Vigilante or superhero?
Freedom theme in The Dark Knight
By Nehir Tutkun
The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale as Batman. The film follows Batman as he teams up with Lieutenant Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent, Gotham City’s new District Attorney, to stop the Joker. The Joker sets out to prove that anyone can be corrupted, and he wanted destruction of the city. The film explores themes of good and evil, justice and heroism. The Dark Knight was both a critical and commercial success and is considered as one of the best superhero films of all time.
One of the main themes of the film is how democratic processes can be sustained in the face of external threats. In “The Dark Knight,” director Christopher Nolan explores the theme of democracy through the lens of Batman’s fight against corruption and crime in Gotham City. The film raises important questions about the limitations of democracy in the face of powerful, rich forces and underlines the need for vigilant citizens and leaders willing to stand up for justice.
Batman represents the concept of justice and freedom within the limits of the law. He believes in the laws of Gotham City and protecting its citizens, but he also recognizes the importance of personal freedom and choice. Batman’s actions reflect a belief in democracy as he works within the established legal framework of Gotham to fight crime.
The Joker, on the other hand, represents anarchy and chaos, and his actions are aimed at undermining the existing order in Gotham City. He is an opponent of democracy, because he wants to prove that anyone can be corrupted and that there is no inherent good or evil in society. For the Joker, freedom means the freedom to do whatever you want, regardless of the consequences.
Harvey Dent, as Gotham City’s District Attorney, represents the government and its commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Just like Batman he believes in upholding the law and punishing criminals, but he also believes that laws are not always enough for rich people and that it must sometimes be bent to achieve justice. As the film progresses, however, Harvey’s faith in the system is shaken, and he is consumed by a desire for revenge that causes him to become the villain Two-Face. His two face represents the two sides of Gotham. One that wants to obey to book of law. One that does not. Before becoming two face, Harvey dent wanted to be a decent district attorney. But the laws and democracy was not enough him to achive his goals. He basically wanted to fight fair in a place where the word ‘fair’ ment nothing.
Overall, the characters in the film represent different points of view on the issues of democracy and freedom. Batman represents the idea of justice and freedom within the restirictions of the law, while the Joker represents anarchy and rejection of democracy. Harvey Dent and the government represents a similiar opinion which is established order and its commitment to democracy, but they also show the limits of the legal system and the challenges of maintaining freedom and justice in a complex society.