Batman

1. Case Study 1- The Dark Knight
Compare and contrast Batman (1966) to The Dark
Knight from the following scene.
• America 1966 was in a thriving economy and
there was cause for optimism.
• ‘Summer of Love’ mentality. Spectators were
looking for escapist cinema instead of social
commentary cinema which dominated during and
after World War Two.
Unlike previous Batman films which relied on over the top
mise-en-scene, over the top performances and hammy
dialogue, The Dark Knight places the Caped Crusader in a
world we recognise and can relate to.

2. Case Study 1- The Dark Knight
How is this clip from The Dark Knight
different?
Consider some basic elements including:
• Location
• Camera Shots (particularly at the beginning)
• Music
• Cinematography
• Costume
The alienating buildings represent the towering imagery
of 9/11 and the true scale of the attacks. Whilst
Christian Bale’s Batman is a commentary on a typical
modern soldier. Whilst the bleak musical score and de-
saturated cinematography compensate for post 9/11
anxiety and lack of prosperity.

3. Case Study 1- The Dark Knight
Binary-Oppositions
Batman is the modern day American soldier fighting
terrorists. It is summed up with his advanced armoury and
state of the art weapons such as the tumbler and the
sonar surveillance system.
In contrast The Joker doesn’t compare and resorts to a
more aggressive warfare with his bombs and bullets, with
little regard for innocent casualties. Like a terrorist he is
‘An agent of chaos’.
Ultimately Batman represents America’s
moral stance on terrorism. Hence his
refusal to kill villains and instead bring
them to the justice. Also their endless
amount of resources funding the effort.
“DON’T TALK
LIKE ONE OF
THEM”!