DARK CAMPAIGN

Christmas Day sees the release of several more Oscar contenders, and so far none of them are ranking as high with the critics as Dark Knight

by Blair on Dec.24, 2008, under NEWS

A quick glance over at RottenTomatoes gives us an unscientific snapshot of the overall reaction to some of the latest and last Oscar holiday releases before the year ends.

FRESH: 77 77% Curious Case of Benjam…
FRESH: 75 75% Doubt
FRESH: 60 60% Valkyrie

While none of these scores mean these are bad films or that they aren’t going to be nominated or even win… they do indicate a lower overall critical response to these flicks.  Compare to Dark Knight’s current score:

The Dark Knight (2008) 94 %

Consensus: Dark, complex and unforgettable, The Dark Knight succeeds not just as an entertaining comic book film, but as a richly thrilling crime saga.

Another film widely considered to be a contender, Gran Torino, doesn’t come close either:

74% Gran Torino

In fact of all the main contenders, only 2 “long shots” have higher ratings than Dark Knight, Wall-E with 96% positive and The Wrestler with 98%.  The other close Best Picture contenders are Milk and Slumdog Millionaire, each with 93% positive reviews.  So that means that currently The Dark Knight is currently beating most of its major competition for positive critical reviews in the big contenders for Best Picture.

33 comments for this entry:
  1. Rayne
    December 24th, 2008 on 6:53 pm

    BREAKING NEWS!!!!!

    Upon emails, and various attempts at reaching the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, I have recieved word back. The following is what was told to me via e-mail from the A.M.P.A.A.S.:

    “Due to the vast amounts of emails, and requests for consideration, You have succeeded in catching our attention. Academy Members will give respectable thought to this years movies. Films such as “The Dark Knight” will be given equal consideration along with other competing films. We applaud the hearts of those with so much dedication, and love for a film of this caliber. Thank you for your feedback, and good luck.”

    Well, everyone there you have it. This is straight from the Academy itself. I fought hard for this response. I hope it pleases a lot of you out there for all your hard work.

  2. R W O
    December 24th, 2008 on 6:57 pm

    Oh god Rayne, That’s such a good news for the Christmas holiday :)
    And what can I say more about the number 94% ? :))
    Yeah, we know that the critics always love “The Dark Knight”.

  3. Amir
    December 26th, 2008 on 6:41 am

    Dark Knight is currently number 2 in all time USA Box Office:
    http://www.imdb.com/boxoffice/alltimegross

  4. Anonymous
    December 26th, 2008 on 9:42 pm

    The 2008 Academy Awards already happened!!!

  5. vampyra
    December 27th, 2008 on 12:38 am

    Rayne you have made my day! This is fantastic news. The 2008 Academy Awards are shaping up to be the most exciting Awards we have seen in a very long time.

  6. Rayne
    December 28th, 2008 on 12:46 am

    Please Keep in mind that the response I got back from the Academy said that “The Dark Knight” would get EQUAL consideration. This is not a garauntee for it to win, how ever I hope it does.

    And no, the Academy Awards have not aired yet. Nominations will be announced at 5:30am on January 22nd, 2009 Pacific Standard Time.

    Here is the timetable of how the Awards will go this year:

    December 1, 2008: Official Screen Credits forms due.
    December 26, 2008: Nominations ballots mailed
    January 12, 2009: Nominations polls close 5 p.m. PT
    January 22, 2009: Nominations announced 5:30 a.m.
    January 28, 2009: Final ballots mailed
    February 2, 2009: Nominees Luncheon
    February 7, 2009: Scientific and Technical Achievement Award show

    Tuesday, February 17, 2009: Final polls close 5 p.m.
    February 22, 2009: 81st Annual Academy Awards

  7. Rayne
    December 28th, 2008 on 12:53 am

    TO THE WEBMASTER:

    Please note that your page is supporting the 2008 Academy Awards. The Awards coming up is actually the 2009 Academy Awards. You might want to change your HEADER.

  8. Blair
    December 28th, 2008 on 5:26 am

    Good call.

  9. John Jackson
    December 28th, 2008 on 12:27 pm

    What is with these critics and their pompus quotes… “The Dark Knights true power comes in the way this darkest of knights puts a mirror up to society”

    What the fuck does that even mean, i bet you the critic doesn’t even know, take your heads out your asses.

    “shakespearean”

    What an insult to Shakespears work.

    At the end of the day The Dark Knight is just a kids version of Michael Manns Heat, it’s a pop corn flick, nothing more, it’s not a masterpiece and it’s a fact it would have done the same at the box office as Batman Begins if Heath hadn’t have died.

    If this even gets nominated for Best Picture it just shows how down the toilet the film industry has gone, what an awful year 2008 has been for cinema.

  10. Costantinos Sozou
    December 28th, 2008 on 1:58 pm

    Hey fuck off joan jackson. You obviously dont understand films. Just because it isnt like Frost/Fucking Nixon or Slumdog bloody Millionaire doesn’t make it a bad film. Its better than all those films. And saying TDK is shakespearean is a compliment to the guy. Now go jerk off to Revolutionary Road.

  11. John Jackson
    December 28th, 2008 on 3:53 pm

    ^ You are a retard. No more explanation required.

  12. John Jackson
    December 28th, 2008 on 3:55 pm

    Seriously, you just said a comic book film is a compliment to Shakespeare, what a retard you are.

  13. Rayne
    December 28th, 2008 on 4:16 pm

    Ok, John Jackson I think I speak for the rest of us when I say “SHUT THE HELL UP!” This is something we believe in. If you don’t like it, then please, just go away. We do not need someone in here ruining everything.

  14. vampyra
    December 29th, 2008 on 12:52 am

    To John Jackson, I love the plays and sonnets of Shakespeare. I respect and admire the enormous contribution he has made to English Literature. I also enjoy comic books and comic books films. In particular Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. There is something grand and dare I say it Shakespearean about them.

  15. John Jackson
    December 29th, 2008 on 6:42 am

    Good comeback Rayne, your defense for why the Dark Knight is a “masterpiece” was well thought out. And Vampyra i enjoyed Batman Begins and The Dark Knight too, they are not bad films and are entertaining comic book movies but they are not Shakespearean in the slightest and again it’s an insult to Shakespeare to say it.

    All those pretentious critics don’t have a clue what they are talking about and use big words to try and make themselves sound intelligent.

  16. Anonymous
    December 29th, 2008 on 8:28 am

    The two films that I hope will get recognition at the Oscars are Slumdog and TDK. I got a lot of flak from my friends for choosing TDK, but it really is a good film. Ok, so it’s a superhero flick but it definitely smashed the comic book hero mold. Seriously, I thought I was watching a serious gangster movie. I’ve always been a fan of Christopher Nolan, and he really did great job with this film. Technically (art direction, sound, editing, cinematography), it was great. Of course, Heath Ledger’s performance was first rate. I hate it when people say, the only reason TDK is getting attention is because of Heath’s death. That’s total bullshit.

  17. Brabs
    December 29th, 2008 on 1:36 pm

    I love what you’re doing and nothing but love and support for this cause, but you know it’s the 2009 Academy Awards? Not 2008. Just an FYI. KEEP ROCKIN!

  18. BotanyBum
    December 29th, 2008 on 1:41 pm

    Everyone, please, let’s try to have a discussion without the slams on one another. Just because we do not agree with John Jackson does not mean that he isn’t entitled to his opinion.

    John, as for you I just have two questions. One, why are you wasting your time even communicating on these boards if you feel the way you do about TDK? You obviously like the film, but don’t think it Oscar worthy. And two, exactly what makes you such as expert on what qualifies as Shakespearean? Do you have a Ph.D. in literature, are you a critic yourself? I think before you go spouting off the negativity you have been, you need to qualify exactly what makes you so superior to everyone else’s opinion. Just a suggestion from someone who has dealt with folks who are loud, confident, and wrong…not to mention self-righteous, arrogant and rude.

  19. John Jackson
    December 29th, 2008 on 2:07 pm

    Botany - “Just a suggestion from someone who has dealt with folks who are loud, confident, and wrong…not to mention self-righteous, arrogant and rude. ”

    You mean like the critics that claim this film is a portal into the soul etc. If you talk to Nolan he will admit that the film is not about half the things people have read into it. I’ve seen it in so many commentaries and interviews with directors where people have asked the meaning of certain dialogue or scenes and the director has replied…there is no meaning, take it at face value i wasn’t portaying some hidden message that you had to try and find. The Dark Knight is an example of this.

    Also you ask for my creditionals, i’m not a critic no and i wouldn’t want to be, all a critic is, is someone who usually tried to make it in the industry and failed due to a lack of talent so they became a critic. Do you actually believe when people are in school they think to themselves…hmm i want to be a critic when i grow up.

    as for the Shakespeare comment, i thought that would just be pretty obvious to anyone with half a brain, what exactly qualifies it as shakespearean? What exactly does it do in direction/editing or script to qualify it as this that countless other films have not done and yet have not been labelled Shakespearean?

  20. BotanyBum
    December 29th, 2008 on 7:17 pm

    Dear John, you obviously have some very strong emotions towards the movie critics in this country and to be honest I really can’t blame you. I also agree that people have probably read a lot more into TDK than Chris Nolan ever really thought about in his wildest dreams.

    With that said though, can’t people enjoy the film and see in it what they want to? Isn’t that a mark of a great film, to elicit these thoughts and get people to think about life in ways they never thought of before? Whether it is MacBeth or TDK, if the reaction is the same then who really cares about the medium upon which it is delivered. A work doesn’t have to be written in 17th Century prose to stir one’s emotions, and for better or worse in this day and age, that is what TDK did for many people. Thus the reason for this website.

    FYI, you still didn’t answer why you were insistent upon verbalizing your disdain on this board. I would think there would be a better outlet for your particular feelings for the movie critics of America and likely the movie industry as a whole. Just a suggestion as most people here don’t seem to share your opinion. Just give it a thought :)

  21. John Jackson
    December 30th, 2008 on 2:34 am

    Ok thanks for your thoughts, i didn’t come here to insult anyone who likes the film as a good piece of work, but when i see comments about how it’s the greatest film ever made i just can’t help but comment as it’s a fact it is not the greatest film made, in any one department even, especially direction, editing, script or acting. I don’t have anything against anyone’s personal enjoyment of the film, i have enjoyed a lot of films over the years ranging from crappy to masterpiece.

    The one thing i will say tho now is that if it does now recieve a nomination or win, i will not see it as due to the films material and more of how a lot of people on the internet influenced the Academy to nominate it. Carry on enjoying the film, i will too, please to anyone who reads my comments do not reply with hostility towards me or i will come back and voice my opinion some more when the only real reason i came here in the first place was curiosity.

  22. Rayne
    December 30th, 2008 on 5:54 pm

    Then you should not have attacked everyones efforts. This is something we believe in. Just because you don’t does not give you the right to bring everyone of us down. You have no one to blame for the hostility towards you other than yourself. Sooner or later, everyone will just end up ignoring you or even better, blocking you from the site.

    Now, I have other news. I just sent an e-mail to Warner Bothers explaining the efforts we are making. I hope everyone sees the great lengths I am going to for this cause. Because unlike some…(Or One) I want this really bad. When I get an email back from Warner Brothers, I will pass it on.

  23. John Jackson
    December 30th, 2008 on 9:17 pm

    Just one question to you Rayne, why do you care so much about getting it nominated? You did not work on the film, you are not part of the studio that produced it, nor do you know any of the crew. So what does it matter to you if it wins 5 Oscars or 5 Razzie’s ? It does not affect your life in the slightest. The only thing i can think of is if you have placed a big bet on it to be up for an Oscar and you want to collect so you are doing your best to get it nominated, that or you own stocks in the studio or something and you want to see them go up lol.

    And in regards to people ignoring me or banning me from the site, i don’t care to be honest.

  24. Mr Elliott
    December 31st, 2008 on 7:22 am

    The Dark Knight is classical greek tragedy through and through, not because of its ‘grandness’ stylistically but for its emotional clarity, the story of a hero’s downfall triggered by their one significant flaw is a stock of tragedy in literature and will always hold resonance with an audience, Shakespeare saw it and openly adapted stories by Euripedes, Sophocles and others into some of his most renouned plays (I’d assume that this is the reason Shakespeare has been cack-handedly mentioned in some reviews) The Batman mythology has always had its roots here, it’s the reason some of these characters have lasted in public consciousness for over 70 years. Here Nolan has built on the truth that these characters and their struggles tap into the most basic of human struggles and emotions, this surely being the reason the film has deeply effected so many people.

  25. Mr. Erick
    December 31st, 2008 on 8:55 am

    The Dark Knight is far superior than Batman Begins in every area except one: Rachel Dawes. I’m sorry but Maggie Gyllenhaal is a terrible replacement for Katie Holmes. She looks and acts half as good. Luckily Rachel only plays a small role in the Dark Knight.

    My preference for movies in terms of finishing are that either they provide closure or some kind of ending. The Dark Knight ending is more than acceptable because you know Batman continues to be whatever Gotham needs him to be; The Villan or the Hero.

  26. Anonymous
    December 31st, 2008 on 4:35 pm

    Hey Maybe we should do something about AOL movies or Yahoo Movies. I have supported this film since day one and because i love movies i always visit their movie pages to look for new trailers, showtimes etc. But If we could get the word to them about the Dark Campaign then maybe we could reach the entire movie going audience and build even more momentum. Just a thought

  27. Rayne
    December 31st, 2008 on 7:03 pm

    Just goes to show how wrong you are Mr. Jackson. I actually do know a member of the production crew on “The Dark Knight”. My cousin (Who shall remain nameless)was one of the Make-Up artists for that film. But that is neither here nor there. You might as well ask the cow why it eats grass. I want it to get nominated because it deserves it, not because I want it. The fact that I also want it to win is an extra.

    I saw people who believe in the magic of Cinema, and want to strive to keep that cinimatic feeling on it’s edge. Hollywood has been begging for a film like this to come along and shake things up. The fact that this is a genre film, and a summer blockbuster just hightens the resolve of people who strive for greater change. You sit there in your chair typing vast amounts of hateful critcism to those who have more respect for films, and cinema in general than you will ever have. People like you crash a cause such as this to ruin peoples freedom to speak of what they care about.

    Try reversing the roles here. Say there was a film you loved, and was genuinely superb in every way and fashion, but felt was not getting the attention it deserved. If you were trying everything you could to spread the word and someone started bad mouthing you, and your ideals, how would that make you feel? No matter what you say here, you would feel aweful. You are a sad, sad human being if you think you will crush anyone any further. This site is obviously doing something right to be getting noticed around the world. Screw you and the horse you rode in on!!!

  28. Anonymous
    January 1st, 2009 on 2:05 am

    what a shitty movie, i’m glad Heath Deadyea is 6 feet under, shite actor who is getting bummed by all the faggy emo’s cos he wears make up in the film and is a miserable cunt. He’s called the JOKER for a reason you stupid Australian fuck up!!

  29. Enteng21
    January 1st, 2009 on 9:56 am

    To the Webmaster,

    I think that the last comment from Anonymous should be removed from the post, it’s really inappropriate.

    The Dark Knight is clearly the Best Picture of 2008. Just check the Box Office results. It’s pure common sense.

  30. Anonymous
    January 1st, 2009 on 1:34 pm

    To the webmaster, tell this retard above me that you don’t judge a films quality by how much money it makes at the box office, other wise Titanic is the best movie made hahaha….what retard.

  31. Bruce Laerd
    January 1st, 2009 on 7:02 pm

    Hey anonymous, at least enteng21 has balls to put his/her name on this post.

    you’re such a loser!

    anyway, enteng21 is wrong in saying to look at the box office results, a movie is good based on your own perception. for me, the best picture among the five leading contenders right now is the dark knight. i saw all the 5 films and it’s clear that TDK should be the film to beat this coming Oscars. I support this grassroot campaign. i really hope we can make a difference just like the campaign strategy of pres-elect obama.

    happy new year everyone!

  32. LemonyShepard
    January 3rd, 2009 on 2:24 pm

    Wow…I just want The Dark Knight to win because it clearly deserves it. And because I loathe Oscar season and Oscarbait and have for quite a few years now. It’s about time people started focusing less on Oscarbait-type movies and focusing on a film that truely is the best picture of the year.

  33. derik callahan
    January 4th, 2009 on 4:06 pm

    dear john jackson,
    I have been officially studying film for three years. but it has been my passion all of my live so i know what im talking about.
    I know you are mad that everyone loves the Dark Knight. I know that because of this you hate the world. But i say to you “slit your wrist and leave us alone.” If you find 100 people that think exactly the way you do , we will listen to what you have to say.

    you wonder what qualifies a movie as shakespearean?

    let me explain: critics describe this movie as shakespearean because of the theme of batman in general: tragedy. Batman is character driven by it. This adaptation shows it better than any ive seen. (Rachels death, Harvy’s death, parents death). My definition of Shakespearean is Tragedy, my definition of The Dark Knight is Tragedy. Therefor my definition of The Dark Knight is obviously Shakespearean.

    “The Dark Knights true power comes in the way this darkest of knights puts a mirror up to society”

    Definition for the uneducated and John:

    “the darkest of knights” maybe refers to “The best movie of all time” or maybe the best batman adaption.

    Or how “real” this film is.(Knight is to Film) Darkest refering to how brutally honest this film mirrors the dark qualities of our own society.

    PS. Im sick of Best Picture of Year winners being korny lame flicks…
    if The Dark Knight does not win best picture of the year I am officially abandoning the Academy. My trust in them will be lost.

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