"The Dark Knight" is a 2008 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan. It is the second installment in Nolan's Batman trilogy and features Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film explores themes of chaos and morality as Batman faces off against the anarchistic villain known as the Joker, played by Heath Ledger. Set in the fictional city of Gotham, the story follows Batman's efforts to combat crime while dealing with the Joker's attempts to undermine his mission. The film received critical acclaim for its storytelling, performances, and visual effects, becoming a significant entry in the superhero genre.