Online courses: film analysis

Since finishing grad school, we have enjoyed more time together as a couple and as a family. For part of those evenings, Melissa and I have spent some time doing online courses in subjects we did not get to do in college but are interested in. One of my professors introduced me to the subject of film analysis, and that's been our primary focus.

To clarify, film analysis is not synonymous with what most film critics spend their time writing. It is the process of dissecting the film's video presentation, audio presentation, acting, script and intent and comparing it along artistic and political lines. I initially did not put much stock into the idea of significant messages styles existing in film, but (though we're online self-taught) after study, I am thoroughly impressed with the medium as a form of art as deep as any other. I've even come to appreciate some films as much as some of my favorite Shakespearean plays or operas.

In this line of thought, many of the messages current directors, studios, screenwriters, and producers present do not fall in alignment with my political or religious views. Which makes one that does present a more conservative view as quite refreshing. Particularly when it is a blockbuster.

Warning: From this point on, this post may contain some information about "The Dark Knight" that some may consider "spoilers". Furthermore, this is obviously my interpretation of the film. The nice thing about film analysis, is like any other analysis of art, there are varying opinions. But the following is merely presented for enjoyment and is not a soapbox or political stance... just a perspective.

Among the many qualities of good films is the relationship to reality, how well the film bridges the fictional world and the current world. Films can reflect microcosms, stereotypes, individuals, even the world. Breaking down the elements of a film's plot is a good place to start, then one can move to the visual and audible cues for confirmation.

The Dark Knight portrays a hero which lives in a completely corrupt society, who has the wealth and power to make a difference, but does so in a way that causes the citizens angst and frustration. The villian does not have a real background, aims for anarchy and chaos, and kills/acts without remorse. The person who is "The White Knight" in the film is both good and evil, depending on the situation, and becomes further corrupted over time.

Do you see what I see?

If one looks at the political environment, George W. Bush and batman share many common traits. Terrorists and the Joker do likewise. Interesting how "Batman" uses phones illegally to do good... Interesting how he surrounds himself with a small group of those he can trust... Interesting how the director used varying levels of a lack of focus depending on the scene indicating the ambiguity and shifting values of those involve... Interesting how even the organized opposition to good could not control the joker... Interesting how congress (two-face?) comes in claiming to do good, but flip flops on support or opposition... Interesting how the police, or soldiers, have varying levels of commitment to the cause... interesting how the person on the "convict ferry" is a double-chined middle-age man with a certain color and style of hair, which coincidentally is the same hairstyle as Bill Clinton, and interesting that that individual in the film does nothing for an extended period of time to deal with a problem. Needless to say, in addition to loving the movie, I found the message the screenwriters incorporated to be nothing short of compelling. I have not been that invested into the humanness and ethical issues of a film since Cinderella Man. Of course I may be blowing smoke. Yet if you look around online at Film Analyists (not film critics) you will notice they saw some of what I have...

For example:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121694247343482821.html?mod=googlenews_wsj