I know the "Dark Knight" is probably old news for most people, but I saw it in the discount theater on Saturday night for the first time. I was interested in noting that there were many parallels between the movie characters and real life politicians.
One interesting thing I noted in the movie was that Batman is a rich man spending his spare time saving his city from criminals instead of being a criminal himself. This is truly ironic! The other thing I like about Batman is that he's a superhero because he works at it, not because he's from another planet or got special powers through radiation. I believe that Batman represents the few uncorrupted politicians and people of power left in this world.
Another thing I noticed is how sad it is that Harvey Dent turned into the criminal he was. In the beginning of the movie, Dent is an honest man with a good heart and a motivating personality. The entire city looks to him as the new DA to bring justice to their city. Dent brilliantly rids the streets of most of its criminals quickly and effectively. However, the Joker succeeds in wearing him down through the death of Rachel and through the fire aftermaths on his face. Dent quickly turns into a cold blooded killer, relying on the chance of his lucky coin to decide the fate of people. This is an excellent example of the many politicians that start out in politics to help people and to make this world a better place. Evil soon interferes and they often become greedy for wealth and power and become corrupt, using every means possible to achieve their goals.
Finally, there's the Joker. This deranged madman kills for fun and gets his kicks out of confusing Batman and the cops. He's creepy and gross and people end up falling to his level through threats and through being worn down. This is a good example of those who bribe politicians and who control politicians through blackmail. It's easy to fall under his power because he always manages to find something and thrives off of your weakness(es).
Ultimately, the question is "Who will win?" We see in the movie that the good manage to conquer the evil through great sacrifice. We need to be those "good people" who fight evil. No, it's not going to be easy. But through that, we become greater than heroes. Do YOU have what it takes?
Pictures:
http://memorableinstants.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/batman-20da...
http://www.gbposters.com/image/image/3754/FP2062-BATMAN-solo.jpg
http://www.superherostuff.com/characters/Batman/batman_dark_knight_movie...
http://thefilmchair.com/images/tfc/joker-batman-dark-knight.jpg
I personally enjoyed the Joker's awkward humor. Without him there would be no hero.
I didn't view the movie as to having parallels to politicians, but what i did see was a fearful public that desparately wanted a savior.
I thought it was funny, too...but although it was funny, it was sick and dark. And without bad people, we wouldn't have real life heroes ; )
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
about the Dark Knight, but then I figured it wasn't timely any longer.
I talked to a friend of mine who is strongly republican, and he thought that Batman was full of great conservative values. Another friend of mine who is very critical of this administration drew comparisons between Bush and the Joker. In English class, my teacher and I had a lengthy discussion about existentialism in Dark Knight. I find it funny how many different people can find totally different things in the same movie
"How can we win where fools can be kings" Muse
Well, it's really not, but since I just saw it the other night, I figured I'd post : ) BTW, great minds...: P
Yeah, it is really interesting. I did think it was full of conservative values, but IDK if I could compare the Joker to anyone else in that way...he was WAY too creepy. I couldn't stand the whole smacking lips thing.
Existentialism? What's that?
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
perfered by the author Albert Camus
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/existentialism/
Camus wrote a book, The Stranger which we read for class. The main character showed a lack of emotion, no respect for societal norms, and no remorse for hurting others. It was easy (at least for me and my teacher) to think of this character as simmilar to the Joker
By the way, personally, I didn't see much in the way of politics of any stripe in Batman.
"How can we win where fools can be kings" Muse
Interesting. Got it now : )
In Batman's character or in Batman the movie? If the former, then yes, it's difficult to find those few good people in today's politicians. If the latter, then oh : P
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
Obviously its easy to see Harvey Dent as whoever your favorite idealistic leader was who failed to live up to their values (think Bill Clinton, John Edwards, any number of Republicans who lost their way)
but no, I saw the movie primarily as entertainment. I didn't read a political statement untill others mentioned it.
"How can we win where fools can be kings" Muse
LOL Well, I think it was meant as primarily entertainment :P Plus, you probably saw it a few months ago. I just saw it the other day shortly after the election where one of the only things on my mind is politcs. ; )
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
everyone sees his or her interpetations. Like I said, we were reading The Stranger in English, and I saw the main character as simmilar to the Joker (both refuse to fit into society's rules, both cannot relate to others ect)
"How can we win where fools can be kings" Muse
I liked the movie but I have to admit that I missed most of what you picked up on. Good stuff.
Thanks. : ) I guess with the elections and everything recently, politics is all I pick up on right now. LOL Glad you enjoyed it.
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa