Rocketman
Superhero
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- Jul 29, 2010
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I figured (if it's alright) we could discuss the symbolism of Gotham as a "forest" that is about to be purged - and, why I think that [BLACKOUT]Gotham might be destroyed by the end of this movie, No Man's Land style.[/BLACKOUT]
Not sure if it's been discussed, but I recently watched TDK again and was amazed by how some of Alfred's lines tie into BB so perfectly, especially in a scene that is so similar to one in BB's.
For me, reading all of this together is somewhat haunting:
Batman Begins:
The Dark Knight:
The Dark Knight Rises:
Obviously, the Nolans are aware of a connection between these things. And as far as the "fire" goes, it could be in reference to Bane and his followers as a cult that rises, and their mission as being the destruction of Gotham with the help of Dr. Pavel. Bane's ultimate plan is clearly to destroy Gotham by using the "Doomsday Device"/bomb (or whatever it is), and that is the ultimate obstacle that Batman has to face: saving Gotham. That's what his mission has always been.
But what if Bane actually wins?
Alfred, in reference to capturing the bandit, said that they had to burn the forest down in order to stop him. This was related to the Joker. The only way for Batman to really stop The Joker is to let Gotham crumble completely until it's just Batman and Joker left standing face to face among all the rubble. This time, it's Bane.
I wish I could articulate this more eloquently, so hopefully you guys can take a crack at what I'm attempting to say. If anyone has any other references regarding forests, fire, and broken societies/cities (in literature, history, poetry, etc.), I think this could get interesting.
Not sure if it's been discussed, but I recently watched TDK again and was amazed by how some of Alfred's lines tie into BB so perfectly, especially in a scene that is so similar to one in BB's.
For me, reading all of this together is somewhat haunting:
Batman Begins:
Ra's al Ghul: When a forest grows too wild a purging fire is inevitable and natural. Tomorrow, the world will watch in horror as its greatest city destroys itself. The movement back to harmony will be unstoppable this time.
The Dark Knight:
Alfred: A long time ago, I was in Burma, my friends and I were working for the local government. They were trying to buy the loyalty of tribal leaders by bribing them with precious stones. But their caravans were being raided in a forest north of Rangoon by a bandit. So we went looking for the stones. But in six months, we never found anyone who traded with him. One day I saw a child playing with a ruby the size of a tangerine. The bandit had been throwing them away.
Bruce: Then why steal them?
Alfred: Because he thought it was good sport. Because some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.
Bruce: The bandit, in the forest in Burma, did you catch him?
Alfred: Yes.
Bruce: How?
Alfred: We burned the forest down.
The Dark Knight Rises:
Follower: Have we started the fire?
Bane: The Fire Rises.
Obviously, the Nolans are aware of a connection between these things. And as far as the "fire" goes, it could be in reference to Bane and his followers as a cult that rises, and their mission as being the destruction of Gotham with the help of Dr. Pavel. Bane's ultimate plan is clearly to destroy Gotham by using the "Doomsday Device"/bomb (or whatever it is), and that is the ultimate obstacle that Batman has to face: saving Gotham. That's what his mission has always been.
But what if Bane actually wins?
Alfred, in reference to capturing the bandit, said that they had to burn the forest down in order to stop him. This was related to the Joker. The only way for Batman to really stop The Joker is to let Gotham crumble completely until it's just Batman and Joker left standing face to face among all the rubble. This time, it's Bane.
I wish I could articulate this more eloquently, so hopefully you guys can take a crack at what I'm attempting to say. If anyone has any other references regarding forests, fire, and broken societies/cities (in literature, history, poetry, etc.), I think this could get interesting.