The new Batman movie The Dark Night has smashed box office records in the United States and Canada. The film took in a massive £77.6 million in its first weekend, breaking the previous record held by last years movie blockbuster Spider-Man 3. This even meant that fans desperate to see the movie paying up to five times the face value for tickets.

With some aspects of the movie being shot in Imax the hottest Imax tickets were going for up to $60 per ticket. The movie also made £20 million in Mexico and £6.55 million in Australia, native land of the late Heath Ledger, who tragicly died due to an accidental drug over dose just as the movie ended filming.

Rumours hit the media that Ledgers death was due to his role as The Joker affecting his mental state. However speaking on GMTV fellow actor Christian Bale who plays Batman in The Dark Night denied such claims. Bale stated that Ledger was first class during filming as far as creating a believeable character however this had no effect on his mental state. Bale also stated that the entire cast and crew dearly miss Ledger and his wonderful company.