A Fragile Victory

It won't surprise those of you who are familiar with First Things to know: I'm not exactly a big fan. But Thomas Hibbs' recent review of The Dark Knight, posted on that website, is worth a read. His analysis of what makes this a postmodern film - with premodern leanings - is especially interesting. Here's a very short excerpt:

If in certain prominent instances in this film, the hopes of the audience for these [three key] characters are dashed, the film does not succumb to The Joker’s vision. It is not nihilistic; it is instead about the lingering and seemingly ineradicable longing for justice and goodness that pervades the film. As Batman put it in the original film, “Gotham is not beyond redemption.”

I saw this film on opening day and am headed to the IMAX theater on Navy Pier to see it again this week. If you haven't gone yet, go. 

First of all, it's just a darn good movie. In other words, it makes you forget you're watching a movie. You're actually living the story, which in this case is pretty freakin' intense.

But it's also about as meaty, from a theological point of view, as any film I've ever seen. It'll give you stuff to talk about for weeks. What is human nature? Where does evil come from? What it the purpose of life? IS there a purpose? 

I know a lot of people who are nervous to go see it because it looks violent and scary --- or think it'll be dumb because it's a "comic book" movie. I feel sorry for the last group because, well, comic books are cool. But I get where the first group is coming from. It is violent and it is scary.

Go anyway. Just take a pair of eschatological lens with you. Good wins in the end --- but it is a fragile victory.

Let me know what you think of it.

Comments

[Manda]

Thank you! I had been waiting for this movie for the completely shallow reasons of loving comic book movies, Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and sinister plots. Even before it was over however, I found it to be theologically relevant and much more meaningful than I expected.
I haven't told anyone this because I almost didn't believe myself! Thank you for posting this!
I think the way in which the filmmakers presented these questions was honest, not contrived as I often experience in film. I would even add to your list of questions "From where do we derive our priorities?"
It excites me that this movie has already given me a chance to discuss what I would otherwise coin "faith questions" with those who otherwise will not breech the subject with me.
I love this, right on!