Jump - Batman

Batman is filled with elements of film noir. One obvious element is lighting. Shadows were often used to create secondary "masks" for the characters. For example, in the first scene where the audience sees Jack Napier as the Joker, initially he is hidden by a shadow. Later, during Bruce Wayne's flashback to his childhood when his parents are killed, the shooter is covered by a shadow until he is revealed to be a young Jack Napier. Though I believe this was used for dramatic effect, I think it enforces the idea that the characters use the darkness to hide behind. It seems as if the Joker is always living behind a mask, whether it is makeup to make himself look more human or the shadows to hide himself from society. The Joker has two contradictory masks: one helps him relate and fit into society, and one keeps him on the outskirts of society and identifies him as an outlaw. The shadows also keep Batman on the fringes of society. Similar to the Joker, Batman lives behind two disguises: his Batman suit and mask and the darkness. Batman takes advantage of the shadows, and they are essential to his success. No one was able to catch sight of “the bat” because he would always run away to the darkness. He is not looking for fame or gratitude, and in fact, most of the city does not trust him and hope to bring him into the police. Batman’s goal is to better the corrupt city that destroyed him as a young child. To achieve this goal, he must be on the outside looking in to be able to strike subtly and quietly. Also Batman chooses to live in the darkness because he is more comfortable there. He does not feel connected to the community of Gotham, and instead he isolates himself in his parent’s empty manor away from the city. Living in the darkness hides the darkness within him. He can not help the feelings and thoughts of revenge on the criminals in Gotham like Jack Napier who killed his parents. His motives to help the city of Gotham are not entirely pure, and by hiding in the dark it is harder for others to see the dark in him. The lighting of Batman is an important part of allowing the audience to understand the characters and see behind the masks.