‘Dark Knight’ of our souls

In the latest Batman film, the villan's green clown wig and make-up are gone! Instead, The Dark Knight's "Joker" is the very face of evil. And yet, in his madness, he forces the citizens of Gotham to examine their own good and evil—and the shadows that lie between.

Bruce (Batman) Wayne pleads to his butler, “People are dying. What would you have me do?”

Alfred replies, “Endure. You can be the outcast. You can make the choice that no one else will face—the right choice. Gotham needs you.” One of the most dramatic scenes is when the Joker stands unarmed in the street taunting Batman to kill him with the Batcycle.

District Attorney, Harvey Dent, foreshadows his own moral choice when he tells Wayne, “You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”

Police Commissioner, James Gordon, asks Batman how one can remain a decent man in indecent times.

A boatload of prisoners and a boatload of Gotham citizens must decide to either blow up the others’ boat or both be blown up at the stroke of midnight.

And, finally, as the trailer asks, “Can you avenge evil and not become it?”

Writer and director, Christopher Nolan, has provided a whole Bat Cave full of legal, philosophical and spiritual quandaries and skillfully portrays how his characters struggle to deal with them. (This is a great movie to see as a group and then meet at Starbucks afterward to discuss.)

In the end, Batman is viewed as a masked villain and rides off scorned by the very people he sought to save—like many situations we face in our personal lives. What is right and wrong is not always obvious. Doing the right thing is not always popular or politically correct. Right is not always rewarded. Evil doesn’t always where smeared clown makeup; sometimes it wears a badge or a tailored suit. And all of us will eventually confront the "dark knight" of our souls.

But we must “endure.” We “can make the choice that no one else will face—the right choice.”

(And, oh yah, it's a great movie and Heath Ledger is amazing as the Joker.)

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Comments (16)

I'm very curious, as an atheist, what most Christians think of these types of movies.
I'm actually surprised but very glad that you went to see it, as there are some Christian groups here where I live boycotting it because of *how evil* this particular Joker is portrayed.

Anyway, I do hope that you post your review of the film, and whether or not you see it as just a film, or as a film with a message that may not be appropriate for your fellow Christians to watch.
Am I making sense?
I sometimes feel that people boycott movies without even seeing them, because they do have that battle between good and evil, and as you said, this Joker is the very face of evil.

I will patiently await your review and thoughts. I myself am waiting on seeing it for the crowds to die down just a bit. Standing in line for a couple of hours in the Florida heat to see a movie is not my idea of fun. LOL

Enjoy your weekend.
Kat, I haven't seen this movie (or any of the Batman movies...I know, I know, I'm way out of the loop), but a Christian friend of mine (age 19) saw it earlier this week, he said that the Joker's part just blew him away, that it was such an incredible and powerful performance by Heath Ledger that he (my friend) got goosebumps watching the film.
Haven't seen it yet, but I really can't wait! Every time I see a preview, I get goosebumps. I'm sure part of it is realizing that the actor is dead. He was so talented; it's so sad.
I love to see the exploration of good vs. evil in movies and lit. It's amazing how often the Christ story is portrayed in mainstream films. If we take the time to watch and see through someone else's eyes, we often find something we have in common. I watched I Am Legend last night, and it was another opportunity to talk to my son about good vs. evil, God vs. Satan, actively doing something in life vs. sitting around and waiting for death.
The character of the Joker is a great exploration of the evil within each of us.
Hey Kat,

I'm a pastor, and I'm going to see the movie Wednesday (like you, I can't stand large crowds either). But I'm super excited to go see it as Batman is easily my favorite comicbook character.

Just try to remember Kat, that every "group" has people that take things too far. To boycott the movie because the Joker is portrayed as evil is just dumb -- the Joker *is* evil. What's he suppose to do? Throw flowers and the Batmobile?

I encourage you to not judge us all by the actions of a few. You'll find that the vast majority of Christians are not the "holier than thou" types and we all realize we're sinners and need Christ. On that level, we're all the same. But we love BBQ's, movies, AC on a hot day, and Christian music can rock just as hard as any secular music. If you like rap, go to www.godtube.com and search Lecrae. Give a listen to "Jesus Musik" and "Prayin' for You." -- both amazing songs.

While you're there, check these out:

http://www.godtube.com/view_vi...

http://www.godtube.com/view_vi...

God Bless...
Hey Kat, how are you? As a christian I of course have to make certain choices about what I'm going to see or do. But I agree that it's important to at least understand something about it before I pass judgement, so to speak. I personally enjoyed the Harry Potter movies despite so many christians I know going "Oowa, boogey, boogey, witchcraft". It's ironic that those same individuals will go and see the Narnia movies. I don't know of anyones child that has turned to witchcraft as a result, all though my son has developed a taste for eye of newt and ear of bat and it's healthier than KFC.
But seriously, ignore the knee-jerk wowsers. There are some christians who are full of fear and won't watch anything that might have a bad guy in it, there are some christians who are so heavenly spiritual that they are no earthly good and there are those christians who use the brain God gave them and think. We really are normal too. Can't wait to see the movie either.
I saw the movie opening night with my wife and some friends from church. I am a pastor (yes, so of us do watch movies) and I really enjoyed the movie. It is a very dark film, but we were discussing afterwards even though it is dark, there was no gore, foul language, or nudity in it. It left a lot up to the imagination. It shows a quality movie can be made without that added in. Ledger's performance was extremely well done, and psychotic. There is already talk about Oscar nominations for the performance. Talk was made around his death that he was having trouble sleeping due the role of the Joker. If so, than no role on screen is worth the well being of the performer. I think as humans we need to be careful what we feed our eyes and we need to know ourselves. A movie that I watch may affect me differently than it does my wife. As Christians I do not think we should shelter ourselves form the culture, but I also believe we need to have wisdom about what we subject ourselves to. I don't need to see every film to know if I want to subject myself and family to (even more so once we have kids). I feel I can rely on reviews from websites like this one to decide if I want to even take the time (and money) in the name of entertainment.
The film was incredible and overwhelming (I keep comparing it to director Chris Nolan's Momento). It certainly portrays evil in all its terror, but I don't see why adult Christians shouldn't be willing to expose themselves to that (kids on the other hand...). The real world is full of evil and no boycott is gonna change that, so it is quite appropriate for a film to protray that (heck, the Bible itself is full of evil people!). But what I especially appreciated about The Dark Knight is the moral questions it raies. The Joker raises chaos, but the heroes (and many ordinary people) are left with a choice between self-interest and self-sacrifice. Though not all of them choose well, several do, and prove that the Devil doesn't have the last word.

Here's my review.
Thank you all for your thoughts on it, your reviews, and how you feel about Christians viewing these types of films.
I really do appreciate all of the replies.
I wonder why any Christian would go see this or almost any other movie. Paul wrote, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." How can we expect our minds to be renewed if we conform to the world and go to movies and such. Someday Jesus will return, I guess I'm not to hip on any of us having to explain why we are sitting in a movie like this, to Jesus, when we stand before Him. We're not called to be witnesses to the world by doing the things the world does. We're called to be witnesses by being Holy and loving.
Steve, I appreciate your heart.

But I don't see anything wrong with this movie. Batman's good and he's fighting evil. Are we not all doing that? Just because there's evil in the movie, doesn't mean the movie is evil. Evil is all around us... to deny its existance is both futile and dangerous.

Now, if there were naked women running around and orgies and stuff, yeah, the movie's bad because it's tempting me to lust and fall. But I don't even think there's cussing in these movies (though I haven't seen it, and I haven't watched the first one since that was out in the theaters). Regardless, there's nothing in this movie that's making me sin, it's good vs. evil. As long as it's not advancing evolution, homosexuality, or anything like that, I dont' expect to answer for it standing before my creator.

I expect to have to account for many sins on the day of Judgement, but watching a Batman movie isn't one of them.
Hi Steve,

In response to your comment, "We're not called to be witnesses to the world by doing the things the world does. We're called to be witnesses by being Holy and loving." You're absolutely right.

But being witnesses means we understand and associate with those who don't know God. Jesus was accused of being a glutton and a drunk for hanging around "sinners." Paul quoted pagan poets and walked around looking at idols to understand his culture and relate to it.

I'm certainly not saying that every Christian should see "The Dark Knight," but it deals with enough issues that both Christians and non-Christians struggle, that it makes a good common denominator for discussion--and sharing our faith. (EVERYBODY is talking about it!)

And, you'll notice, being "shrewd as a snake and gentle as a dove" that I am, that I've included "Related Links" to my post that go to more overtly "Christian" essays. Hopefully by discussing issues that are relevant to both believers and seekers, ThinkChristian shines the light of Christ on all areas of life--including film.
"Everybody is talking about it." Just like Spider-Man 3, The Da Vinci Code, American Idol. If Batman is preached at your church or care group this week, you may want to get up and walk out. What concord hath Christ with Belial? (KJV) Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? (The Message)
I understand what you guys are saying. And I've thought that way myself in mu walk with Jesus. But, the more I contemplate the narrow road and the narrow path, the more my mind changes. I believe it's that "renewing" that I spoke of in my first post.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

The Spirit has work to do in us all. We can assist Him by following these two (and other) scriptures or we may chose not to. Life is about choices.

Jesus did hang with prostitutes and drunks. He would stand on the street corner today, with crack dealers. But, not to be entertained by them. He would be there to encourage them to seek the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.

When we do stand before our Lord I may not need to explain why we went to see Batman. But I may need to explain why I drove past the homeless and the hungry to get there without ministering to them. He may ask what better purpose my money had, buying them a bag of groceries or myself and overpriced bag of popcorn. We only get so mush time and resources while we are here. Life's about choices. I pray and hope we all learn to make those choices that advance His kingdom.
Love and Peace, Steve Page
I have to say, just to be fully honest, if the God I worship would be ashamed of me for seeing this film, then I'm not really eager to claim that God as mine. And personally the conversations that come out of art are, often in my opinion, true, noble, right, pure, and lovely. If God wanted us to divulge ourselves from culture, then he certainly could have done a better job laying that message out, as it is 'be in the world not of the world' gives me a remarkable amount of freedom to interact with the world for godly purposes, as best I see fit.
Steve, I have read, and reread, your post many times, and I would like to share some thoughts with you.

You have chosen not to conform to this world as Scripture teaches. You have decided to renew your thinking with the words of Scripture as the Bible says to do. You have let it be known that, given a choice between taking what Egypt has to offer vs. the glories of Christ, you will choose Christ. You have made no secret of the fact that you are living to please your Master in heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ. You have shown vision for the lost. You have let go of short term entertainment for the larger goal of being God's faithful steward. And, you have learned to advance God's kingdom, knowing that if there is anything you truly need - food, clothing, shelter - God Himself will provide for you as you seek His kingdom and righteousness first. The love and peace of the Savior have shined through you indeed.

I want you to know, that everytime I read your posts, I am grateful to God for your testimony. Thank you for sharing your walk, your faith, your joy. Glory to God!
Sometimes we Christians misunderstand the meaning of not being a friend of the world. This doesn't mean that we can't be entertained by watching a movie, reading a secular book, playing video games or attend a farewell party for a co-worker. We must clearly define what sin is in order to understand the connection with "the world".

Jesus was once at a wedding. He wasn't there to preach or teach. He was there to enjoy a celebration and to take part of a marvelous feast. All was going as planned until they ran out of wine. I hardly see this as wrong and obviously sinful (since our Lord was without sin). As some of the comments say, Jesus was labeled a glutton and a drunk because he was always eating and drinking with not just his disciples but crooks, liars and pharisees.

Jesus was also an expert in story telling. He used worldly examples to give a spiritual meaning. He used agriculture (seeds and fruits), he used architecture (foundations and building), etc. We can use movie stories to discuss spiritual matters. In this case, we can use this movie to discuss good and evil, heroes, spiritual needs and integrity. If this isn't your style or your preference, than it's fine. But to label someone a "friend of the world" because of it, it's just not right. We all make mistakes, but love keeps us coming back.

(By the way, I saw the movie and clearly see the great opportunity we have to discuss spiritual matters with unbelievers.)

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