I'm currently doing an academic paper on the visual representation of Batman in Batman movies. I'm currently still in the process of deciding my scope of analysis and I'm still quite undecided about exactly what I should present on, which is why I decided to consult the experts on this topic- you guys.
I was just wondering whether you guys have observed any recurring themes in the Batman movies? Are there any concepts which you all might find interesting? I would really appreciate any help that can be rendered... Thanks!
Daniel
RE: Some help needed on academic perspective on Batman movies! -
Posted on 07-03-2008 00:09
Posts: 2061 Location: Gotham City Joined: 30.07.05
one thing that's often revisited in many genres of batman, not only movies, is the true meaning of justice. to kill or not to kill, to save or not to save; the conflicts a hero, or just a person, has in order to do things out of justice, and not out of personal gain.
and...there's also facing fears, and overcoming them. essentially becoming them to use as an advantage.
and uhh...duality? sad little bruce wayne and angry ed off batman?
Batman has been in the hands of three directors now and each has their own representation. So while there are common threads between them, each interpretation has many concepts the others don't...
So do you want me to talk about the actual visual representation or about the story structure and characters?
Never start with the head; the victim gets all fuzzy!
R.I.P. Heath
RE: Some help needed on academic perspective on Batman movies! -
Posted on 13-03-2008 13:12
Thanks for the replies thus far. I guess I'll be focusing on the visual representation but I'll be also working on the characterization of Batman.
Gender Identity:
Representation of gender roles in Batman (e.g. Alpha male <Batman> vs Empowered Females <Catwoman/Poison Ivy> )
i. Stereotypical representation of gender
ii. Reinforcement and subversion of traditional gender roles
iii. Significance of gender representation in socio-cultural contexts (e.g. Rise of Feminism, Corruption of sexual morality)
Sexual Identity:
Representation of sexual identity in Batman (e.g. Homosexuality, Phallic Symbolism)
Ideological Identity:
Ideological representation of characters in Batman (e.g. Evils of Capitalism, Blind Justice of Batman, Darwinism)
These are just some of the stuff that I have decided to focus on. So I guess I won't be focusing too much on the storyline for example, unless it relates to the above themes. Any comments?
Totally agree with the fact that therepresentation will vary depending on the directors. Will keep that in mind! And thanks for the suggestions, really appreciate it!
Daniel
RE: Some help needed on academic perspective on Batman movies! -
Posted on 13-03-2008 15:36
Almost all Comic Book Males are Alpha Male in one way or anther and almost every Comic Book Female is Empowered Female. Almost all Comic Book Characters are well endowed whether it is masculine or feminine, but there are always exceptions to these rules. Think Batman and Superman and Power Girl and Wonder Woman as the stereotypical body type. However, think of Plastic Man and the picture changes.
What set Batman apart from most other heroes is that he is a human being with no super powers. He only has his knowledge, intelligence and his muscles and he uses them to his advantage. Not many Super Heroes are like that, except Robin, Nightwing, Green Arrow, The Punisher, Iron Man and a few others. Most Super Heroes are either humans who got their Super Power by some means, or are aliens from other worlds and have powers beyond ours.
Sexual Identity
Batman is clearly a man and the Batsuit has been shown to be quite masculine and even armored in some versions. Batman however rarely shows sexual preference, as he’s just as likely to fight a female villain, as he is a male one, although Batman is clearly heterosexual. While Bruce Wayne is the playboy dating gorgeous woman, Batman is more neutral, although a few women like Catwoman and Talia have tempted him from time to time.
Ideological Identity
While Superman is the All American Boy Scout, Batman is not. While they often fight for the same things, they don’t often fight the same way. Superman has a black and white view of right and wrong, while Batman is very much gray in that area, although he always does the right thing. Batman is a control freak in that he keeps files on everybody, both heroes and villains and he knows their strengths and weaknesses and will use it if he has to. Batman keeps Krytonite in a safe just in case he has to take down Superman. I suggest you read Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns as that story alone everything you need for the type of paper you are writing.
RE: Some help needed on academic perspective on Batman movies! -
Posted on 14-03-2008 22:41
Batman's sexuality is crippled at best. He is straight, but he is obsessed with fighting crime; that is his one purpose and everything else loses importance to him. As such, sex is never on his mind, and probably makes him uncomfortable to a degree. He's also incapable of holding onto a romantic relationship because he pushes everyone away.
As for gender identity, the women are empowered to a degree, but, with the exeption of Catwoman, they're damsels in distress. While Vicky Vale, Dr. Meridian and Rachel Dawes were spunky enough to tell off the bad guy, they were all in peril to be rescued by Batman.
Never start with the head; the victim gets all fuzzy!
R.I.P. Heath
Edited by Razhwurz on 14-03-2008 22:41
RE: Some help needed on academic perspective on Batman movies! -
Posted on 15-03-2008 00:39
Posts: 2061 Location: Gotham City Joined: 30.07.05
in my interpretation of batman, he's probably one of the horniest super heroes of them all. thats why he doesn't really have just one girl friend. to me, he's just like any other guy who doesn't really love women, he just lusts for them. but he has his fair share of morals, i'm sure he doesnt go sleeping around.
alright, enough about that. this kind of topic is all based on opinions, and i dont think anyone wants to hear my opinions, lol.
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