the movie started off well and ended well, albeit tragically, which got everyone thinking, delving deeper into the themes and morals of movie. and the movie had me gripping the sides of my seat constantly. the startling moments of the movie come so abruptly that i had to mentally prepare myself as i presumed that every eerily-quiet moment would be followed by a (BOO!). there were even moments when the audience was so engrossed, so hypnotised by the Joker's sinister actions that there was complete silence. seriously, nobody was breathing in those minutes of painful suspense. and the plot of the movie was so finely architectured - conflict, chaos, tragedy all at once without being too overwhelmed. everything was perfectly orchestrated, right down to the grubbiness of the Joker's make-up.

but above everything else, i have to give praise to the late Heath Ledger. his portrayal of the Joker was hauntingly magnificent. he was cruel, funny, sadistic, insane, sarcastic and so much more of what the Joker was supposed to be - simply, perfect. many said he overshadowed jack nicholson who previously acted in the said role. i'm sure that's true, even when i havent watched that movie before (i doubt i'll be watching it anyway; my expectations would be way too high already). also, that one line "you complete me" he uttered to batman was hilarious. but of course, to understand why i'm laughing right now, you'd have to watch it. you MUST watch it. i'm certain Heath will be getting that posthumous oscar award because he totally deserves it. anyway, it's tragic Heath is gone. he was a great actor and sadly, we wouldnt be able to see him as the Joker again in a sequel (if there's one). but, depressing as it is, at least he went out with a BANG.

let us observe a moment of silence...

...but then, as the Joker would say,

;)