I have been on a time crunch the past several days now, mainly because the summer movie season is fast approaching and the work at the Alamo Drafthouse is picking up, so I have been splitting time between that, my full time job and more outside venue writing. I am currently in the middle of our Middle of the Map Film Fest, which has me seeing some amazing films that I will be doing a few reviews on for my site and another site I work for. So for now, more so the next few days, I will be on autopilot while I watch a lot of sweet movies and get some reviews out.
Today’s Movie of the Day will be The Dark Knight Rises. So hit the link for the original review and enjoy folks!
Nolan, over the course of his previous two films in the series, does grow immensely in terms of thematic development and grandiose set pieces. His action directing is phenomenal, with better fight framing and editing along with his ability to push the boundary of practical effects that don’t cheapen the thrill of the action. The bigger is better motif certainly took hold as the films explosions and action grew by leaps and bounds. It’s the most bombastic of his films, amping up the destruction and chaos, but still grounds the film in a strong reality that his universe has cultivated.
Thematically, Nolan explores the idea of pain, much like his exploration of Chaos and Fear in the previous two films. The pain of loss, physical, mental and spiritual pain is the centerpiece of the film. We witness society devolve into madness while Bane promises to show Batman/Bruce true pain in terms of watching the city he fought for be torn apart in front of his eyes. It’s a cruel tactic, ebbing away what Bruce has worked hard for, but it is the understanding that pain is also what drives us to do what we must to survive.
Click here for the full review
