The New York City premiere of The Dark Knight was held last night. The film has gotten tremendously good reviews  and many theaters have already sold out tickets for the July 18th opening.

Heath Ledger has gotten such amazing reviews for his performance. Although his untimely death obviously created a lot of press for the film – his last full role – I think he would have gotten nearly as much had that tragic accident not occurred. From the looks of it, he gives an out-of-this-world performance. And I think that’s a great legacy to leave behind – Heath isn’t getting all this attention just for something heartbreaking, but because of his amazing talent.

“Working with Heath was fantastic,” said Christian Bale, 34, who reprises his role as the Caped Crusader. “He steals the movie and I’m quite happy to say that. He’s a hell of a talent and created a joker that’s very iconic and one that will become a classic portrayal of the ages.”

Michael Caine, 75, who plays butler Alfred Pennyworth in the film, which opens July 18, noted the “intensity and ferocity of the performance.”

“But when we were sitting down between takes, he was completely ordinary,” Caine added. “He wasn’t preparing himself or saying ‘Please leave me alone, I’ve gotta do this.’ Instead he was talking to me.

“We would sit and chat and have a cup of coffee, then suddenly they’d say, ‘We’re ready, Heath,’ and he’d go straight into The Joker,” Caine continued. “His energy was astonishing, especially when it came from this kind of calm. He’s certainly the best villain I’ve ever seen.”