Akkam’s Razor

By now, you must be aware that the new Batman movie has been released, and also that Heath Ledger is dead.  You are also quite aware that the film has broken many records. You have also heard the Ledger’s Joker performance is being heralded as brilliant.

As a child of the 1980s, my heart has always belonged to reruns of the 1960s campy show, the Superfriends Saturday morning cartoons, and the early Batman movies (I & II, forget the rest). I’ve resisted all the fanboy hype, but tonight I had to watch Batman Begins on FX.  OK, I’ll admit, I think I’m hooked.  Besides, the new film’s is as much a homage as a reboot.

I strongly suggest reading this review on i-Mockery of Frank Miller’s Batman and Robin, including the phrase “I’m the Goddam Batman”, which later inspired this “interview” (found all over the internets) of Christian Bales’ take on the Dark Knight comic:

I also strongly recommend you read this article on Scholars and Rogues that puts the struggle of the Joker versus Batman in a clearer, current context:

There is a larger theme for us Americans, here, as well.  The script makes direct reference to terrorism, painting the Joker as a terrorist (which he is).  Nolan has said that there is no direct analogy to the current “War on Terror,” but the denial strains credulity.  In fact, the film is all about abandoning principles embodied in rules that we Americans say we hold dear, yet seem to discard with little regret when it is convenient to do so.  To its credit, The Dark Knight isn’t preachy.  There are no simple answers.  It raises the question of when it is appropriate to abandon rules without answering it.

I really, REALLY implore you to read it.

While you’re at it, check out Joker versus Joker, Batman versus Batman versus Batman, 5-minutes of the animated Batman: Gotham Knight, 20 Life Lessons from the Caped Crusader, a slideshow of the various Batmobiles, the scientific possibility of a real Batman,  a clip of a NY Senator who has appeared in two Batman movies, a comparison of the possible political orientations of several superheros, a rendering of the Batman Tumbler as an Autobot,a rundown of Batman theatrical posters, the diminishing returns of the franchise, the logo through the years, and lastly, the trailer, re-shot in Lego.

YesButNoButYes has an even more comprehensive compendium of links.

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