Entertainment

Black Carpet Rolled Out For 'Dark Knight' Premiere

Stars Show Up For U.S. Debut, Rave About Ledger's 'Joker'

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Batman is back.

"The Dark Knight," starring Christian Bale, premiered at the AMC Loews Theatre in Gotham on Monday night.

But as New York local affiliate CBS 2 HD quickly found out while walking the black carpet, it was Heath Ledger's performance as the very dark and demented "Joker" that has stolen the headlines and created an Oscar buzz.

Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal and the rest of the cast walked the black carpet on Monday night. The Dark Knight has been one of the most anticipated movies of the summer.

Ledger was on everyone's mind. His death came just a short time after shooting on the movie wrapped. On Monday night there was no denying his performance was one for the ages and could very well earn him a posthumous Academy Award.

His co-stars say Ledger morphed into the bizarre character.

"He's created an iconic villain, unlike any I've seen before," Bale said.

Added Gary Oldman, who portrays "Commissioner Gordon" in the movie: "It's miraculous. I think it's just an incredible performance."

Ledger completed his role shortly before dying in January of an accidental prescription drug overdose. He was found on the floor of his fourth story loft in SoHo.

Toxicology reports showed Ledger had taken drugs for insomnia, anxiety, depression, and cold symptoms.

At the time of his death, many people speculated the stress of playing a frightening psychopath was too much for Ledger to handle and it contributed to his need for drugs.

His co-stars say that's just not the case.

"When he was in the makeup and clothes he was Joker non-stop. When he took it off he was great company," Bale said.

Michael Caine, a two-time Oscar winner, plays Bruce Wayne's faithful butler, "Alfred," in the movie. He spoke to New York local affiliate CBS 2 HD about Ledger's performance.

"At the minimum he's got to get an Oscar for it," Caine said. "His performance is one of the best villains ever."

Director Christopher Nolan was stunned by the transformation.

"You could tell immediately, really right from the first wardrobe and make up test, and so forth," Nolan said. "It was very apparent that what he was doing was absolutely unique and absolutely extraordinary."

Those who worked with Ledger say it's a shame he's not there to enjoy all of the accolades surrounding his performance.

"I was in awe of him. And, as another actor, that doesn't happen all the time. And when you're seeing it, you're with it, it's pretty special, and you don't want to take that for granted," said Aaron Eckhart, who played the role of "Harvey Dent."

Ledger's family is expected to attend the premiere, while close friends will see a private screening Monday night in Australia.

There's also a buzz going around that the Batman character has changed this time around. Bale tried to clarify things to New York local affiliate CBS 2 HD.

"I don't consider him darker," Bale said. "I think he's just dealing with darker people so he's having to delve deeper into himself."

Something that has changed is Gyllenhaal playing the part of "Rachel Dawes," taking over for Katie Holmes.

"I didn't think of it that way," Gyllenhaal said. "I just thought of it as part one. For me, I just thought of it as walking into any other movie."

But this really isn't just any other movie. The last film made $370 million worldwide, and this one is expected to top that, due in part to Ledger's performance and the fact that the film is getting rave reviews.

The Dark Knight opens in theaters nationwide at midnight this Friday.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)