Knight Backlash Begins

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"The fact that The Dark Knight is looking like a locked-in nominee -- and has for a month now -- is indicative of a weak field. It's not a reflection of the film itself, but of the simple fact that a film like that just isn't what the Academy tends to lean towards. People's Choice Award? Absolutely. Oscar? Are you kidding?" -- MCN's David Poland in one of his undated Oscar columns posted, I think, a day or so ago.

Among Best of '09<< previous | next >>Art of the Hustle

Posted by Jeffrey Wells on January 8, 2009 at 5:23 PM

comment #1

DarthCorleone says ...

My Knight backlash began the minute after I left the theater.

Posted by DarthCorleone at January 8, 2009 5:32 PM

comment #2

Edward Havens says ...

I thought the "Dark Knight is a lock for a Best Picture nominee" chat started in high gear when the first critics started going apeshit for it back in late June, and never really let up.

Posted by Edward Havens at January 8, 2009 5:35 PM

comment #3

drbob says ...

I watched Dark Knight on HD On Demand last night just to make sure I didn't miss something the first time. It just isn't very good. From the moment Batman decides to turn himself in until the very end of the movie, every character acts in completely illogical ways. I know the theme of the movie is chaos, but shouldn't the movie make some narrative sense.

Posted by drbob at January 8, 2009 5:49 PM

comment #4

mitchtaylor says ...

The Dark Knight is a decent film. So was Under Siege.

Posted by mitchtaylor at January 8, 2009 5:58 PM

comment #5

MindlessObamaton says ...

If crap like CRASH and CHICAGO can win the BP award, then a much better film like TDK can. For myself, there were far better films made this year, but TDK is an imressive achievement. It's not easy to make a huge pic that actually delivers. It's even rarer than the little pics that never get the attention at all (LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, HUNGER, etc.).

Posted by MindlessObamaton at January 8, 2009 6:15 PM

comment #6

actionman says ...

My Dark Knight backlash started kicking in....well...never. It's a great film.

Posted by actionman at January 8, 2009 6:52 PM

comment #7

D.Z. says ...

Not a fan of TDK myself, but it's still less full of itself than Wall-E.

Posted by D.Z. at January 8, 2009 6:55 PM

comment #8

Dan Revill says ...

Ah and the takedown campaign begins in earnest?

"...the film is so well slapped together, you see, and committed to its Trip of Darkness, and it doesn't really drag all that much besides so what's to complain about? This movie knows itself, knows the turf, keeps the engine tuned, nails it all down."

- Jeff Wells, July 18, 2008

Posted by Dan Revill at January 8, 2009 7:01 PM

comment #9

LexG says ...

TDK is such a near-perfect homage to Mann's HEAT that I'll consider any nominations and wins as long overdue recognition for Mann's movie from 1995.

Nolan himself dicussed using it as inspiration, but I'm surprised more die-hard film fans and Mann connoisseurs haven't written at length comparing the two; There are so many shots, sound cues, and musical homages throughout that pay homage to Mann's masterpiece, one could probably work up a pretty good essay on it. Hell, I think some of the music cues sound practically like the Tangerine Dream stuff from Mann's early work.

Posted by LexG at January 8, 2009 7:07 PM

comment #10

Sabina E says ...

I think TDK is a great movie.

Posted by Sabina E at January 8, 2009 7:11 PM

comment #11

NDH says ...

"If crap like CRASH and CHICAGO can win the BP award, then a much better film like TDK can."

I agree completely. I'll take The Dark Knight any day over most of the Oscar fare that typically gets nominated.

Posted by NDH at January 8, 2009 7:26 PM

comment #12

corey3rd says ...

it's a bunch of bitter old queens who realize they were such tools by hyping Ang Lee's Hulk. Now they can't imagine any comic book being Oscar-worthy. Is this film any less comic booky than Gladiator?

Posted by corey3rd at January 8, 2009 7:30 PM

comment #13

jbf81 says ...

TDK was a great film, much better than Crash, Miss sunshine or others past BP noms, so I have no problem with thi film getting a nom, hell I dont care if it wins.

Posted by jbf81 at January 8, 2009 7:47 PM

comment #14

smiley says ...

I'm sorry but The Dark Knight is still in consideration because its a great film. Iron Man also did very well, yet its not up for this kind of consideration for a reason.

WALL-E is a goddamn cartoon for Christ sakes. Slumdog Millionaire was a deliberate attack on people's heart strings. If Seven Pounds was garbage so is Slumdog.

When people look back TDK is the best film of the year, maybe even the decade.

Posted by smiley at January 8, 2009 7:56 PM

comment #15

Chase Kahn says ...

I think our crosshairs should be aimed at 'Frost/Nixon' -- at least 'The Dark Knight' has a pair.

Posted by Chase Kahn at January 8, 2009 7:57 PM

comment #16

Chase Kahn says ...

Smiley did not just compare 'Slumdog Millionaire' to 'Seven Pounds'...

Posted by Chase Kahn at January 8, 2009 7:58 PM

comment #17

smiley says ...

I did, both are just heart string pullers. Boyle made it pretty to look at, but the film is rehashed, predictable and conniving.

Posted by smiley at January 8, 2009 8:05 PM

comment #18

MindlessObamaton says ...

LexG: Agreed about the HEAT stuff, but notice how subtle and reverent it is of the earlier pic, where as TCCOBB just rips off GUMP to the point of becoming a joke.

Maybe having three protagonists in TDK lessened the HEAT comparisons, but it's all there. Interesting that the best onscreen bank heist since HEAT is in a film homaging (?) HEAT.

Posted by MindlessObamaton at January 8, 2009 8:08 PM

comment #19

MindlessObamaton says ...

SM just keeps coming apart more and more every time I think about it. It's the best "designed" movie of 08.

Posted by MindlessObamaton at January 8, 2009 8:09 PM

comment #20

smiley says ...

MindlessObamaton,

I hope a lot more people think the film over like you did and realized how it is meticulously designed.

Posted by smiley at January 8, 2009 8:16 PM

comment #21

LexG says ...

What, you mean you guys DIDN'T forego your entire adolescence to moon like a DOUCHE over some chick you played with in the Fagin Camp Sandbox for 2 weeks when you were EIGHT YEARS OLD?

Who of course would still remember you and know that you were going to save her from her life as a sharp-dressed schoolmarm who just happens to live with violent psychos who leave her alone to watch TV all day.

Posted by LexG at January 8, 2009 8:24 PM

comment #22

Ethan says ...

Ready to take back your "A Best Picture nomination for The Dark Knight is impossible" comment at the NYCC, Jeff?

Posted by Ethan at January 8, 2009 8:44 PM

comment #23

ZayTonday says ...

Poland just basically said there's no shot in hell of TDK winning the Best Pic award. You know what this means guys:

TDK will win BP.

Posted by ZayTonday at January 8, 2009 9:03 PM

comment #24

byanyother says ...

He is an idiot and should not be let out of his cage to write this stuff. He knows nothing.

Posted by byanyother at January 8, 2009 9:16 PM

comment #25

CanCan says ...

Ethan,

One thing about Jeff you learn to accept is his never failing ability to guess things wrong. When he uses words like `never` or 'cant' it's almost given it will be. His guesses for award winners, box office results and even presidential races are so bad you actually can use them as contrarian indicators. One day I hope he will pump a stock so I can short it all the way to bankruptcy.

Posted by CanCan at January 8, 2009 9:19 PM

comment #26

lipranzer says ...

I agree, Mindless, I didn't mind how TDK referenced HEAT, because at least it was upfront about it (hey, William Fichtner's appearance at the bank was a nice tip of the hat), but BENJAMIN BUTTON'S resemblance to GUMP irritated me throughout, down to its use of African-American characters.

Posted by lipranzer at January 8, 2009 9:32 PM

comment #27

MindlessObamaton says ...

It's hard to see Bill Fichtner in that flick and not smile. I didn't know he was in it so that was a nice moment. I just love that opening heist. How many ways can you really rob a bank now on film? Honestly? At least the Nolans gave it a real twist. As my brother points out, that shot of Joker waiting on the corner where the camera closes up on his robbery mask pretty much tells the tale from there on out.

Posted by MindlessObamaton at January 8, 2009 9:42 PM

comment #28

byanyother says ...

The Dark Knight is easily one of the best of the year, by a long, long way. If it is nominated it will truly deserve it, despite what certain people are whining about.

Posted by byanyother at January 8, 2009 9:51 PM

comment #29

Krillian says ...

The Dark Knight was my favorite of the year, saw it twice.

Posted by Krillian at January 8, 2009 10:17 PM

comment #30

allstar397 says ...

the dark knight backlash began the second it become the critical darling before release and blew up once it became huge commercially. Mostly because of the need of many to hate anything that becomes popular. Stripped of pre release expectations its fantastic. Once the 4 star reviews were coming far before its release the nitpickers made sure to see it looking to find things wrong with it.

Posted by allstar397 at January 8, 2009 11:07 PM

comment #31

/3rtfu11 says ...

LexG says ...
TDK is such a near-perfect homage to Mann's HEAT that I'll consider any nominations and wins as long overdue recognition for Mann's movie from 1995.

The Joker's theme and use of blue is the only thing Heat like about the whole affair. The rest is Point Break(the bank robbery) and Se7en (the dead body against the window -- the cell phone in the stomach).

Posted by /3rtfu11 at January 8, 2009 11:56 PM

comment #32

theultimatebiu says ...

I think its unfair to say people who criticize TDK are just jumping on a Bandwagon. The movie is good but it really does fall apart in the last 40 minutes.

Posted by theultimatebiu at January 8, 2009 11:59 PM

comment #33

K. Bowen says ...

The film I would compare it to is actually Dirty Harry, albeit more overtly thoughtful. Heat would be an interesting comparison, as well.

Posted by K. Bowen at January 9, 2009 2:09 AM

comment #34

K. Bowen says ...

And by the way, isn't it number 2 on Poland's critics' top ten chart? Is he now advocating that top films be bumped in the Oscar race for more dignified mediocrities?

Posted by K. Bowen at January 9, 2009 2:10 AM

comment #35

K. Bowen says ...

Oh, and while I think the film is just OK, Robert Downey ought to be in consideration for Best Actor for Iron Man. Did any other actor carry a film more this year? Giving him a token nom for Tropic Thunder is just kinda "eh."

Posted by K. Bowen at January 9, 2009 2:13 AM

comment #36

BurmaShave says ...

THE DARK KNIGHT is the best American film of 2008, and will be looked back upon as a masterpiece. The genre snootiness will seem as silly in retrospect as those who wanted to dismiss JAWS or STAR WARS.

Posted by BurmaShave at January 9, 2009 3:56 AM

comment #37

PastePotPete says ...

Yeah, The Dark Knight isn't worthy of the award that went to these unmistakably brilliant films:

Crash
Million Dollar Baby
LOTR: FOTK
Chicago
A Beautiful Mind
Gladiator
American Beauty
Shakespeare In Love
Titanic
Braveheart
Forrest Gump
Dances With Wolves
Driving Miss Daisy

What a pathetic last twenty years it's been for the Academy.

Posted by PastePotPete at January 9, 2009 4:12 AM

comment #38

CitizenKanedforChewingGum says ...

PPP,

That should probably read LOTR:ROTK unless there was a "Fellowship of the King" mash-up experience that I somehow missed (to be followed by the dreaded sequel mash-up, "Return of the Ring").

But your overall point still stands (even if I wouldn't argue about the Oscar-worthiness of about 2 or 3 on that list).

Posted by CitizenKanedforChewingGum at January 9, 2009 4:25 AM

comment #39

PastePotPete says ...

I was probably thinking of a different F word actually.

And yeah I don't dislike them all or anything, but this idea that The Dark Knight can't win Best Picture because it's not the ACTUAL best film of the year is bull.fucking.shit.

The only movie that's won best picture since I started paying attention that I personally believed was the best movie that year was Unforgiven. Even some of the ones I left off the list weren't my picks for best film, but I left them off because they were in the top three at least.

Somewhere there's a world where The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford, Children of Men, The Insider, and The Thin Red Line won Best Picture in their respective years, and I desperately want to be there.

Posted by PastePotPete at January 9, 2009 4:34 AM

comment #40

EDouglasCS says ...

In fact, The Dark Knight could already be the spoiler for BP this year... it is the macho manly kind of movie that the Academy often ends up picking after SAG goes for something all "actory" like Milk. I'm going to predict that Slumdog gets adapted screenplay and Boyle wins director but then Dark Knight takes BP.... don't think Benjamin Button has a chance and Slumdog might be peaking early (plus it's the Critics Choice)

Posted by EDouglasCS at January 9, 2009 5:52 AM

comment #41

JHR says ...

Poland is on target. Consider that there is no big groundswell or debate for any of the other prestige / Oscar bait films this year, except maybe a small push for WALL-E to get a BP nod, but even that is losing steam...no big push or debate for Revolutionary Road, The Reader, Gran Torino, Rachel Getting Married, The Wrestler...on and on...

TDK and Benjamin Button would have never been nominated in the previous 3 years...this is a weak year in BP, and a very predictable year in the acting categories, which is Poland's main point...

Posted by JHR at January 9, 2009 6:22 AM

comment #42

JapAdapters says ...

Whatever on thinks of TDK (I liked it but think the idea that it's a Best Picture level movie is laughable) can we all agree that just because other less than deserving movies have won shouldn't mean we just lower the bar.

Posted by JapAdapters at January 9, 2009 8:30 AM

comment #43

Filmsnob says ...

Me thinks Poland is still pissed at his foolish box office prospects for TDK. He refused to believe it was gonna be a massive hit. Even after opening to 158 mil he was saying let's wait til next week, its all about weekend 2.

Posted by Filmsnob at January 9, 2009 10:38 AM

comment #44

ZayTonday says ...

The only reason anyone is writing this off is because of its genre.

Posted by ZayTonday at January 9, 2009 10:46 AM

comment #45

the400blows says ...

TDK is a well-made film. However, it falls apart in the third act. It felt rushed. Another thing about TDK, upon repeated viewings, it wears thin after a while. It's all flash and glitter with no real substance (or complexity to its storyline). I don't think it was one of the best films of the year.

Posted by the400blows at January 9, 2009 10:55 AM

comment #46

the400blows says ...

to EDouglasCS: "....it is the macho manly kind of movie that the Academy often ends up picking...." Tell that to Spielberg after "Saving Private Ryan" lost to "Shakespeare in Love." I still think "Slumdog" has the best chance of winning BP (although I would give it to "Doubt"). It's a feel-good movie with a current topic theme: a new India emerging from the chaos of its past.

Posted by the400blows at January 9, 2009 11:03 AM

comment #47

Edward Havens says ...

Benjamin Button is the best of both worlds to Oscar voters. The older crowd can get behind its epic scope, lush cinematography and heartfelt romance, while the youngins can "finally" honor one of the most visionary filmmakers of their generation.

Posted by Edward Havens at January 9, 2009 12:12 PM

comment #48

smiley says ...

400blows,

If you have the academy vote again see how many of them vote Shakespeare over Private Ryan again.

As for Slumdog, whatever "theme" this film has is all too close to a Lifetime film. I enjoyed the Dark Knight very much, but I think Doubt, Milk, or Benjamin Button should win. Slumdog will end up being the Chicago of this year if it wins.

Posted by smiley at January 10, 2009 12:08 PM

comment #49

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