Journal of Literary Criticism

Journal of Literary Criticism

A comparative study on the mythological structures of narration in the two movies, Batman and The dark knight

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of Art studies, Faculty of Research Excellence in Art and Entrepreneurship, Art University of Isfahan.
2 MA., Department of Art Studies, Faculty of Research Excellence in Art and Entrepreneurship, Art University of Isfahan
Abstract
Batman is a recognized modern hero, which has been the axis of many narrations. Two examples of Batman's most successful narratives are Batman (1989) by Tim Burton, and The Dark Knight (2008) by Christopher Nolan. This article attempts to analyze and compare these two movies' mythological structures by a comparative analytical method based on the theoretical framework of Vogler's the writer's journey. This survey's primary purpose is to find the differences between the styles of two filmmakers in using the same mythical narrative. Tim Burton's Batman is centered on photojournalist Vicki Vale, who investigates Batman's real identity. Critics categorized Burton's Batman as a high concept film, less movie than a corporate behemoth. In Nolan's The Dark Knight, District Attorney Harvey Dent created an alliance to dismantle organized crime in Gotham City, but Joker menaces them. Film critics considered it one of the best films of the decade and one of the best superhero films of all time. The film received highly positive reviews, particularly for its screenplay. Based on the analyzed data, Nolan has been more successful in shaping his movie's mythical texture, which can be one of the reasons for admiring the film both by critics and the general public. The twelve stages introduced by Vogler are discoverable in both movies. However, as a movie in the superhero genre, faithful to the ups and downs of the journey, Nolan's film has been able to create a more engaging narrative for its audiences.
 
Keywords

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Volume 5, Issue 10
November 2021
Pages 417-389

  • Receive Date 26 May 2020
  • Revise Date 20 July 2020
  • Accept Date 22 August 2020