The Joker Is Satan, and So Are We: Girard and The Dark Knight

Authors

Charles K. Bellinger, Brite Divinity SchoolFollow

Abstract

This essay comments on The Dark Knight from the point of view of Rene Girard's theory of violence. The notable Girardian resonances of the film are mentioned in connection with such themes as socially mediated desire for money, romantic rivalry, and scapegoating. The Joker is interpreted as a particularly powerful Satan figure, who illuminates Girard's conception of the satanic basis of human culture.

Recommended Citation

Bellinger, Charles K. (2009) "The Joker Is Satan, and So Are We: Girard and The Dark Knight," Journal of Religion & Film: Vol. 13: Iss. 1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32873/uno.dc.jrf.13.01.05
Available at: https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/jrf/vol13/iss1/5

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

VolNum

13