SUNDAYPREVIEW

In superhero cinema, the difference between a good film and a great film is the villain, not the hero. And in that vein, “Dark Knight” director Christopher Nolan talks about the late Heath Ledger, who as the Joker shows nothing of Jack Nicholson’s flamboyance in the same role. Rather, he projects an eerie ferocity, an unstoppable force who has nothing to lose in his battles with Batman. “The bold decisions that Heath has made with this performance are fascinating to watch,” Nolan says. “I think he’s done something quite exceptional.” Talking about the 28-year-old Aussie actor who died unexpectedly in January is difficult for those in the film. But Nolan has tried to shelter them. “Chris gave us a set where the actors felt very secure, they felt they could take risks. And Chris has continued to protect Heath and his performance,” says Aaron Eckhart, who plays Harvey “Two Face” Dent.

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Read more on “The Dark Knight,” director Christopher Nolan and the film’s stars in Sunday’s Calendar section.