The Dark Knight

In a post on your personal blog, answer one of the following questions:

·         What is the nature and importance of truth in the film?

      The most obvious example of lying in the film comes from The Joker in his multiple stories of how he got his scars, but there are many others. Is it lying when Harvey uses his two-sided coin? It seems more innocent when he's with Rachel, but what about when he's questioning The Joker's henchman? Bruce Wayne's secret identity is an elaborate lie. Gordon and Batman's decision to make Two Face into a hero is a lie. How important is the truth when the good guys use lies to further their own ends?

     (I've already had some thoughts about this topic in a more general way, if you care to read them.)

·         Who is the Joker? What does he say about himself and how much of that can we trust?

      He says he is an agent of chaos. He says he's a dog chasing a car. He says he's a man of his word. Alfred suggests he's a man who just wants to watch the world burn. Who is this guy? His background is deliberately kept a mystery since he constantly changes his backstory. What do you make of him?

·         What is Harvey’s true nature? Is a hero, a villain, or something in between?

      Gordon says that everyone knows that Harvey Dent is Gotham's White Knight, and he certainly lives up to that reputation in the beginning of the film, putting away mob bosses and showing no fear or hesitation when threatened with a gun. When his fiancee is threatened, things change; he's willing to use mental torture to get information. After his accident, he kills some of those responsible and allows others to go free. He threatens innocent people in an attempt at revenge. Does doing bad automatically outweight all of the good he's done? Does temporary insanity (if he is insane) excuse his actions?

·         Who is the star of the movie?

      There are many candidates for this distinction: Batman, The Joker, Harvey Dent. Each of them has a compelling storyline; each of the actors does a great job of inhabiting that character. Who should we regard as the star of the film and why?

• One additional question that I thought about skipping over: Some people believe that the level of violence in movies such as The Dark Knight inspired the shootings in Colorado during the midnight premiere of The Dark Knight Rises. What do you think? (Keep in mind to look at what others are saying to ensure you are giving a well-informed opinion.)

No matter which question you choose, the post on your blog should be at least 150 words and include specific references to the movie itself (character's voice). Use The Internet Movie Database or YouTube to find quotes from the movie. You should include your thoughts about what the filmmakers are trying to say using your new knowledge of cinematic techniques (e.g. angles, size of subject, camera movement, lighting, etc.) (author's voice). You should let us know what you actually think about these things, your reactions and insights (reader's voice). And if you search the web for other people to support your opinions or are inspired by someone's else's thoughts on the Internet or in class, make sure to give them credit with a mention in the text and a hyperlink where appropriate (other voices).

If you want to be really fancy, you can include YouTube links and pictures to support your thoughts by using the buttons in the posting file menu.