The Reimagining of The Western-Centric Savior Myth as a Superhero: The Use of Masks in The Dark Knight Film

Kemal Çelik

Article Details

The Reimagining of The Western-Centric Savior Myth as a Superhero: The Use of Masks in The Dark Knight Film

Authors:

Kemal Çelik

Publisher:

Mus Alparslan University

Main Topics:

Belgesel Film - Politik Sinema | Sinema (Diğer)

Journal:

Anemon Muş Alparslan Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi Vol.11 Issue 3, pp.785-796

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

12/2023

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001307770

pISSN:

2149-4622

Keywords:

Abstract:

 Masks have been used throughout human history as objects with significant symbolic value, despite their simple materials such as fabric or wood. Masks have the ability to convey meanings beyond what is visible, allowing the wearer to assume a second identity represented by the mask, which can be independent from their own human identity and even drastically different. In ancient cultures, masks emerged in ritualistic practices in the form of animal figures, serving a similar purpose. In more recent times, mask usage appeared in theater and later in cinema, particularly in genres like horror, where masks are commonly employed. However, the most prevalent use of masks is found in superhero films, where each superhero wears a mask that is attributed with unique powers, symbolizing a certain authority and superiority. This study examines the use of masks as a means of expression, focusing on the superhero film The Dark Knight 2008, using a mixed methodology approach. As evident from the article, the film features three primary masks: Batmans mask representing global power and authority employed by capitalism, Jokers mask representing chaos and anarchy, and Dents mask symbolizing the ordinary human. While the first two mask uses are elevated in the films language, the utilization of the mask representing the human face is portrayed as insignificant. Consequently, the film implies that to be accepted as a savior, one must transcend their humanity and assume a transhuman form.

 Masks have been used throughout human history as objects with significant symbolic value, despite their simple materials such as fabric or wood. Masks have the ability to convey meanings beyond what is visible, allowing the wearer to assume a second identity represented by the mask, which can be independent from their own human identity and even drastically different. In ancient cultures, masks emerged in ritualistic practices in the form of animal figures, serving a similar purpose. In more recent times, mask usage appeared in theater and later in cinema, particularly in genres like horror, where masks are commonly employed. However, the most prevalent use of masks is found in superhero films, where each superhero wears a mask that is attributed with unique powers, symbolizing a certain authority and superiority. This study examines the use of masks as a means of expression, focusing on the superhero film The Dark Knight 2008, using a mixed methodology approach. As evident from the article, the film features three primary masks: Batmans mask representing global power and authority employed by capitalism, Jokers mask representing chaos and anarchy, and Dents mask symbolizing the ordinary human. While the first two mask uses are elevated in the films language, the utilization of the mask representing the human face is portrayed as insignificant. Consequently, the film implies that to be accepted as a savior, one must transcend their humanity and assume a transhuman form.

 Masks have been used throughout human history as objects with significant symbolic value, despite their simple materials such as fabric or wood. Masks have the ability to convey meanings beyond what is visible, allowing the wearer to assume a second identity represented by the mask, which can be independent from their own human identity and even drastically different. In ancient cultures, masks emerged in ritualistic practices in the form of animal figures, serving a similar purpose. In more recent times, mask usage appeared in theater and later in cinema, particularly in genres like horror, where masks are commonly employed. However, the most prevalent use of masks is found in superhero films, where each superhero wears a mask that is attributed with unique powers, symbolizing a certain authority and superiority. This study examines the use of masks as a means of expression, focusing on the superhero film The Dark Knight 2008, using a mixed methodology approach. As evident from the article, the film features three primary masks: Batmans mask representing global power and authority employed by capitalism, Jokers mask representing chaos and anarchy, and Dents mask symbolizing the ordinary human. While the first two mask uses are elevated in the films language, the utilization of the mask representing the human face is portrayed as insignificant. Consequently, the film implies that to be accepted as a savior, one must transcend their humanity and assume a transhuman form.

 Maske insanlık tarihinin en eski zamanlarından beri kullanılagelmiş bir nesnedir. Yapılış malzemesi bakımından kumaş, tahta gibi maddeler kullanılan maskeler bu bakımdan basitlik arz ediyor olsalar da temsil kabiliyetleri bakımından oldukça karmaşık bir değere sahiptirler. Nitekim maskeler görülenin ötesinde anlamlar taşımaya kabildirler ve bu sayede maskeyi takan kişi kendi insani kimliği dışında başka maskenin temsil ettiği ikinci bir kimliği daha taşıyabilir. Bu ikinci kimlik maskeyi takan kişinin kimliğinden bağımsız ve hatta oldukça farklı olabilmektedir. En eski kültürlerdeki ayinlerde hayvan figürleri şeklinde ortaya çıkan maskeler bu türden bir kullanım sunarlar. Daha yakın zamanlardaysa önce tiyatro ve sonra sinemada benzer türden maske kullanımları ortaya çıkar. Sinemada korku türü gibi pek çok tür filminde maske kullanımına başvurulmuştur. Maskeye en çok başvurulan tür ise süper kahraman filmleridir. Süper kahramanların birkaç istisna dışında tamamı maskelidir ve bu maskelerin her birine özel bir güç atfedilmiştir. Maske belli bir gücün ve iktidarın temsilcisi olarak süper kahramanlarca taşınır ve bir üstünlük belirtir. Bu çalışmada maskenin bu türden ifade aracı olarak kullanılması bir süper kahraman filmi olan Kara Şövalye 2008 filmi üzerinden karma yöntem kullanılarak incelenmiştir. Makaleden de anlaşılacağı üzere, filmde Batmanin, Jokerin, Harvey Dentin olmak üzere üç temel maske vardır. Bu maskelerin her biri özel anlamlar taşımaktadır. Batmanin maskesi kapitalizm tarafından kullanılan küresel güç ve iktidarı, Jokerin maskesi kaos ve anarşiyi, Dentin maskesi sıradan insanı temsil etmektedir. İlk iki kullanım insanüstü formlara aitken, Dentin maskesi insanlığın yüzünü simgelemektedir. İlk iki maske kullanımı film dili tarafından yüceltilirken, insan yüzünü simgeleyen maske kullanımı filmin dilince küçük görülür. Böylece insan, insan kalarak kurtarıcı olarak kabul edilmez. Kurtarıcı olabilmesi için insanlığından kurtularak daha üst bir forma geçmelidir.

Article Details

The Reimagining of The Western-Centric Savior Myth as a Superhero: The Use of Masks in The Dark Knight Film

Authors:

Kemal Çelik

Publisher:

Mus Alparslan University

Main Topics:

Belgesel Film - Politik Sinema | Sinema (Diğer)

Journal:

Anemon Muş Alparslan Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi Vol.11 Issue 3, pp.785-796

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

12/2023

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001307770

pISSN:

2149-4622

Mask

Superhero

Identity

Ideology

PowerMaske

Süper kahraman

Kimlik

İdeoloji

İktidar

Issues

Article Details

Authors: Kemal Çelik

Publisher: Mus Alparslan University

Main Topics: Belgesel Film - Politik Sinema | Sinema (Diğer)

Journal: Anemon Muş Alparslan Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi Vol.11 Issue 3, pp.785-796

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 12/2023

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001307770

pISSN: 2149-4622

Issues

Authors:

Kemal Çelik

Publisher:

Mus Alparslan University

Main Topics:

Belgesel Film - Politik Sinema | Sinema (Diğer)

Journal:

Anemon Muş Alparslan Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi Vol.11 Issue 3, pp.785-796

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

12/2023

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001307770

pISSN:

2149-4622