¶ … genre" to frame your analysis to compare "The Dark Knight" (2008) and "Iron Man 2" (2010) in relation to popular film culture A comparison of 'the dark knight' (2008) and 'iron man 2' (2010) In relation to popular film culture

The film technology has taken a center stage in many discussions concerning the film culture in the world today. With advancement in technology especially in relation to computer programs, film writers and directors are now able to design films that are beyond the imagination of human beings. Application of science and technology has moved the film industry beyond the realities of human nature due to the application of science fiction. 'The dark knight' and 'Iron man 2' are two examples of the modern world film industry where there is the application of modern technology, and imagination in the creation of films. The two films focus on one theme, but the approach used by each of them is different. The main theme delivered by the two films is crime, and the writers and directors decide to use fictional characters with supernatural powers to bring out the main theme of the films. This study will focus on analyzing the two films using the concept of genre.

Genre in relation to the popular film culture refers to the artistic characterization of an art, music or literal composition into a particular style, content or form. It may also refer to a class of artistic work having a particular content or technique. In relation to genre, dark knight and 'Iron man 2' have different techniques and forms of delivering the themes in the films. Each film applies a particular style or manner to present its ideas to the audience. According to studies, application of genre in film analysis helps the learner to understand such conventions such as the settings of a film or a piece of art, events, roles and values that defines the piece of work. Literally, genre refers to fiction. It refers to the categorization of a piece of art into an imaginary scenario that does not exist in the real world. This imaginary situation is often applied to bring out certain information or picture to the real world on how this should actually be. The two films apply this genre to deliver the intended message to their audiences. Studies by McGowan provides an analysis of the Dark Knight and points out that, the film uses supernatural characters that have extra human abilities (51). This is made possible by the application of science fiction to enable the characters go beyond the human ability to bring out the intended message.

Studies by McGowan therefore indicate that the film uses science fiction, fantasy and horror type of genre. In science fiction, an artist uses imaginary elements and events that are largely possible with scientifically postulated laws of nature. In fantasy, the film or other piece of art uses magic, and other supernatural forms as the primary elements of the plot. This is the case in Iron man 2, where Tony Stark posses supernatural and heroic characteristics to bring out the themes of injustice, and crime in the society. In horror, the intention is to scare while delivering the main themes. This genre therefore works best in the two films to facilitate a clear presentation of the intended message. The Dark knight and Iron man 2 are two films that depict the revolution in the Hollywood film industry. Application of a unique genre such as science fiction or fantasy is now common in the industry compared to early years of the 1980s and 1990s. Studies by Schatz (20) show the departure of the film industry from the common romantic comedies to the modern application of science and imagination in depicting various scenarios in society. In his studies, he explains the revolution in the industry as an indication of maturity and competitiveness, which necessitates the creation of a wide range of films that tackle various issues in the society.

Based on fiction and creativity, The Dark knight presents the injustices that exist in the society by using Batman as an imaginary character with extraordinary powers. According to McGowan, there are many injustices in the society, which require an exceptional figure that will operate outside or on the periphery of the law (51). This is the case in Iron man 2 where Tony Stark in collaboration with others who are on his side tries to fight against the evil in...

McGowan explains that these supernatural powers of the characters enable them to go where the law cannot and fight to accomplish what it cannot accomplish. In Iron man 2, the creators of the film present the protagonist and his allies as powerful through possession of sophisticated weapons and techniques. The film presents the bureaucracy and selfishness of those in power in their desire to bring Tony Stark down when they realize he possess such weapons. Both Iron man 2 and Dark Knight make use of science fiction to design immense action that takes place in both films. This action makes the films most fascinating, and captivating to the audience. According to Reinhart, the choice of pictures, the flow of the story and the choice of characters all work well with the genre to present ideas in the 'The Dark Knight' (233).
The genre presents both heroes in the two films as opponents of the legal systems. They turn out to be enemies of the public. McGowan explains this circumstance as the failure of the law to differentiate the hero's activities from evil. The genre in the films fails to present the private morality that the heroes portray as an alternative to the legal orders that fail to bring justice in the society. These failures are what McGowan (51) refers and their demand for a hero and heroic exception to the law. He explains that, the law if left to itself cannot arrive at justice in the society. The superhero genre in the two films helps to take the two films up a level compared to using other genres to deliver such messages to their audiences. This genre works best to explain the rivalry and enmity that exists even after a generation. We observe this kind of enmity in 'Iron man 2' when Ivanko returns and seeks to revenge for his father against Tony Stark. The brutality presented with the ability of the heroes to use sophisticated weapons against their enemies helps to draw a picture of enmity between characters. The genre in both films presents the heroes as having a fatal flaw. This is presented in 'Iron man 2' when finally Tony Stark dies (Ebert 296).

The combination of action, adventure and science fiction in the two films creates a new picture in the modern film industry where people seek entertainment from what they watch than ever before. The modern film audience expects more than just a message from a film, and these forces film producers to be more creative. This genre expresses the filmmakers' creativity in presenting the roles of different characters in the films. Action and science fiction intensifies the drama and entertainment in both films and creates a more realistic picture of the intended message to their audiences. A synopsis of Iron man 2 has many similarities to that of The Dark Knight. This is because of the same genre used in both films and the similarities in the themes. In both films, the superheroes fight against crime and other social injustices in their societies and they are ready to risk their lives, and stand against the law to defend their people. This desire to stand for the right leads to poisoning of Tony Stark and finally his death for the sake of his people. Studies by Danesi (76) suggest that films such as the dark Knight blend different genre styles to present a certain theme to the society. In the case of 'Iron man 2' and 'The Dark Knight', they present the dark regions of the soul and evil as part of the human condition. This side of the modern society that Batman fights against in 'The Dark Knight' is the unknown part and feared by many. To fight against this darkness, the film has to present Batman as a superhero who goes beyond the realities and abilities of human beings.

The plot in both films revolves around crime and injustice. Batman faces pressure and betrayal both from the government and his people as he carries out his roles. In the same way, Tony Stark in The Dark Knight faces the danger from Ivanko who desires to revenge for his father. McGowan states that, although Batman provides extra-legal assistance to police, the government slows his mission down because they perceive him to be an enemy (51). This reveals how certain organs of the government are linked to the crimes taking place in the modern society. McGowan explains that, were it not for Batman's efforts to fight against crime, the city would have been uninhabitable. Desire…