Batman Hero's Journey Essay
In 1949 Joseph Campbell created a theory in literature and movies abroad which he named, the Hero’s Journey. This was a pattern Campbell saw that most plots followed. The pattern consisted of the main protagonist originally living in the ordinary world, going into the abyss, experiencing rebirth and transformation, eventually returning to their normal world. You can see the stages of the ordinary world, the call to adventure, and the trials all in the movie The Dark Knight. In the beginning of The Dark Knight, Batman can be seen in the first stage, the ordinary world. Following the first movie of the trilogy Batman saves Gotham and conquers the city. In continuation of the series the movie begins with Batman being Gotham’s hero. Crime
…show more content…
A significant trial shown in the film is when the Joker gave Batman two choices, whether to save Gotham’s white knight Harvey Dent or his childhood friend Rachel Dawes. In the film, the Joker purposely locked himself up making the police think they were in power. However in reality, this is exactly what the Joker wanted. While in custody, Batman interrogates the Joker. With Harvey and Rachel nowhere to be found Batman tries to get their location from the Joker. In this scene Batman asks why he wants to kill him, but the Joker lets out his hysterical laugh. The Joker explains that he doesn’t wish to kill him, the Batman completes him. He goes on trying to get in Batman’s head telling him he’s just a freak like himself, and to not act like ‘’one of them.’’ He proceeds to explain saying that they only need you right now, but when they don’t they’ll cast him out. The Joker states that ‘’I’m not a monster… I’m just ahead of the curve.’’ Batman physically threatens him and beats the Joker up yelling ‘’Where are they?!” however the Joker is clearly constantly in control. Enjoying the beat down laughing the whole way the joker exclaims that the Batman has nothing, nothing to threaten him with, nothing to do with all his strength. The Joker lets up, and gives the location of both Harvey and Rachel whom which are both rigged to explosives. The Joker tells Batman he must choose who to save. Batman then
A significant trial shown in the film is when the Joker gave Batman two choices, whether to save Gotham’s white knight Harvey Dent or his childhood friend Rachel Dawes. In the film, the Joker purposely locked himself up making the police think they were in power. However in reality, this is exactly what the Joker wanted. While in custody, Batman interrogates the Joker. With Harvey and Rachel nowhere to be found Batman tries to get their location from the Joker. In this scene Batman asks why he wants to kill him, but the Joker lets out his hysterical laugh. The Joker explains that he doesn’t wish to kill him, the Batman completes him. He goes on trying to get in Batman’s head telling him he’s just a freak like himself, and to not act like ‘’one of them.’’ He proceeds to explain saying that they only need you right now, but when they don’t they’ll cast him out. The Joker states that ‘’I’m not a monster… I’m just ahead of the curve.’’ Batman physically threatens him and beats the Joker up yelling ‘’Where are they?!” however the Joker is clearly constantly in control. Enjoying the beat down laughing the whole way the joker exclaims that the Batman has nothing, nothing to threaten him with, nothing to do with all his strength. The Joker lets up, and gives the location of both Harvey and Rachel whom which are both rigged to explosives. The Joker tells Batman he must choose who to save. Batman then