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It's about as dark as a superhero movie is ever likely to get, with a remarkable performance from the late Heath Ledger at its heart. And The Dark Knightis also rewriting the rules when it comes to box-office success. Donald Clarketalks to its director Christopher Nolan

LATE LAST weekend, it became apparent that The Dark Knight, Christopher Nolan's stunning new Batman film, was set to become the most highly praised and most financially lucrative superhero film of all time. It is, therefore, no surprise to encounter a curious buzz hanging about the press junket at London's Dorchester Hotel on Tuesday. But this is ridiculous. ITN have parked their van beneath a tree in front of the building. Elsewhere, well-ironed microphone jockeys from the BBC and Sky stare grimly into cameras.