The new Batman flick The Dark Knight has opened in New Zealand cinemas today, giving Kiwis a chance to see Heath Ledger’s final performance before his untimely death earlier this year. Tickets are sold out for tonight’s screenings at many of the larger theatres (I got mine on Tuesday and even then only had two options: VIP or front row!). Did you manage to get your hands on any?

The Dark Knight has been an all-time box office smash worldwide, taking in the highest US opening day gross of $67 million USD when it went nationwide in the States last Friday. This beat out the previous leader, Spiderman 3, by $8 million. The film has grossed over $200 million worldwide in just 7 days, already breaking even over the $185 million production cost. Cinemas in the US even ran showings at 3am and 5am on the first night, to accommodate as many eager fans who couldn’t wait just hours later for the Saturday morning showings.

Meanwhile, the actor behind the mask, Christian Bale, was arrested after being accused of assaulting two of his family members in London on Sunday. Quite timely considering his movie just opened that weekend - is this scandal a true crime of domestic violence, or a crude PR stunt? Only time will tell…

Image from Flickr.