Chapter 610:

The plot of the movie stirred the audience's nerves.

In major theaters across North America, voices filled the air, all debating the character of "Batman."

David Denbigh listened to the angry voices around him, a look of intrigue on his face.

Interesting, so interesting!

Batman exists because of the Joker?

Haha, through the superb plot and performances, the audience is indirectly drawn to another character. This is truly... unique!

It was evident that the audience in the theater was completely immersed in the movie.

Very few films in Hollywood today manage to create such an immersive experience. Most rely on bloody horror or large-scale special effects to stimulate the audience, aiming for adrenaline rather than engaging their emotions.

And The Dark Knight... This can no longer be considered just a commercial movie, can it?

David Denbigh scribbled these thoughts in his notebook.

Heath Ledger had completely forgotten his physical discomfort.

He was an extremely emotional person, which allowed him to fully immerse himself in the role of the Joker.

How should I behave if I were in this role?

Martin's eyes in this scene were amazing, but I might have done it differently.

Damn, this expression is so brilliant, I feel fear in my heart—I can't do it!

Harvey stared blankly at the ruthless character on the screen, regret gnawing at him.

"Damn it, damn it for messing with this monster, this little bastard is going to be put on a pedestal. I really don't want to accept this!!!"

Will Smith, previously reclining comfortably in his seat, had now sat up straight, eyes glued to the screen.

He was contemplating Martin's expressions, his eyes, his body language, his delivery, his breath transitions...

He felt that Martin's portrayal of the Joker had surpassed masterful levels and reached a height nearly unattainable. Every detail in his performance seemed to communicate something deeper.

He thought about the script for Hancock he had just agreed to. Though the two characters were worlds apart, there was much he could learn from Martin's technique!

"My dear, I think you're going to become a god!" Anne Hathaway whispered, her admiration for her man's acting evident.

Though she was a bit coquettish and vain, she had a sharp eye for talent and knew how exceptional his performance was.

The first climax of the film was fast approaching.

Just when Bruce Wayne was about to admit defeat and go to the police station to reveal he was Batman, Gotham City's Prosecutor Harvey beat him to the punch and admitted it in front of everyone.

Harvey planned to use himself as bait to catch the Joker.

Meanwhile, Batman prepared for action.

The police car transporting Harvey was on the road.

The audience clenched their fists nervously.

Would justice prevail?

Could Batman catch the Joker?

An exciting car chase ensued.

Moviegoers temporarily put aside all their thoughts and fully immersed themselves in the action.

In the police convoy, clowns armed with bombs overturned police cars.

As the Joker aimed a rocket launcher at the police car carrying Harvey, the tension heightened.

The background music subtly grew stronger, rhythmic, and with a roar, the audience's spirits soared.

Boom!

A scream echoed.

Rockets were fired.

At the last second, the enormous Batmobile jumped into action, blocking the rocket and absorbing the fatal blow.

The Batmobile was wrecked by the explosion, but Batman emerged unscathed.

Nolan had masterfully used a blend of slow-motion and quick editing in this scene, capturing everyone's attention instantly.

"Fuck, this is so cool!"

"I love this car! I love high-tech!"

"Batman, attack!"

In the quiet theater, applause erupted.

Spielberg glanced toward Nolan. The pacing had been spot-on, allowing the audience to release the tension they'd been holding back, resulting in a wave of exhilaration—this was his specialty!

On screen, a Bat-motorcycle appeared. Batman mounted it and chased the Joker at full speed. The intense pursuit electrified the crowd.

In the end, Batman cornered the Joker.

The camera zoomed in, and the audience saw that the Joker was still fearless. He wore a maniacal grin, his eyes unnervingly calm. The contradiction was terrifying.

"Hit him to death! Hit him to death!"

A voice in the cinema shouted, and others quickly followed suit.

David Denby thoughtfully scribbled in his notebook: The Joker's defiance, his lack of fear, actually frightens the audience. But fear and worship are separated by just a thin veil!

The Bat-motorcycle spun, and Batman came face-to-face with the Joker.

The Joker swaggered forward, almost daring death.

The Bat-motorcycle suddenly revved, rushing straight toward him, the atmosphere thick with tension.

As the plot moved forward, despite the Joker's charm, the audience still longed for his demise.

In the eyes of those fully engaged in the film, if Batman could kill the Joker, it would crush the seeds of evil and chaos in Gotham.

The Joker had killed so many good people!

Sure, he'd also killed a lot of bad ones, but that didn't matter now. The audience no longer cared.

The police chief, Commissioner Gordon, Harvey—revenge had to be exacted!

As long as Batman could defeat the Joker, the audience's emotions would be released.

"No way!" David Denby murmured.

The director wouldn't let the audience release all their emotions so early in the film.

Moreover, the Joker was too captivating and unique. Even if other villains appeared in future films, it would be boring.

So... the Joker wouldn't die.

And indeed, David's guess proved correct.

A harsh sound echoed. Despite the Joker standing arms wide, welcoming death, Batman veered away at the last second.

"FUCK!"

"Damn it, what's he doing?"

"Why didn't he kill him?"

"I hate that he didn't kill him."

Just as the audience simmered with frustration, a gun barrel appeared, pressing against the Joker's head—the very Joker who had dared to challenge death.

It was Gordon, who everyone had thought was dead.

While the outcome was still frustrating, at least it wasn't as uncomfortable.

David Denby finally understood.

The director, or screenwriter, had once again toyed with the audience, stirring their emotions time and time again.