First, this is not a movie for everyone.  Given the emotionally and psychologically dark nature of the film, I thought it should have been given an R rating.  There are no spoilers here, but be warned, if you see the movie, be prepared.

One way The Dark Knight serves as a mirror for us is to be compared with the current events of our day.  Batman can signify our government in its struggle to recognize justice, due course of law, the justification of the use of force, and the freedoms of the people balanced against an extreme threat.  The Joker represents the terrorist threat with its goal of anarchy and evil.

While this is an interesting angle, a more personal approach gives the movie an even greater impact.

Batman signifies everyman in our struggle to do the right thing regardless of personal cost.  The more personally compelling situations are experienced by many of the secondary characters in the movie.  They also represent us in this same light.  The Joker represents the forces of evil and their attempts to bring us down through personal hardship and threat to our own person or those we love.

If we place ourselves in the position of these characters, it is easy to wonder, what would I do or what would I have done in that situation?  Would I have chosen correctly?  What would have guided my decision?  Would I have chosen selfishly?

Regardless of if you hold this movie up as a mirror to current events or hold it up to take a look at yourself, it is a compelling, scary, and realistic commentary on the nature of humanity, the world, and the reality of evil.  It makes one glad to know “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

Steve J.