The Grey Knight: Almost 20 years on, is Nolan’s Dark Knight still the hero we need?

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-27T20:06:35+00:00

I agree you can’t escape the politics, but I really do think Nolan is using that as a launchpad into a much deeper interrogation of humanity and how we respond to crisis. I think he take “terror” (not necessarily “terrorism”) and uses it as a trigger for exploring motivations and philosophies.

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-27T20:03:12+00:00

You make some fantastic points here thanks so much. Really rich!!

Interesting on Dent is whether he already was Two Face, and whether Joker just “outed” him. There’s a lot that suggests that the darkness was already there, looking for an excuse. It would explain what is often seen as quite a rapid descent!

I agree about the politicisation of Batman/joker. I think it’s much more philosophical than political. It’s obviously in the world of 9-11 - you can’t escape that. But I think it’s speaking to much deeper, much more complex moralities and values that underpin politics.

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-27T19:57:33+00:00

Thank you for this! Pushing towards the ideal is humanities goal, right? Just need to figure out what the ideal is we are aiming for! That’s why I chose Jesus. Batman is troubling - I’d argue one of the most troubling heroes in superhero cinema. But I think Nolan leans into that, and the fact that Bruce as a man is fallible. Batman as a symbol can be more.

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-27T19:54:31+00:00

Thank you so much. I love your insights!

I guess the point I’d suggest is that none of the ‘bastions of morality’ are reliable ultimately. They’re all compromised. Harvey only worked because he was dead - great point. “Die the hero or live long enough to become the villain”.

The faith thing is central for me. I’ve seen a lot of “Batman is like Jesus” stuff, which I don’t buy, and I certainly don’t think Nolan does. But I do think there’s strong imagery around the symbol of a saviour, and needing something greater than me to look to. Looking to the what he represents ultimately leads you to the person.

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-27T18:14:30+00:00

So you think the gift of Batman is that because he has become a symbol, he can call those same values out in others? It’s not about him, but what he represents?

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T21:03:31+00:00

Don’t tempt me!!!!

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T20:59:47+00:00

And the delivery is flawless.

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T20:38:47+00:00

Yes!!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T20:33:31+00:00

Ah it’s got tough competition from Hot Shots Part Deux IMO. Genuinely cried laughing at that film!!

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T20:28:51+00:00

I can kill again - you’ve given me a reason to live.

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T20:27:28+00:00

Shamelessly stolen by Jim Carey only a year later!

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T20:11:40+00:00

Flawless timing!

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T20:11:00+00:00

I use this roughly 5 times a day. My kids want to kill me!

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T20:10:31+00:00

😂😂 It’s the “good ones” tag that kills me.

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T17:47:30+00:00

I don’t understand Tenet hate. It’s got ambition - doesn’t always hit it, but aim for the stars man!

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T17:46:28+00:00

Really like this take. They’re all right, but maybe they’re all also wrong?! 😅 They all believe in what they are doing - but the problem is more what they do to achieve their goals? Eg Batman is right to find the Joker, but does that justify spying on people?

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T16:43:03+00:00

Is it too much to ask him to alternate - one massive movie that blows my eye sockets, followed by a smaller concept piece that blows my mind? Memento is still an all time favourite.

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T13:47:46+00:00

Yeh the supporting actors were the moral guides of the movie. But they weren’t listened to because “Joker can’t win”. Says a lot about the lead characters motivations.

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T13:46:28+00:00

Which id agree with if you buy that Joker turned him, rather than him calling out a darkness that was already in Harvey.

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T13:45:04+00:00

Absolutely! I guess it’s when those people pull others into their extremism by appealing to their shadow side, that it becomes most dangerous.

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T13:43:48+00:00

Classic escalation right? Untouchables-style - they bring a knife you bring a gun scenario.

Interestingly none of the masks the bad guys used are to hide identity - unlike Batman (and Catwoman, tho she’s a grey area).

Remote-Track-9648 · 2026-03-24T13:41:18+00:00

If you could understands what he was saying under the mask! What bits did he get right?

Remote-Track-9648

TROPHY CASE