WHY I LOVE THE DARK KNIGHT: A Perfect Superhero Movie

Ten years later, The Dark Knight has retained its position as the at the peak of the superhero genre despite all that has followed it. Here are just some of the reasons why I love it.
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I do not own any of the footage or music from the Dark Knight film series that is used in this video
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VIDEO ESSAY/ANALYSIS/BREAKDOWN/REVIEW

[@prateekpandey9269]

The dark knight is my favorite movie of all time.

[@viceregaldust3191]

You’re not the only one.

[@spider-manunknown9193]

Facts

[@Whateveridksomething]

It's my second favorite

[@brucewayne-ej3cx]

The ending is a mess. And screws up the 3rd movie

[@spider-manunknown9193]

bruce wayne nah

[@zacharytroeller4441]

It’s nice to see someone explaining how great movies are for once and not just saying how x movie is the worst thing to happen to Society ever.

[@noahndindjock3362]

At first I thought the movie was overrated but this vid changed my mind

[@windowsVD]

@@noahndindjock3362 It's amazing how easily influenced some people are.

[@goranmilic442]

There are many things illogical in Dark Knight. Policemen are asking Batman to give himself up, so Joker would stop killing them, then they arrest Dent as (false) Batman and when they attempt to transfer him to prison, Joker kills 50 policemen. Batman took blame for Dent for no reason. People on 2 boats don't detonate to save themselves, although they can't know Batman will save them all. So their is no reason to not blow up other ship and save themselves, since Joker would do it anyway. 500 dead people is better than 1000 dead. Also, why would police allow Joker to make a telephone call? He's a terrorist, don't give him a phone.

[@_Adjei_]

@@goranmilic442 As for one of the police officers allowing Joker a phone call, that was because Joker had one of them as hostage with a piece of glass to his throat, threatening to kill him otherwise.

[@goranmilic442]

@@_Adjei_ True. Still a bad decision. Even that cop under knife told other cops not to give him anything, too dangerous.

[@shadowknight2171]

Rest in peace Heath, you are a legend and will never be forgotten.

[@francoisrd]

Rewatching this to boost you in the algorithm. Hope it helps.

[@thedarkfrost2351]

Simp

[@walangchahangyelingden8252]

@@thedarkfrost2351 If simping means helping this hardworking guy fighting against the current that is KZbin, Yes I am a Simp.

[@arand0mguy]

Pretty sure it worked

[@somethingforeveryone8549]

Brother, you missed to talk about the Music of the Batman Trilogy.

[@sdz7751]

I still can't get over how good this movie is

[@Eminoglu03]

same friend i still cant understand why this movie is so good for real reason.

[@wazir3974]

The Dark Knight is my third favorite movie of all time. It ages like fine wine every single rewatch. Cinema at its finest.

[@Auserthatexists]

What’s your second and first?

[@aidanhall7233]

That tribute to Heath was so wonderful. I shed a tear. Massive, massive thank you for this brilliant video.

[@user-ev1qb4ol3k]

I loved how the video progressed from an analysis of the dark knight to a tribute to Heath.... Hats off.

[@dustinfain8780]

This is the best video you've ever done. A beautiful masterpiece.

[@antoniobudelecan6077]

"A Beautiful Masterpiece" just like The Dark Knight

[@aidenpierce2482]

Probably the best video essay I've seen.

[@miabernal5706]

Nothing will ever top the Dark Knight.

[@JoElDoEsMoViEs]

Come on, its overrated because of Heath's joker

[@TheRorrii]

Okay so i've only watched three minutes but I had to pause to tell you how much I love this. The editing, the personal style. YESSS MORE PLEASE

[@pilgrim273]

I love how "I miss you" by blink 182 plays when Bailey talks about Heath Ledger. Fits the theme very well,

[@trentboyer8596]

This isn’t the perfect superhero movie it’s the perfect movie

[@Mr-man_png]

I think the Dark Knight should’ve won best picture

[@Robert1211995]

Definitely

[@timpage9424]

Everytime he goes "You have nothing, nothing to threaten me with. Nothing to do with all that power." I get goosebumps. ,

[@Dustyholes]

Not just the story and the script but the soundtrack is S Tier. I remember when I first watched it in theaters and hearing that one pitch that’s constantly getting higher and faster, my heartbeat was absolutely racing. Everything about this movie is perfect to me.

[@alejandras1901]

Keep doing these type of videos Bailey! Also I'd love to see a WHY I LOVE DUNKIRK or WHY I LOVE INCEPTION video some day in this channel, cause just like you said in the video, Nolan's filmography is just delicious.

[@LoverboyMedia]

Alejandra Salazar Both of those should happen within the next 12 months 🙌

[@ofcrgry]

Loverboy Media This comment did not age well lol. That said, your videos are great, keep doing what you enjoy my man.

[@lavo8235]

This video is just the best.. I feel a very strong urge to watch it now, as I do after all of your essays. Keep it up!

[@misterrkalebhimself]

18:24 I’m definitely biased, but playing I Miss You to start the conclusion of your Batman video essay is the coolest shit ever.

[@LetsTakeALook]

This video not only has wonderful analysis, but a very heartfelt tribute to Heath Ledger. I could really feel your emotion. Seriously, great job. This video and channel deserve WAY more attention! You're right up there with the most popular channels around in my eyes.

[@saulgoodman1236]

I don’t know why but I always liked the fighting style of the dark knight- I know it’s not how Batman would fight but him rescuing the hostages is my favourite scene

[@cdmxvii5614]

It’s not the worse or the best but it is entertaining and yeah him rescuing the hostages is the best

[@bigboy2281]

I really like when he does stealth stuff like in Batman begins that might be one of my favorite Batman moments ever

[@fanragingfilms9798]

Damn it now I gotta watch this movie again! Great video again:)

[@tashrif46]

17:47 Yes the Dark Knight and even the Dark Knight Rises, especially the first part of Rises, is the culmination of Joker's victory

[@RichieCollinson]

I think Batman Begins is a better 'Batman' movie, yet The Dark Knight is a better psychological thriller overall. Great analysis review, by the way, keep up the good work. Your content is well-thought-out and strongly constructed.

[@notadog]

This video should be a primer for other video essays. From editing, music, mixing, and accurate film scenes, this is just perfect. *Chef's kiss*

[@antitroll890]

I think I know why this is the best comic book movie of all time; Batman himself, he finally got his due here where as Begins set the bar this took it to a whole nother level. No matter what the physical, moral or mental conflict in this story Batman overcomes it. He never once strays from his moral code or gives up even if he considers that. Both Tim Burton and Zack Snyder completely missed the point of the caped crusader. Nolan nailed it.

[@FraserSouris]

I disagree. I don't think you watched these films that closely. Firstly, this Batman does stray from his moral code. In Begins, he lets Ras die ("I won't kill you. But I don't have to save you"). And in TDK, he kills Harvey by tackling him off the building. Like, the whole ending of TDK is Batman failing to overcome the Joker's moral challenge. That's the whole point of the story. The Joker wins because he shows that when the chips are down, your morals hold you back. That in order for the heroes to minimize the Joker's damage, they have to compromise on their morals. Batman has to kill Harvey. He has to break privacy laws. Gordon has to lie and say that Harvey was a hero. TDK isn't a good film because Batman doesn't stray from his morals. It's a good film because he has to. Secondly, Snyder didn't miss the point of Batman. His version was of a Batman that had long since strayed from his code but doesn't realize that. A similar idea to The Dark Knight Returns. Only difference is that this Batman did redeem himself.

[@oeboekanoeboe5867]

@@FraserSouris basically spot on

[@doublez1210]

I've been watching all of your videos and I'm super impressed with the editing. You deserve way more subscribers than 2.8k

[@spider-manunknown9193]

The dark knight is one of the best comic book movies of all time and may be in the top 10 best movies of all time next to joker.

[@theonlyjoe_]

How the ‘I miss you’ song over heath ledger’s section works so well

[@alk3mystix]

Honestly, I can't get enough of these underrated small movie channels

[@thankyoujodi]

Love the passion man

[@josueaguilar7725]

WHY I LOVE THE DARK KNIGHT! I was kind of saving it for the right moment since I knew it was going to be ufff... Well it was! ... Big time! 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽 Please keep doing it!

[@phantomkitten73]

"Calling something overrated isn't a way of saying that you don't like that thing; it's a way of saying that you don't like other people liking that thing, which is kind of a shitty thing to do." Thank you. Do you mind if I -steal- use this forever?

[@LoverboyMedia]

go for it

[@kingly4900]

Another way Nolan plays with time is when Bruce plants the time bombs on the window and then they blow up right when he needs to escape. The movie was edited so that the time from when he starts the timer is around the time in the movie they blow up. I think you can skip foreword however long it is set for and be really close to the actual explosion

[@daltonrothchild6569]

Sir, when you said you didn’t know at the start of the video that you were going to end up there talking about Heath Ledger, I felt that, but thank you so much for sharing. Learning just how literally close to home he was to you was like an crazy twist when listening to this video and it was all incredible to hear. I saw the Dark Knight five times in theatres when I was 11 years old and Heath Ledger became one of my idols despite previously being totally unfamiliar with his earlier work.

[@forestvvoods577]

It's still iconic in 2021 so are your song choices and editing

[@zionhill3893]

You deserve more viewership. Keep up the great work man.

[@misterrkalebhimself]

I figured this was as good an excuse as any to watch this video again. You do good work, Bailey.

[@AirlinerGold]

Man breaking banter is sooo underrated!! Been a fan for the last 2 years!! Keep it up bro

[@spacecowbo7716]

for some reason the blink 182 as he was talking about heath ledger made me really emotional

[@KamenSentaiMetalHero]

I think Batman represents order and the Joker represents chaos.

[@dailyderpin188]

and i think fire is hot

[@parkerpshebnisky1051]

One of the best movies ever made!

[@spider-manunknown9193]

Facts

[@sarahxo2317]

Agreed

[@Dog1167]

no its THE best movie ever made!

[@kalmanta1824]

Wonderful summary of Heath Ledger‘s work in this movie, also very emotional. Your analysis made me wanting to watch the movie again.

[@Pocketkid2]

You didn't even mention how Christopher Nolan literally invented the use of IMAX for regular movies with this film, which had a considerable impact on the movie industry as a whole. The Dark Knight is the turning point in Nolan's career where his cinematography transformed from just fine to truly spectacular, and IMAX allowed him to do that. If you want to bask in the IMAX glory of The Dark Knight, check out the 4K Bluray release, which has the expanded aspect ratio for those scenes that were filmed with IMAX cameras, and the detail level is incredible.

[@amansinghrollno-7167]

The entire section about heath was really emotional

[@dsgcarlos6318]

I’ve rewatched tdk so many times I’ve lost count

[@sedahsenrot899]

It is indeed still the best superhero today ! None of them match it no matter how we love them.

[@joshwinter1097]

I’d like to see some entries in this series that are a bit unpopular, or maybe films we haven’t heard of yet.

[@LoverboyMedia]

Josh Winter It'll be almost ALL unpopular and obscure topics once I've built up a bit of a base again 👌

[@joshwinter1097]

That’s great. I’m looking forward to it 😁

[@rjmacready9828]

My favorite movie of all time, light years ahead of any superhero movie out there

[@carsicc]

This video is literally peak content, I cant wait for you to be appreciated by more ppl!

[@PaulaElaineMiles]

I’m 4 years late to this, but your section on Heath made me immediately sob. His absence will forever be felt, and it hurts that he never got to see how much the world loves his performance

[@samay4582]

Ok, so I’m late, but the video is just... wow. So goooood. You deserve wayyyy more subscribers than what you have.

[@frankensteinmonster1931]

22 people disliked this video. WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE AND WHO HURT THEM?!?!

[@YonatanShamgar]

Early summer 2008 is the most interesting superhero moment. May: Iron Man starts the long march of the MCU, June: The Incredible Hulk and Wanted, July: Hancock, Hellboy 2 and The Dark Knight

[@Whateveridksomething]

I only know 4 of them, iron man, incredible hulk, Hancock and the dark knight half of them sucked except for the dark knight and iron man

[@rabspapa692]

How tf is this only at 1.3k views? I'm disappointed in KZbin. Get this in the recommended section!

[@LoverboyMedia]

Ayyy thank you!

[@aidenpierce2482]

55k now, but still deserves waaaaay more views.

[@zoriiginalx7544]

Yes, even in 2021, this movie is *iconic*

[@dustinfain8780]

This video is the reason I'm becoming a patron

[@LoverboyMedia]

THANK YOU!

[@pro707]

This video is The Dark Knight of video essays.

[@pacol.4302]

Logan: you think you can have more essays and higher critical and commercial success than me? The Dark Knight: yeah

[@johnp.smithasimpleman7281]

Hahaha

[@spacecowbo7716]

the editing in this video is next level. the way you showed the screens when you said “at least not without compromising your morals” gave me chills

[@FiveByte]

I think the fact I still see a lot of people talking about this movie shows how iconic it is, very rarely do I see people talking about other superhero movies the way the dark knight is talked about. Every part of this movie was great and viewing it for the first time I didn't even know it was a sequel. This movie didn't just define what a superhero movie should be but also defined what a 'joker' should be. Nobody can match Heaths performance but the fact that so much time was put into developing the joker shows the love for the history behind it. Nolan's decision to give Heath as much freedom as he did made this movie great and not just another half arsed movie with a fan loved character for a easy pay check, love went into this and it shows. From bat nipples to facial scars the time between was so worth it and nobody but Nolan could've done it. I often wonder if Heath would still be playing the joker today if he was still alive. A role that I think was perfect to be one of his last with how good he was.

[@SapLow]

I think this is the best video I've watched talking about "The Dark Knight". Just wondering have you watched kick-ass? I think it's really good.

[@SolidSnake0621]

Let’s count the comments that read: “Why I love The Dark Knight. Because it’s Batman End of video” Though I’ll agree that it is a great movie, at least I can say that without the Bat-biased option of the common viewer

[@JayFoxx4]

This movie is just iconic if not more iconic in the future. Reporting live from 2021.

[@jordanmachuca6087]

Lots of recent hate seemingly out of nowhere for the Dark Knight now that the Batman came out, so just needed to cleanse my palate with someone pointing out all the ways it’s great!

[@Crow-qm7zw]

Yeah it's embarrassing, so obvious that some of the people who love it are insecure about it being an inferior movie so they have to overcompensate by acting like TDK(considered one of the greatest movies ever made) wasn't good. They're not even doing it right. If you wanna make something sound great by comparing it to another movie, don't act like that other movie is bad, cause then that doesn't say much about the movie you're trying to praise.

[@dafty9159]

That Arrested Development clip cracks me up everytime

[@redgrizzly1492]

100+ points for playing I Miss You at the Heath Ledger part. Kudos, good sir

[@childintime9121]

What a perfect video for the perfect superhero movie. Not only did you bring up so many points I agreed with, but the way you talked about Heath Ledger was very touching and beautiful, and it really hit close to home because Heath has always been one of my most favorite actors of all time. No one deserves death, and I wish Heath could see how iconic his role as the Joker became.

[@LetsCrashThisParade]

Man, this was a great video during the first half but damn... That second half hit hard. Very very well done mate

[@johannessylvester9357]

Been waiting for a vid like this, thanks.

[@movedmindpoRUSZonyUMYS]

Since the intro to this video, I knew right away this isn't your typical take on The Dark Knight. And holy molly it isn't. And that's so delightful about it. Also, I loved the personal shift it takes, it makes you as a creator feel much closer to a viewer and a fan like me :)

[@jermainerucker2027]

Wow that was the ending I didn’t know I needed. Thanks for that. Truly one of the best performances this world will ever witness.

[@captainviper3888]

Perfect description of why I love this joker, constant pressure to characters within the story.

[@samjthomson1996]

Loved this video the first time mate, loved it even more this time. Best of luck with the brand new channel!

[@TommFoolery]

There are so many videos simillar to this... Oh, did you think I was trying to say im bored? No, ill never be bored of people giving this film some love! Awesome video! I can feel that your going to make it big on youtube

[@victoria3272]

only halfway through but this is so good ! and the music?! 11/10 sir

[@cinesheikh]

Fantastic video and well articulated the reasons why I also believe The Dark Knight is one of the greatest films ever. Nolan's work has been such an important influence on my own filmmaking too. I would also love to watch your short film that you mentioned in this video, where can we find it?

[@aidenpierce2482]

It's crazy that no other superhero film has captivated me more than The Dark Knight and its overarching story in the trilogy as a whole. I've probably rewatched The Dark Knight alone over 10 times, and I'm still not remotely sick of it. I still find it as enchanting and enthralling as the first couple of viewings and that is simply incredible. Nolan and his team really made something special with these films. The story really is the spectacle. While other superhero films feature bombastic action set pieces that feature gargantuan battles and grandiose explosions - The Dark Knight triumphs all of that by merely having a remarkable story. That truly is the spectacle to behold. No superhero movie before has made me ponder human nature and morality before in such a riveting delivery. The battle for Gotham's soul is such a compelling conflict, that Batman has to struggle to win against his unstoppable adversary, the Joker. Aside from the interrogation scene (which is just perfect), my favourite scene is the finale between Batman and Joker. The scenario on the ferries had me engaged and sitting at the edge of my seat. So far, the Joker won at every turn, and I was wondering if he would be victorious once again. But he wasn't. Even if the passengers on those boats wanted to save themselves; Even if the people on the other boat were criminals, they couldn't bring themselves to take another life. They couldn't bring themselves to come down to the Joker's level. I also love that at the exact point, you can see the Joked frustrated and disappointed for the first time so far. For the first time, he felt as he has failed. Batman's line right after is also just awesome as he says, "What were you trying to prove? That deep down everyone is as ugly as you? You're alone." I love The Dark Knight.

[@achmadfauzan642]

Thank you, mister.

[@thebatcave111]

How do you only have 24k subs... Fantastic editing and really great content! Would love to see more regular content! :D

[@kieranpotter1483]

The dark knight is definitely engraved in the history of filmmaking masterpiece

[@jeffreygoodwin4211]

Excellent video!

[@Batman-hb9dh]

I don't care what anyone says, everything about this movie is perfect

[@pepedanon]

Great video man! Respect.

[@haydenfarts]

I can’t wait til Alex makes a video with you guys you guys are great and the mixture between you guys will be awesome

[@glitchfunnyastonishing7822]

WHY DO YOU ONLY HAVE 14 THOUSAND SUBS!!! U DESERVE 10 MILLION MAN!!!

[@timcollins1933]

2020 and this still is a great movie and a truly awesome performance from Heath thankyou for this

[@brucegrimes1101]

Your editing 🔥

[@corygolden6772]

This movie is still iconic in 2023, wish I could go back and get the feeling I had when watching it for the first time

[@alejandras1901]

I LOVE THIS VIDEO SO MUCH.

[@facemaster368]

You be spitting straight facts. This is my favorite movie of all time and it’s infinitely rewatchable somehow

[@scoobs5955]

Best video I’ve seen

[@LoverboyMedia]

Thank you!

[@LokRevenant]

When the rewind happens, and the Blink 182 drums kick in, I get chills.

[@asherward1589]

While you never really said anything new (Minus the Heath Ledger bit, but very few can say they live in that actor's hometown, so) I haven't seen an essay on The Dark Knight that was so powerful as this. I agree, with everything, as a storyteller, this movie both inspires me and makes me feel like I could never create anything truly great if I have THIS movie as a competitor (Not that it makes me stop or feel like I can't). Truly one of the greatest movies ever made.

[@matthias7893]

Always love someone praising a film in a long essay

[@Uzodesign]

So, given at the time this video was posted in 2018 you were 21 years old and already directed your own movie in a theater that's quite a feat. You sound very mature for your age. I really love the way you tell stories. You make it personal in such a way your audience can feel what you're feeling and almost imagine themselves there. I wish you all the best man.

[@phoebemaddisonyo]

"The Joker had that shit on lock" That was just everything

[@Wally480]

What are your thoughts on "Joker" with Phoenix? It's a great movie to me. But dark Knight is still better. Wish I could see it on the big screen again!

[@LoverboyMedia]

I reviewed it here on my other channel 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ-0dIp5nJear8U

[@2kx62]

Ur lucky I wish this came out in my generation so I can see it on big screen

[@Wally480]

@@2kx62 I still remember the night. It was a pretty great, but weird experience. Being completely blown away by Heaths performance and simultaneously crushed and depressed that Heath was gone and we'd never see more

[@SuperAbd]

Dark knight trilogy is an experience of a lifetime . I could never forget it.