Frenzied fans pushed The Dark Knight, the sixth installment of Warner Brothers Batman franchise, to "a record $155.34 million in its first weekend, topping the previous best of $151.1 million for Spider-Man 3 in May 2007 and pacing Hollywood to its biggest weekend ever.," reports the AP. Without a question, much of the buzz centered around the film was in anticipation over the performance given by the late Heath Ledger, who died in January from an accidental drug overdose. His manic, demonic performance is already prompting speculation that the role might earn him a posthumous Academy Award nomination.
Unlike many event and high concept films, The Dark Knight lives up to its potential. The storyline is much darker than any previous Batman. From the moment the self-proclaimed "agent of chaos" arrives in Gotham, Heath Ledger's Joker takes over the screen. The comic book character's white mask and red lips are given a terrifying, ghastly overhaul, and, his formerly infectious laughter is now reminiscent of a disturbed mental patient. Ledger completely delivers as the Joker and this is arguably the strongest role of his career.
