The Dark Knight as Hero Myth: A 10-Step Analysis

Introduction: Myth and Modern Cinema

Myths are extremely important in navigating the human experience. Their practicality and methods of delivering a message are powerful and can be conducted in a variety of ways. One such way of telling a myth is through film. Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, released in 2008, is a fine example of how motion pictures can reveal the importance of myth to the viewer.

The purpose of this essay is to analyze The Dark Knight through Linda Seger's essay on the hero myth in order to illuminate the relationship between myth and modern culture. To accomplish this, the essay applies the ten-step process of the hero myth that Seger describes in her writings, using the character of Bruce Wayne — also known as Batman — as the central figure.

Steps 1–3: The Call to Action and Reluctance

Step 1. Seger's interpretation of the hero myth holds that it comes "from our own experiences of overcoming adversity, as well as our desire to do great and special acts. We root for the hero and celebrate when he or she achieves the goal because we know that the hero's journey is in many ways similar to our own." According to Seger, a standardized pattern arises in every myth: the hero begins in an ordinary or still situation and is suddenly forced into action by circumstance. This is evident in The Dark Knight, where Bruce Wayne/Batman (played by Christian Bale) finds his seemingly peaceful life disrupted by the criminal activities of the Joker (played by Heath Ledger) and his violent gang.

Step 2. Seger's second step reveals that the hero becomes disturbed enough to rise from his slumber and act. The catalyst here is the threat posed to Gotham City by the Joker's psychopathic campaign of revenge against its citizens. Because no obvious solution presents itself, Bruce Wayne must begin weighing whether he should become significantly involved in the struggle.

Step 3. The third step holds that the hero must contemplate and weigh his decisions, with reluctance serving as a common way to depict this theme. In The Dark Knight, this is evident as Bruce Wayne discusses his options with his longtime mentor and butler Alfred (played by Michael Caine). His doubt is further reinforced when he gathers information from Lieutenant Gordon (played by Gary Oldman) and prosecuting attorney Harvey Dent (played by Aaron Eckhart) about how to confront the menace of the Joker.

Steps 4–5: Divine Assistance and Transformation

Step 4. Seger describes the next common occurrence in the hero myth as the arrival of help from an unknown or divine source — a motivational element that signals the hero's need for inspiration beyond himself. In The Dark Knight, both Alfred and Rachel Dawes (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal), Wayne's childhood friend, provide this assistance. Additionally, Lucius Fox (played by Morgan Freeman), the military weapons contractor, supplies Wayne with technology and weapons that aid his pursuit of the Joker.

Step 5. As the hero myth continues, the hero is prepared to move into a realm where action and change must occur. This transformation is visible in the film as well. The Dark Knight shifts in tone once Wayne realizes his duty to protect Gotham's citizens — and his love for Rachel — when he encounters them at his restaurant and feels compelled to put his resources into action. This shift is reinforced by the Joker's growing power, gained through his manipulation of Gotham's organized crime factions.

References

The Dark Knight. Directed by Christopher Nolan. Legendary Pictures, 2008. Film.

Seger, L. (2003). Creating the myth. In S. Maasik & J. Solomon (Eds.), Signs of life. Bedford/St. Martin's.