This Friday, The Dark Night opens in theaters, and may possibly create one of the eeriest movie watching sensations ever. Now months after Heath Ledger's unexpected death, millions will watch him portray a heinous villain in what is being touted as his best performance ever. Most have seen the commercials and the posters that have the ability to send shivers down your spine and cause you to recoil in fear. Few, however, have seen the movie that many say could win him and Oscar nomination if not award.

The Dark Night is the latest in the Batman saga and stars Christian Bale as Batman, but it is the Joker, Heath Ledger, who has taken center stage in the promotion of this new film. His sad, untimely death has added to the intense anticipation of an already exciting new film. Now, however, there is a shadow cast over sales revenue and advertising pitches as many claim that the filmmakers and promoters are capitalizing on this young actor's death.