Image: film-grab.com
It's been documented around here how the Dark Knight trilogy has impacted my affinity for films. In recent times, that impact has reached a new level.
The always-acclaimed second film of that trilogy, The Dark Knight, was re-released in theaters on September 16th as part of Batman Day. This provided me with a chance to check off a humongous box on my film checklist: Watching it in theaters.
In 2008, the hype was absolutely unreal for this film. There was a lot of anticipation and it was only (sadly) upped a notch after the passing of Heath Ledger months before the release of the movie, in which he was cast as the Joker. I remember in those early months of January/February seeing people with t-shirts of the Joker and the famous quote "Why so serious?". For a movie that was released in July!
At the time, I was not as much into films as I am now. There's that, and the fact that I was a broke college student. Plus, at the time, I had not seen Batman Begins, so the mix wasn't right for me to partake in the viewing of this film. It was only years later that I realized that this was a cultural phenomenon. I completely missed it and since then, it's been my biggest cinema-related regret. I only saw it two years later via HBO on cable TV. You can imagine I've seen it about 800 times since.
Fast forward to 15 years later. Batman Day gave me a chance to finally get this Bucket List item off. At the risk of sounding like I was giddy (AND I WAS), I was excited as if it was the very first time I saw it. I couldn't believe I was even nervous (chuckles).
It was a packed house. When that opening tracking shot of the buildings came on and it cut to the heist scene with the clowns, it felt incredibly surreal. I've seen this so many times, but it felt like I was experiencing something new. And I'm not one to bloviate ad nauseam about theater-or-bust. I am highly appreciative of all kinds of watching experience (provided it's of good quality).
How great it was to absorb Hans Zimmer's iconic score with theater speakers. They also did a great job remastering the picture for today's standards. The crowd was great. Mostly silent. I'm sure they were taking it all in just like I was. I felt numb at some points. The people reacted to things. They laughed at many of Ledger's lines on screen. Some recited certain lines (I know I did). They even clapped when Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) was revealed to be alive after the car chase. And, of course, we all applauded when Oldman uttered those last lines: "...he's a silent guardian, a watchful protector, a Dark Knight", (credits hit).
It was an experience I'll never forget. This was 15 years too long. But I got this chance and I took it without a speck of doubt. No more regretting it. I finally saw The Dark Knight in theaters. You best believe I'm saving that ticket stub.
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