These three films can be cited as the films that made me appreciate all film. I have seen each more than a dozen times and most people are amazed I can watch a single film that many times. I may know every line and most scenes and could possibly listen to the score and pick up on what scene it would be, but these films are more than just Batman to me. These films can construct a way of life and a template for important morals, but only if you look for it. Here are some of what I’ve picked up on while watching, analyzing, and interpreting the stories of Batman throughout Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy.
1. “Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up.”
The classic line that Bruce Wayne’s father told him and Alfred repeated after his parent’s murder. We constantly fall and fail in life and we must fall to learn from our mistakes in order to make ourselves stronger.
2. Do something good for the good of it not for your own satisfaction.
Batman takes up his mask to protect those he cares about most, but also to inspire good in others. It is best to good things for the sake that they are good, not for your own gratification.
3. Compassion for what you’re doing is important, whatever it is.
Henri Ducard says to Bruce Wayne that his compassion is a weakness that will not be shared by his enemies. Bruce counters with his compassion is important for that reason, because it separates him from his enemies. Compassion for your actions is what makes them justified. Batman may take matters into his own hands but his compassion never ceases.
4. You control your moral compass.
Batman has one rule, and he never breaks it. Batman may seem as though he is above the law but he makes and follows his one rule to keep his morals is check.
5. “It’s not who you are underneath, it’s what you do that defines you.”
Actions are what define us. Batman acts for the good of others. If actions define us, it gives you the control to write your own story.
6. “The night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you the dawn is coming.”
Words of the famous Harvey Dent promising Gotham City that good will come. Life may seem at its worst much of the time, but that only makes the good days even better.
7. Rise
Rise. The climbing scene gets me every time in The Dark Knight Rises. You must recognize your fears to reach your greatest potential.
8. A hero can be anyone.
This ranks as my all-time favorite scene in The Dark Knight Rises, when Batman reveals his identity to Jim Gordon. You see their friendship and partnership shape over the three films to see Batman only reveal the ultimate identity when his job is done.
These are just a few of my favorite highlights of The Dark Knight Trilogy, a set of movies that are among the greatest. My definition of a great movie is to be able to watch it, again and again and still feel that same excitement as if you are watching it for the first time.
