Posted by
Emmett of the Unblinking Eye on Saturday, July 19, 2008 1:18:24 PM
The Dark Knight
is unquestionably a magnificient movie -- even if it is about one character too long. Introducing and dispatching Harvey Dent (
Aaron Eckhart) while introducing
Heath Ledger's The Joker probably wasn't the best idea (unless contractual talent limitations gave writer/director
Christopher Nolan no other choice). But there's not a dull moment in it, the acting is excellent, the art direction is spectacular, and Mr. Nolan continues his string of successes, beginning with
Memento and continuing with
The Prestige and
Batman Begins.
But what intrigued me most about the movies was Ledger's portrayal of The Joker and what it amy do to the general perception of terrorists. Much of the media insists on referring to them as "freedom fighters" or justifying their actions as the result of poverty, unemployment, or United States "imperialism". But The Joker gives a much clearer view of what a true terrorist is really like.
Early in the film The Joker explains how he got his scars, which leads the viewer to conclude that he is the unforturante product of his environment -- until he later tells a completely different story to someone else. At that point you realize that there is no explanation or justification for his behavior. The Joker is not motivated by greed, power or politics. He does not care about money, even though he steals it. He uses money as more of a motivational tool to get others to act in the way he would like them to. He is not looking to make a statement, nor is there any evidence that he is aware of, or cares about, the fame and notoriety he gains. And he clearly does not care whether he lives or dies, as long as his death furthers his mission. And that mission is to engender anarchy and chaos, and nothing short of death or permanent incarceration is going to divert him from his goal.
To those loyal listeners to the Hewitt show, this view of terrorism comes as no particular surprise. But to the left, it should. That they embrace this vision is even more surprising.
So go see
The Dark Knight -- but don't take the kids. Even with its PG-13 rating, it is far too intense and violent for anyone under 11. And take your liberal friends with you. The Joker, and what he represents, should make for a good discussion on the way home.