How does this

sequence engage the

audience?

The Dark Knight is the second film in Christopher Nolans Batman trilogy. It was
a very successful film, grossing $1,004,558,444 worldwide. The cast from the
first instalment returned with the addition of Heath Ledger as the Joker and
Maggie Gyllenhaal replacing Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes. It included the
same dark themes as the first film as well as reinforcing themes of justice that
are an essential part of Batmans character. Throughout the film the Joker has
been causing mayhem around Gotham, spreading fear within the city. During
this scene the Gotham police force have finally managed to capture him and
have brought him in for an interrogation, however due to Batmans connections
with Commissioner Gordon he gets to speak to the Joker first.

The chiaroscuro lighting used at the beginning of the clip as the Commissioner
and the Joker speak constructs connotations of deceit and hopelessness. This
low key lighting could foreshadow the future events that bring pain and despair
to the protagonists. It also creates the idea that wherever the Joker goes
becomes dark and twisted. This is reinforced by the complete lack of light in
shots of the Joker apart from the light on his face. This technique could also
create the idea that the Joker is the only one who knows everything (as he is in
the light) and that everyone else is in the dark. This would engage the audience
as they dont know what he is going to do next or what the consequences may
be. The handcuffs the Joker is wearing link to this as they reinforce the idea that
he is incredibly dangerous and needs to be restrained to prevent him from
hurting anybody else.

The scene lacks an underscore at the beginning, this allows the audience to focus on the two characters and what they are saying. It
also creates the sense that something is missing and is still to come. This is proven to be true as the underscore is introduced when
Batman appears and slams the Jokers head into the table. The underscore emphasises the power behind the blow which in turn
reinforces the idea that Batman is incredibly strong. This could be because he is putting his anger and hatred for the Joker into his
actions. This engages the audience as it shows them the emotional intensity of the scene and builds the tension as Batman releases
his hatred towards the Joker that has been building since their first fight. The underscore is reminiscent of the sound of war drums, this
could also increase the tension as it constructs connotations of battle and conflict. This could be to reinforce the fact that the Joker and
Batman are fighting, however it could also represent the inner struggle Batman is having to remain calm and to not lash out because
of the pain the Joker has caused the citizens of Gotham, who he has sworn to protect.
Another way Nolan engages the audience is through the dramatic change from chiaroscuro lighting to high key lighting when Batman
appears. This creates the idea that Batman represents good as he brings light to the scene, which is often scene as a form of hope.
This reinforces the idea of binary opposition as the Jokers shots in the beginning were dark whereas Batman is in the light. This in turn
reinforces the idea of the scene being a battle between good and evil, as Batman tries to get the information he needs to save Rachel
and the Joker tries to torment Batman and get him to snap. The Jokers indifference and comments on Batmans blows as he tells him
how to cause his victim the most pain emphasis his knowledge and mental strength. This is common in action thrillers as the
antagonist is usually mentally stronger than the Protagonist which is why they are able to stay one step ahead of them for most of the
film. The fight between the characters also reinforces that while the Joker is mentally stronger, Batman is physically stronger as he is
able to move the Joker easily. This engages the audience as its unclear who will win and overcome the other.

The audience is also engaged through the use of close ups. For example, the close up of
the Joker as he tells Batman that he will never fit in and be seen as one of them allows
the audience to see the taunting look in his eye as he tries to break Batman. This shows
the audience the darker, more twisted side of the Joker as he tries to break down
Batmans moral and get him to give up. It also foreshadows his manipulative skills that
he uses later on in the film to turn Harvey Dent into a killer. This reinforces the idea that
the Joker is mentally stronger than Batman as he doesnt have to use his fists to cause
him pain he just has to find his insecurities and exploit them.
The close up also allows the audience to see the Jokers dishevelled appearance which
shows that unlike Batman he doesnt feel the need to hide or be ashamed of who he is. It
could make the audience feel uneasy as the Jokers appearance is quite disturbing and
unsettling. The shot is an over the shoulder shot which places the audience in Batmans
position, this allows them to sympathise with Batman as we can see how awful the Joker
is from his perspective. It also puts them on the same level as Batman which makes the
audience see him as an equal which prevents them from judging him, unlike the Joker.

Another way Nolan engages his audience is by increasing the pace of the edit. As the characters begin to
physically fight the pace of the edit increases, this adds to the tension in the scene and creates a sense of disorder
as the Commissioner rushes to stop the fight. This emphasises the chaos that the Joker can cause as he breaks
Batmans will and causes him to lash out. The sudden change of pace shows this as Batman loses control and lets
his emotions take charge. It also shows the Commissioners desperation as he rushes to try and stop Batman from
hurting the Joker as he is still valuable.

The low angle shot of Batman as he stands above the Joker constructs connotations of authority and strength. It
reinforces the idea the Batman is physically dominant and has the power to hurt the Joker. The angle also shows
that despite the fact that Batman is the hero he is also dangerous and a threat to anyone, such as the Joker, that
tries to cross him. This could confuse the audience as the hero is meant to be good and not let their emotions
control them. In this shot low key lighting is used, showing Batman in the dark, this could represent him letting his
darker, more aggressive side taking over as he tries to get what he needs to save Rachel. Batmans love for
Rachel could makes him more human and relatable to the audience as most people have experienced love and the
want to protect their loved ones.