The confrontation between the Joker and Batman is one of the favorite topics for comics and cinema. Both images are fascinating and well-developed since Batman is not an absolute hero, and the Joker can hardly be called an uncharismatic villain. Nevertheless, the confrontation of these two characters can be analyzed from the point of view of human psychology, which is confirmed by examples from the films.
One can start with the theory of virtue ethics, which attaches particular importance to virtues and moral character, instead of approaches that emphasize the importance of duties and rules. Utilitarianism, on the contrary, devalues life, since according to this theory, the moral value of behavior is determined solely by its usefulness. In short, the motto of this theory is that the end justifies the means. Deontology is a branch of ethics that is guided by the rules of behavior and the concept of duty. A person driven by selfishness thinks only about their benefit and their well-being. Nihilists deny generally accepted values and question all norms of morality and culture. The theory of postmodernism in ethics assumes the world as chaos, devoid of integrity, logic, and moral guidelines.
Ethical Theories and the Main Characters of the Movie
The Joker in the film The Dark Knight appears to the audience as a follower of nihilism and postmodernism, as he represents perfect anarchy and chaos. In addition, the Joker is an absolute egoist who does not care about other people and any material values. “Madness, as you know, is a lot like gravity. All it takes is a little push” (Nolan, 2008). Batman, on the contrary, is a lawfully neutral character who follows the theory of deontology since he is guided by duty and rules.
Batman will never punish a criminal if an innocent civilian suffers at the same time. Still, it is difficult to call him a representative of the ethics of virtue since he is still not perfect and makes mistakes. “As a man, I’m flesh and blood; I can be ignored, I can be destroyed. But as a symbol… As a symbol, I can be incorruptible. I can be everlasting” ( Nolan, 2008). Surprisingly, there are not so many computer graphics in the film since the film’s creators tried not to use visual effects unnecessarily. Thus, the relationship between Batman and the Joker can be an excellent topic for analysis from psychology and ethics.
References
Nolan, C. (2008). Batman: The dark knight [Film]. DC Comics, Warner Bros.