The lens really helps, and of course you need to have a good eye. These photos are very dramatic and thought provoking.

However, you need to know how to post process to get your desired effect. In this case, you need to know how to take the photos so you can apply your desired post technique.

this one is really beautiful http://www.flickr.com/photos/scarrol...7623024240040/

The contrast is very well done, and I bet it's not just using the brightness contrast tool. Also desaturated and a bit cool. There are lots of ways to recreate what the dark room does to film, but combining layers, dodge burns, shadow/highlights, sharpening and all that. Just my 2 cents!