The cinema was absolutely packed, right up to the front row seats, which were bedazzled by the screen perched a mere two feet away. It reminded me of when Star Wars: Episode 1 was released, which shows just how massive a franchise Batman has become.

Sadly, the first eight minutes of the film were ruined for me, because they’d been leaked on to the internet months before. This was a great shame (though I’m the only one to blame), because the opening scenes are some of the best in the film. Our first introduction to the Joker as a ruthless, chaotic and cold maniac made it apparent that the writing, and Ledger’s portrayal, was spot on.

Right from those opening scenes the Joker never fails to terrify. It was largely due to the quality of acting on display, but the sound track also had an important role. There is absolutely no music in Dark Knight, and what a relief that is. Every blow that Batman delivers seems to reverberate around the cinema, and every time the Joker cackles it sends a chill down your spine. During the most thrilling scenes, a high pitched whine slowly crescendos as the Joker sets about scaring the wits out of his victim, and the audience.

This sparsity is apparent throughout the film. Elements are pared down, to allow them to speak plainly and effectively. The editing is masterful, and considered. There is none of the hyper fast cutting which seems to pervade action films nowadays, especially the Bourne series. Instead, the camera can afford to linger, and let the actors really perform, in an environment which is absolutely believable. The portrayal of Gotham is so convincing, and so cohesive, that I could easily believe it to be a real place; a glass and concrete metropolis, drenched with darkness.

Hopefully Dark Knight will set a precedent for all other Super-hero movies, in the same way that Lord of the Rings did for the fantasy genre. It would be nice to see Dark Knight acknowledged as such in the Oscars, though its rather early to be speculating. Christopher Nolan has proven himself a highly competent director, bringing his highly charged, intelligent aesthetic to larger and larger audiences. The technical components of the film are also worthy of merit. The Batmobile itself, and its ensuing antics, set a new bar for the über cool. As for the costumes, these have come on a long way too. The Batman suit is finally convincing, allowing Christian Bale to convey real menace through the rubber skin. And the initial photos of Ledger dressed as the Joker did much to stoke the frenzied interest in the film, even when the release date was two years away. As previously mentioned, the sound design is top notch, and so is the editing. What I’m getting towards is….this is a nigh on perfect film. There is no getting away from it. It has arguably done more to popularise and intensify the legend of Batman than any other film, graphic novel, or otherwise. Its no wonder the fan boys are so happy. If there is to be a third film, which I’m sure there will be, then the whole cinema will be full of raving fans, in Batman and Joker suits. This is part of Ledger’s legacy, which may seem weird at first, but for an actor to imbue a role with so much intensity and life must surely be testament to his professionalism, talent and dedication. I for one would love to see Ledger win an Oscar. He certainly deserves it.