The Dark Knight

Batman asks the questions about the difference between good and evil in Batman Begins. With The Dark Knight the conversation continues, but with a real villain for comparison. Without a doubt, comparing Batman and The Joker leads to a long list of similarities, and the film is designed exactly with this juxtaposition in mind. For me, perhaps the most interesting question is about method. Who exactly is the terrorist? Clearly The Joker holds hostages, kills people, and demands change. But Batman also uses the terrorist tactic of inciting fear. He regularly uses darkness and illusion to purport himself bigger/stronger/faster than a single man. His symbol shines off the clouds solely as a reminder of his presence. Constant fear is the linchpin of terrorism. But Batman's terrorism is for the greater good. Lucious Fox says it perfectly (albeit in a different context) when he states "This is too much power for one man". The question is, if a terrorist is fighting for the greater good, is he still a terrorist? Batman is constantly called a vigilante by the authorities, and they all promise to reign him in. But they (and we) look the other way until the "greater good" is accomplished, until the "evil" is wiped out. And in this case, perhaps there is no "other perspective". Perhaps everyone agrees that The Joker is the evil one and must be stopped. We don't even attempt to look for the humanity, the story behind The Joker. But in the real world, there is always another perspective. Do Palestinian dissidents use terrorist tactics for the greater good? Do Israeli settlers use terrorist tactics for the greater good? Does the U.S. military use terrorist tactics for the greater good? Which greater good is THE GREATER GOOD? What would a comic book hero look like who used non-violent active resistance to evil as a tactic? Obviously wouldn't sell anything in this graphic novel age of blood and death. So we continue to ask questions, and wait for the next installment, when we chase the terrorist Batman all over Gotham. Perhaps the chasers will somehow find the folly of their vengeance seeking. Perhaps Batman will see that terrorist tactics, even if for the greater good, are always an inspiration for those with alternative goals.
4-stars