“The Dark Knight” is indeed an intensely dark film.

Running an arduous but often compelling 152 minutes, director Christopher Nolan continues the conflicted and tortured saga of millionaire Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, he so effectively reintroduced to the screen in 2005’s “Batman Begins.”

With an exceptional screenplay by Nolan and his brother Jonathan, there is as much effort put into character development and dialogue as there is in the devotion to spectacular action sequences and visually stunning special effects.

This time around Bruce Wayne/Batman (Christian Bale) faces the disillusionment of the citizens of his city who have unceremoniously discarded the “caped crusader” as a vigilante.

Convinced the people need a “real hero,” Wayne throws his money and support behind the ethically centered District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) who along with Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) is making attempts to “clean-up” and crack down on the crime ridden streets of Gotham City.

Armed with a twisted philosophy that employs the notion anyone can be swayed from good to evil, a mysterious new villain, The Joker (Heath Ledger) further complicates Batman’s life by injecting mass chaos into the already fractured city.

With maniacal vengeance The Joker systematically and ingeniously carries out a series of complicated murders and diabolical plans poised to stop only if Batman reveals his true identity.

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After being encouraged by his ex-girlfriend, Assistant D.A. Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal) who is soon to become Mrs. Harvey Dent, Wayne contemplates both his reluctance and supposed relief in the announcement of his secret life. But before he can act on his decision, a series of tragic events turns his plan upside down and Batman, Dent and Rachel ultimately become the most tragic victims of The Joker’s wrath.

The film boasts an extraordinary cast that reunites Wayne with his loyal butler Alfred (Michael Caine) and the inventive mechanical mastermind Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman). As he did in the first go-around with this material, Bale makes for an imposing, thoughtful and darkly conceived caped crusader.

The star of this picture though is the late Heath Ledger. His portrayal is both intellectually and physically rendered with finessing depth.

A fearless actor, his Joker is at once both pathologically evil and emotionally wounded. Despite the brief exposition given for his background, he exudes a terrifying array of qualities that present a level of credibility for the unknown circumstances that turned him into a monster.

It is an extraordinary performance that may prove too frightening for some young viewers who will likely want to see this film and will, because of the PG-13 rating.

While speculation continues to circulate regarding Ledger’s chances for posthumous recognition come awards season, it is already evident that this performance will be long remembered as one of the scariest villains to grace the screen. It would not be the first time a deceased actor received such recognition, the former being Peter Finch who in “Network” delivered one of the most memorable performances and oft quoted lines ("I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore") in cinematic history.

No matter the outcome, nothing is apt to diminish the impact of Ledger’s contribution to film with a life and career that ended tragically and abruptly and would have been remarkable had his performance in “Brokeback Mountain” been his last. But his career now has been punctuated with yet another stunning and haunting characterization.

Bringing in an astounding $155.34 million at the box-office “The Dark Knight” has managed to beat the record of “Spider-Man 3” becoming the top grossing film in opening-weekend history.

With publicity and curiosity aside there are a few other reasons that this movie will likely continue its success. Instead of throwing all the focus on visual spectacle this is an offering that takes the time to develop characters who examine the fragility of morality, human frailty, strength and fear.

In a year deluged with Sci-fi/Superhero action sagas “The Dark Knight” and “Iron Man” have set new standards in redefining the genre of “comic book” inspired films.

(3 1/2 stars out of 4)