Friday, August 12, 2005
Batman: The New Version
How many of you saw the new Batman movie? Those who didn’t raise their hands, take time to see it. It’s a grand Hollywood confection with all the usual fast-paced, gloss and violence, but, sadly, without the sex. Though, Katie Holmes has come a long way from Dawson’s Creek. The movie not only has merit as entertainment, it also has merit as metaphysics and social commentary.
On the metaphysical level we get that Batman/Bruce Wayne must do the inner work first and that such work is an ongoing process, never really over. Bruce has to take responsibility for his own thoughts, feelings and actions first, if he’s to be of any value to society. By having Batman’s savior and mentor be his chief nemesis, the film also shows there’s no simple solution to complex problems, that authorities as well as appearances can’t be taken at face value and have to be challenged.
What’s most fascinating, is that elements from both parties: Republicans and Democracts claim the film and its hero as their own. In these days of real physical danger and erosion of public confidence and civil consensus, we have consensus around Batman, the new version, not the old version or the TV show, as a positive role model and what we and our society need right now. Way cool!
The stories we tell ourselves, one another and our children speak volumes about who we are, what we’re about and what really matters. So, let’s talk about this; get a discussion going. Why does this version of Batman resonate with so many disparate people and can we unite and find common ground in our appreciation of the caped crusader?
On the metaphysical level we get that Batman/Bruce Wayne must do the inner work first and that such work is an ongoing process, never really over. Bruce has to take responsibility for his own thoughts, feelings and actions first, if he’s to be of any value to society. By having Batman’s savior and mentor be his chief nemesis, the film also shows there’s no simple solution to complex problems, that authorities as well as appearances can’t be taken at face value and have to be challenged.
What’s most fascinating, is that elements from both parties: Republicans and Democracts claim the film and its hero as their own. In these days of real physical danger and erosion of public confidence and civil consensus, we have consensus around Batman, the new version, not the old version or the TV show, as a positive role model and what we and our society need right now. Way cool!
The stories we tell ourselves, one another and our children speak volumes about who we are, what we’re about and what really matters. So, let’s talk about this; get a discussion going. Why does this version of Batman resonate with so many disparate people and can we unite and find common ground in our appreciation of the caped crusader?
