18 plot holes and details you may have missed in 'The Dark Knight'

Kirsten AcunaJul 9, 2020, 04:54 IST

The Joker picks a very specific day to rob the bank at the start of "The Dark Knight."Warner Bros.

If you've seen "The Dark Knight" over and over again, it's easy to pick up on a few plot holes or details you may have overlooked during your first watch.
The Joker winds up robbing the bank on the film's release date and there's a small nod to Heath Ledger's daughter.
The movie's novelization clarifies some of the film's perplexing moments, including why Batman seemingly left the Joker with Bruce Wayne's fundraiser guests.

"The Dark Knight" is easily one of the most rewatchable superhero films. Not only does it have one of the best Batman performances from Christian Bale, but it also gave us Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning turn as the Joker.

But it's not a perfect movie.

There are some plot holes that become obvious the more you revisit the Christopher Nolan film. You also may pick up on a few details you missed the second time around, especially if you watch the "Batman Begins" sequel with the captions on.

Insider has rewatched the 2008 movie as well as went through the novelization by Dennis O'Neil, which gives clarity to some of the film's most-talked-about moments. For instance, did Batman simply leave the Joker with a room full of party guests during a fundraiser? (Not exactly!)

We've laid out some of our favorite details you may have missed in "The Dark Knight" while trying to resolve story gaps that have bothered fans over the years.

How did no one notice the Joker in full makeup on a street corner at the film's start?

You're unlikely to consider this the first time you're watching the film. Warner Bros.

The Joker's code name during the bank robbery at the film's start is Bozo.

The other clowns have names like Happy, Dopey, Grumpy, and Chuckles. Warner Bros.

The Joker robbed the bank on the same day that "The Dark Knight" was released.

The date on the camera footage says July 18, 2008. Warner Bros.

No one thought it was strange to see a dusty school bus driving out of a wall in a bank?

The Joker planned this so perfectly that there was even a convenient gap in the bus queue. Warner Bros.

Where does Batman's Tumbler roll in from when he enters the parking garage?

We know the Bat Tumblr is indestructible, but that doesn't explain how it effortlessly drops into a multi-floor parking deck. Warner Bros.

Harvey Dent foreshadows his turn as Two-Face early in the film.

Harvey's aware of the nickname Gordon's men have for him. He doesn't say it until later in the film when his face is half gone. Warner Bros.

A file box in Dent's office appears to reference a criminal who had a previous run-in with the Joker.

It's tough to make out the writing on the lower box, but it references another company. Warner Bros.

Don't any of the Russian ballet performers wonder where Bruce Wayne wanders off to during their getaway?

No one seems to mind that Wayne casually disappears. Warner Bros.

Why didn't anyone check Lucius Fox for more than one phone when he visited Lau in Hong Kong?

Nowadays, it's not uncommon for people to have separate work and personal phones. Warner Bros.

Harvey Dent foreshadows Rachel's death during a conversation with Alfred.

Harvey tells Alfred he's known Rachel "her whole life," which becomes true by the movie's end. Warner Bros.

Batman somehow sneaks up on the Joker at his party without anyone in a crowded room noticing.

Whenever I watch this moment, I always wonder if Batman's just standing off to the side waiting for the perfect moment to deliver his comeback as Rachel struggles to get out of the Joker's grasp. Warner Bros.

Why doesn't Rachel just stay hidden when Bruce tells her to at the party?

Rachel's really not the type to listen to orders from Bruce. Warner Bros.

Batman never returns to the party after diving out a window to save Rachel. He just leaves the Joker with a crowd of innocent people.

Batman appears to forget the Joker is still a threat. Warner Bros.

Doesn't the Joker's subordinate realize Bruce Wayne could be Batman?

Bruce Wayne doesn't falter when a man threatens him. Instead, he neutralizes him in seconds. Warner Bros.

Harvey Dent says something to Jim Gordon that doesn't seem to make a lot of sense.

This line is exchanged between two different sets of characters nearly 22 minutes apart. Warner Bros.

Why didn't the Gotham Police Department keep Colman Reese at the news station when his life was threatened by the Joker?

Gordon should know better. Warner Bros.

How does Dent not recognize the Joker in a wig until he takes off his face mask?

Fans are always bothered by this scene. Harvey looks right at the Joker before he takes off the hospital mask. Warner Bros.

The nurse uniform and nametag includes a nod to Heath Ledger's daughter.

Even while pausing the movie, it's difficult to read the name tag. Warner Bros.

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