Ten Reasons The Dark Knight Is The Best Film Of The Past Decade

Come one, we all know it's true. (this is for you Kristy!)

1. The Joker is the best villain since Darth Vader

Via whatculture.com

The pencil trick sets the tone, and he only gets better from there.

2. Heath Ledger's career ended with an absolutely legendary performance.

Via memegenerator.net

R.I.P.

3. No one cares that they had to switch actresses for Rachel Dawes' part

Via cdn2.screenjunkies.com

We were worried about it beforehand, but who was talking about it after watching it?

4. Alfred's brilliant metaphors and sage counsel

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Sometimes to catch a bandit, you have to burn down the forest.

5. It is both profoundly intellectual and one of the highest grossing films of all time

Via nbacouchside.com

One could argue that this is the pinnacle of artistic achievement: a work that has both mass appeal and rich philosophical underpinnings.

6. The Joker's hospital speech

Via giphy.com

This the moment we finally find out what the Joker is about. His criticism about society's obsession with controlling the uncontrollable is absolutely spot on: "It's all part of the plan. . ."

7. The different ways the Bat symbol takes on meaning

Via cgpgrey.com

"As a symbol I can be incorruptible, I can be everlasting."

The Bat symbol first represents hope for the city and fear for criminals, but as the Dark Knight shows, symbols are contingent on the meanings we attribute to them. . .

8. The ferry scene

Via youtube.com

This is probably the most implausible part of the film, but it is also one of the most powerful because Batman (as a symbol!) has inspired people to believe in Good.

9. It shows us that sometimes the truth is not sufficient for us, so we believe a lie

Via moviefancentral.com

Batman takes on the sins of Harvey Dent to become the hero Gotham needs. "Sometimes the truth isn't good enough, sometimes people deserve more. Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded..."

10. Taken as a whole, it is the myth that explains America

Via moviefancentral.com

If superheroes are our culture's modern "myths," then the Dark Knight explains who we are and what we are like better than any other.