The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film directed, produced, and co-written by Christopher Nolan. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, it is the tenth theatrical Batman film and the sequel to the reboot film Batman Begins (2005). In The Dark Knight, Batman (Christian Bale), James Gordon (Gary Oldman), and Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) form an alliance to dismantle organized crime in Gotham City, but are menaced by the Joker (Heath Ledger), a criminal mastermind who seeks to undermine Batman's influence and create chaos. Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Morgan Freeman appear in supporting roles.