I should invent something new. Something to make you get older quicker. But not too old, ya know? But I like being young. In fact, I want to be younger. But oh, with the wisdom I have now! I want to see some new movies! Indie ones and silent ones and black and white ones! But I don't want to stay home tonight. No sir! I did that all winter! Time's a wastin, buster! Get out there, get grinding, get chompin, get taking over the world! You should be dancing! But when am I going to do all this personal stuff at home?! WTF! I need to make more me's! I should be everywhere doing everything! I should be holding hands with someone. I should be in love. I should apologize to the people I never apologized to. Just call them up, out of the blue. "Hey, I know we haven't spoken since the 7th grade, but..." I should make dinner tonight! Why don't I eat salads? Should I start? Why not?! Leaves are pretty natural right? Duh! I should go skydiving. And scuba diving! But not in the Schuylkill River, ew. But why not? I bet no one else does. I wish I was better at everything I do. I should work on everything I do right now and get better at it right now. I wonder what's going on in New York City, right now? All kinds of things I bet! I should go! Suck it all in, one big deep breath of neon city! Fill your lungs up with all that life and bustle and hustle. Ah, the city. Somewhere else! I should be there-all the somewhere else's that exist right now. That's where I want to be. But I'm here... Whoa, solemn Stanley! Pick your head up! There is still so much frontier here! Go conquer it. Go cut it up! Or no, hold your wild horsies partner. I should bring it all here, pull all the waves to me like I'm the center of the ocean. I am the capital! I want all my friends right here, every night. We can have a campfire up in the woods every night. We all hang out, play music and talk. Trade war stories. Play spin the bottle. Drink wine. Drink beer. Whatever! Our own beautiful spot at the top of the world. Oh, how we'd glow. I want to be part of the light. I want to be part of the light. I want to be part of the light.

That's why I haven't been blogging. But I should blog more! I think I will.. but I want to do this and that. So who knows. I should stop making excuses! That would be a great thing to do this summer.

Or is it Batmen? Plurals in super hero world are never easy.

Anyway, continuing our look at the many incarnations of Gotham's Darkest Knight through the decades, let's take a look at just how timeless a Batman flick The Dark Knight is with the below vids. (or atleast, how timeless the trailer is).

Each of the following trailers are streaming goodness of the many incarnations the Joker and Mr Wayne have gone through thru the years, but dubbed over with their Dark Knight voices. Which one wins?

The Dark Knight, 1989 style



The Dark Knight, 1966 style (my personal favorite)



The Dark Knight, 2008 style (for good measure)


And once again, July 18 cannot come soon enough.

Let's face it Batman, we make better kid action figures than movies.

Remember the days when George Clooney was Batman? When director Joel Schumacher had actually descended the Batman movie franchise into a campier universe than the 1960s sitcom starring Adam West?

Batman, the most twisted noble hero of comic lore had become a terrible joke (rather ironic considering his arch nemesis, yes?). The franchise was raking in big name stars like the Governator, Val Kilmer, Jim Carrey, Tommy Lee Jones, and so on, but these actors were playing CARTOON characters, not the deeply disturbed personas created in the shadowy comic. Don't even get me started on the dialogue of those movies. Ick.

So many of us utterly lost all faith in the Batman franchise, when it once held so much hope. It almost seems like Alicia Silverstone and Chris O'Donnell were so embarrassed they went into hiding.

But then Batman began, again.

The joke, it seems, was on us. Or atleast, Joel Schumacher's vision of a Gotham City that looked more like it had come from The Matrix.

So here we are, nearly 2 weeks from the release of "The Dark Knight." And we're talking about how Heath Ledger's re-invented Joker is the most brilliant chaos to ever fire a bazooka on a big screen. He's an atomic bomb of a character that quite literally surprised everyone who knew him mostly as "that aussi who played a homosexual in a controversial cowboy movie" (Brokeback Mountain).
There's even Oscar talk.

Suffice it to say, we've come a long, long way from Poison Ivy's cringing persona in Batman & Robin.

There really isn't even a point to this particular blog, other than the fact that July 18 can't come soon enough. And I'm glad the past is behind us.

New Kids on the Block. PLUS New Edition? Holy super group!!

Oh wait, minus Bobby Brown you say? Nevermind, I just lost all interest.