In jus 18 days since its premiere, the latest movie from the Batman’s franchise, “The Dark Knight”, has has become the fastest moneymaker in Hollywood history, exceeding 400 million dollars in ticket sales in the United States and Canada.

”The Dark Knight” has surpassed the previous record holder, “Shrek 2”, which in 2004 made the same revenues in 43 days.  
Film industry observers said they expected the movie to exceed 500 million dollars in domestic sales, but surpassing the top grosser of all time, Titanic at 600.8 million dollars, was seen as unlikely, even for a superhero.

“The Dark Knight” has already done the unthinkable, surpassing the $300 million mark in a short 10 days, the least it has taken any film to amass such an impressive sum. The previous record was set by 2006’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” which earned $300 million in what now seems a long period: 16 days.

“The Dark Knight” holds already the title of “The Best Movie of The Year” after surpassing the previously released “Iron Man”, which earned so far $315 million.

Directed by Christopher Nolan, the movie outshines its predecessor, bringing new dimensions to the story, with a carefully detailed script and the use of IMAX technology. The rush induced by the huge action scenes, combined with all the gadgets and the excellent performances of the movie’s two main actors, will not leave anyone dissatisfied.

The movie also introduces District Attorney Harvey Dent, played by Aaron Eckhart, who starts off as a day-time crime fighter, heating things up with the wrong-doers of Gotham City. He will later accidentally transform into the revenge-minded Two-Face. Besides him, there are also present the knight’s police force contact Jim Gordon, played by Gary Oldman, Wayne’s faithful servant Alfred played by Michael Cane, Wayne Industries technical manager Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) and Maggie Gyllenhaal taking Katie Holmes’s place as Rachel Dawes.

The symbolism of the movie relates to the fragile line between good and evil which can easily lead to a radical direction change.

Heath Ledger’s performance has been praised by many with good reason, as he managed to deliver one of the best villain portrayals ever, which has even led to rumors about an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

The hype generated around the movie’s release was significantly boosted once the news about Heath Ledger’s death, caused by an accidental overdose of prescription drugs on January 22, became publicly known.

”The Dark Knight” took in 67.2 million dollars on its opening day July 18 in the United States and Canada, eclipsing the previous record set by Spider-Man 3 at nearly 60 million dollars.

Only eight films in Hollywood history have grossed more than 400 million dollars in the United States and Canada. After 1997's Titanic came 1977's Star Wars with 461 million, Shrek 2 at 441.2 million, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial at 435.1 million, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace with 431.1 million, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest at 423.3 million, Spider-Man at 403.7 million and now The Dark Knight.