The Bank Heist – The Dark Knight
Ah, the famous opening scene of The Dark Knight. As the film opens up we’re thrown right into the middle of a bank heist, which also doubles as our first, electrifying introduction to the Joker.
A crew of thieves wearing clown masks swiftly carry out their heist as planned. Only, not everything is as it seems.
Betrayal and double crossing play into the heist and a fantastic William Fichtner (as the bank manager) rages across the room with a booming shotgun. As things escalate, and the money is finally collected, we’re left with only two individuals, one being the Joker.
Soon enough, that problem has been taken care of thanks to the bus driver, whom the Joker promptly executes. Fichtner, lying on the floor injured, gives what seem to be his dying words, telling the masked villain that criminals in Gotham used to believe in honour and respect. “What do you believe in!?” screams Fichtner.
And with that the Joker walks over, plants a smoke grenade in the injured man’s mouth and utters “I believe that whatever doesn’t kill you, simply makes you stranger.” He then pulls off his mask, giving us the first look at Heath Ledger’s iconic character. The Joker then boards the bus and drives out of the bank, right past the police.
Simply beautiful, Mr. Nolan. A terrifically executed heist scene that perfectly sets the tone for the film and gives us a terrifying introduction to Batman’s newest foe.
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