Journeyman Philosopher

On friday night I was lucky enough to get tickets to see the newest Batman film ‘Dark Knight’ which, I must say, was wonderful; if only for Heath Ledger’s brilliant portrayal of the Joker.

By my standards the movie is a must see because of Ledger. I was very suprised to see a Joker that I ended up believing in more than Jack Nicholson. What was most amazing is I couldn’t see Heath Ledger in the Joker, he plays such a strong role it is difficult to even recognize him. Although all id good in this movie I cannot emphasize enough how you should see it because of the Joker. It is a wonderful depiction.

So in short, it is definitely something you should see in the theaters, go check it out when you get the chance!

Now with my dry movie review aside, let us move onto the philosophical nature of the film. And as well what I found most interesting about it; the movie’s portrayal of morals.

Seemingly the Joker would have agreed with Nietzche’s following excerpt entitled ‘Morality makes stupid’:

Custom represents the experiences of men of earlier times as to what they supposed useful and harmful - but the sense for custom (morality) applies, not to these expereiences as such, but to the age, the sanctity, the indiscussability of the custom. And so this feeling is a hindrance to the aquisiton of new experiences and the correction of customs: that is to say, morality is a hindrance to the creation of new and better customs: morality makes stupid.

Found in Friedrick Nietzche’s ‘Daybreak’

Morality portrayed through the Jokers eyes is something that we hold onto for mere convience, and when it comes down to it morality means nothing. Through out the movie he tests his theory on society and is overall happy with the outcome I believe.

But is this really true? Is morality merely an endowment of the well off? Or does it as well extend to the less fortunate? These are questions I extend to you the reader.

For more information on ‘The Dark Knight’ you can find the official site here.