Contention / Thesis
‘All art, including film, are a reflection of the time in which they were made.’ Discuss
How can we test this idea? We can see if it applies to our films? Therefore…
Is it possible to see, in the characters and themes of The Dark Knight, the significant events after 9/11 attacks and the ensuing ‘War on Terror’ prosecuted by the American government?
Can we also get a sense of social attitudes at that time and how Gotham, it’s inhabitants, the police, The Joker and Batman echo these historical events (and divide)?
This is a video which covers most of the important historical contexts.
Watch it and make notes
…The War on Terror
Crash Course. (2014). Terrorism, War, and Bush 43: Crash Course US History #46. [Online Video]. 30 January 2014. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlsnnhn3VWE&feature=emb_logo. [Accessed: 17 December 2020].
Task
There are a lot facts in the above video on the socio-political context in America after post 9/11. Also it explores some of the social divides created by wealth or lack of it.
As we’re watching this video, make a note of how you think these are echoed in The Dark Knight.
What conclusions do you each about the nature of The Batman post 9/11?
Reflective Journal
Embed the video into your journal.
Explain why some of the features in The Dark Knight are reflective of the new world order in the early 21st Century.