The Dark Knight Rises, and So Can We

           I had the chance to see "The Dark Knight Rises" over the weekend.  This was the first opening weekend my wife and I have had the chance to make since before our little boy was born last year.  Needless to say we were thrilled at the prospect.  Unfortunately for many, the excitement of a night at the movies turned to a night of violence and horror that will not quickly, if ever, be forgotten.  And beyond that, people that planned on going to the movies this weekend probably pulled back and changed their plans, allowing the actions of a lunatic to dictate how they live. 

            Before I delve into my thoughts about this, I have to pause to express my deepest sympathies for the victims of this horror and their families.  I can't begin to fathom the pain these poor people are undoubtedly experiencing, and I only hope that my prayers and sympathies will be a help in some miniscule way.

            This type of tragedy causes many to reflect, at least for a moment, on the way they treat people, the way they live their lives, and the way they see the world around them.  That last point can be particularly warped if looked at in the wrong light, a point that this very touching movie covers very nicely.  There are many themes and stories to cover in TDKR, but I think after this weekend, the idea of fear and despair as it relates to this film is uniquely compelling. 

            The movie starts with Bruce Wayne, who is now somewhat of a cane-assisted hermit, locked up in the East wing of Wayne Manor.  After some prodding by a young cop and a now critically injured Commissioner Gordon, Wayne dons the Batsuit once again, eight years after the death of Harvey Dent, to take on a brawny man with a very evil plan, Bane.  On top of that, Bruce is being toyed with by a tricky cat burglar named Selena Kyle, who seems to have the answers he needs to defeat Bane.  It is wonderfully entertaining.  It is not without its flaws, but they are minor for me in comparison to how entertained I was.

            Bane acts as an inciter of sorts, who helps the downtrodden of the city to become kings for a time.  They have let their past struggles lead them to bitterness, and when given a chance for what they see as  revenge, the results are catastrophic.  However, out of the clear blue, an unexpected turn of events at the half-way mark moved this film from entertainment to a completely profound and somewhat cathartic experience for me.  The Batman has disappeared from the scene, dealing with a completely different type of hell.

            I won't mention what happens for those who have yet to see the movie, but it is the ultimate challenge to come back from for Bruce Wayne.  A broken man must use sheer will to rise above his fears and ultimate despair to have the chance to save Gotham once again. 

            TDKR begs the question:  When hope is gone, do we continue on anyway, or just allow ourselves to be taken over by darkness?  This theme is played out marvelously by all of the key characters.  Does fear stop one from doing what they know is right, or drive them to do just that?  It is a hard context to discuss when trying not to spoil the movie, but the key is this:  Does our fear and our despair damn our progress, or drive us forward?  Can we rise above it?

            After this weekend, for some time fear will be the basis for the decision making of many people, whether directly involved in the tragedy or not.  Unfortunately for those who choose to embrace the fear brought on by the actions of a deranged man, they will miss a chance to see a beautifully shot, directed, and acted story of overcoming exactly what they are being controlled by. 

            I am not saying that the weariness to go to the movies isn't justified, but if we allow our lives to be run by the things we are afraid of, we may as well live like Bruce Wayne did at the start of TDKR- behind closed doors as nothing but a figment of people's past memories.

            If, however, we continue to live life, allowing that fear to drive us to become something more (Batman for Bruce, better neighbors and friends for the general population), than this man who sought nothing more than to scare and hurt will have failed a huge part of his pointless mission.

            TDKR director Christopher Nolan made this statement upon hearing the news of the massacre, and I couldn't agree more:  "I believe movies are one of the great American art forms and the shared experience of watching a story unfold on screen is an important and joyful pastime.  The movie theatre is my home, and the idea that someone would violate that innocent and hopeful place in such an unbearably savage way is devastating to me."

            Many of us see the movies as a momentary escape from the problems in our lives.  I plead with everyone reading this to continue this practice, to do it the Bruce Wayne way and allow ourselves to rise above what we fear and overcome it.  Do not allow an outside force to dictate your choices.  Live the way you believe in living. 

           

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES 9.8/10