This is a well-written essay and I enjoyed reading it. The only thing I don't agree with is your interpretation of Batman's action at the end of the film. I really liked The Dark Knight when I saw it in theaters, but the ending didn't sit well with me. Batman took the blame? I also considered the interpretation of Batman "taking on" Harvey Dent's sins, which is Christ-like in a way. However, upon some introspection, I realized that didn't follow sound moral logic: Batman took on Harvey's sins by lying. Batman says, "Sometimes the truth isn't good enough..." The Bible, however, says, "... the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) Some have said it was for the greater good, but do the ends justify the means? That kind of mentality led the High Priest Caiaphas to actively pursue the death of Jesus Christ (John 11:48-53). In our cynical and morally relativistic culture, this kind of ending is lauded for being "edgy," "gritty," and "realistic." For me, it ruined the film. Being honest with myself, I finally accepted that this interpretation was my way of trying to hold onto my strong admiration for a movie that I shouldn't really be admiring.
That all changed thanks to the last installment of the trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises. As Alfred says, "Maybe it's time we all stop trying to outsmart the truth and let it have its day." The so-called better Gotham was accomplished through deceit, a proverbial "house built on sand." (Matthew 7:26-27) Even one of the villains reiterates this to Batman: "You, yourself fought the decadence of Gotham for years with all your strength, all your resources, all your moral authority and the only victory you achieved was a lie." This movie redeems its predecessor by rectifying its morally compromised conclusion. Most people will not agree with me, but that's why I believe that The Dark Knight Rises is the truly superior film. The Dark Knight is a masterpiece and every Catholic should watch it, but only in conjunction with The Dark Knight Rises. Sorry for such a long comment and thank you for reading all this. After all, as you said so yourself, there was more to write about The Dark Knight. 😉
This is a well-written essay and I enjoyed reading it. The only thing I don't agree with is your interpretation of Batman's action at the end of the film. I really liked The Dark Knight when I saw it in theaters, but the ending didn't sit well with me. Batman took the blame? I also considered the interpretation of Batman "taking on" Harvey Dent's sins, which is Christ-like in a way. However, upon some introspection, I realized that didn't follow sound moral logic: Batman took on Harvey's sins by lying. Batman says, "Sometimes the truth isn't good enough..." The Bible, however, says, "... the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) Some have said it was for the greater good, but do the ends justify the means? That kind of mentality led the High Priest Caiaphas to actively pursue the death of Jesus Christ (John 11:48-53). In our cynical and morally relativistic culture, this kind of ending is lauded for being "edgy," "gritty," and "realistic." For me, it ruined the film. Being honest with myself, I finally accepted that this interpretation was my way of trying to hold onto my strong admiration for a movie that I shouldn't really be admiring.
That all changed thanks to the last installment of the trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises. As Alfred says, "Maybe it's time we all stop trying to outsmart the truth and let it have its day." The so-called better Gotham was accomplished through deceit, a proverbial "house built on sand." (Matthew 7:26-27) Even one of the villains reiterates this to Batman: "You, yourself fought the decadence of Gotham for years with all your strength, all your resources, all your moral authority and the only victory you achieved was a lie." This movie redeems its predecessor by rectifying its morally compromised conclusion. Most people will not agree with me, but that's why I believe that The Dark Knight Rises is the truly superior film. The Dark Knight is a masterpiece and every Catholic should watch it, but only in conjunction with The Dark Knight Rises. Sorry for such a long comment and thank you for reading all this. After all, as you said so yourself, there was more to write about The Dark Knight. 😉