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Week 2: Day 5 – Protag/Antag Relationship Scene — THE DARK KNIGHT
1. Please watch the scene and provide your insights into what makes this scene great from a writing perspective.
2. Read the other writers comments and make notes of how you will improve the relationship between your protagonist and antagonist.
3. Rethink or create a scene showing the relationship between your protagonist and antagonist using your new insights and rewrite the scene.
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3 Replies
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What I learned rewriting my scene is how I need to improve the relationship between my protagonist and antagonist.
The scene begins with Batman slamming the Joker’s head and then he raises his fist high and brings it down directly on his hand when he could have crushed his skull. Batman wants to get the Joker to tell him where his friend, the District Attorney, Dent, and his bride to be are.
The interrogation scene suggests that the Joker knew Batman when he was Bruce Wayne as he admitted they were more alike than he thought.
Interesting dialog suggests a relationship between them:
Batman: You’re garbage who kills for money.
Joker: Don’t talk like one of them, you’re not. Even if you’d like to be. You’re a freak like me. They just need you right now. But as soon as they don’t they’ ll cast you out like a leper.
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William Whelan – Protag/Antag relationship.
What I learned from doing this assignment is to increase my protag/antag conflict.
· Scene arc: Batman starts interrogation, Joker attempts to get him on his side, Batman rejects the Jokers ploy.
· Situation: Interrogation of the Joker.
· Conflict: Batman vs. Joker
· Entertainment value: Constant action,
· Moving the story forward: Interrogation.
· Setup/payoffs: Joker tries to win over the batman to his side; Batman rejects the Joker’s gambit.
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- What makes this scene great?
Constant action- How these two enemies are
similar and how they are different: Both want something from the other;
they have different goals.- What are their motivations for
being in this relationship? Get vital information.- Interesting action and dialogue:
Interrogation. “the only rule is there are no rules.” - What makes this scene great?
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The situation is set in a police HQ interrogation room, Batman, playing the ‘bad cop,’ seeks information from the Joker, initiating a conflict that unveils their complex dynamic.
The scene’s arc is compelling as Batman transitions from ignorance about Dent’s location to discovering that both Dent and Rachel are in peril.
The conflict is layered; Batman is driven to find Dent, while the Joker aims to prolong the interaction and delve into the similarities between them. Batman’s use of violence, met with amusement from the Joker, adds suspense, leaving viewers wondering how far Batman will go to extract information and whether the Joker will yield. Despite Batman seemingly in control, the Joker subtly manipulates the situation.
This scene propels the narrative forward by highlighting the parallels between Batman and the Joker, both operating outside established norms due to a lack of trust in the ‘establishment.’ Batman, with rules governing his actions, seeks justice, while the Joker, without constraints, thrives on chaos. This duality is further emphasized in their contrasting dialogue styles – Batman’s terse lines versus the Joker’s elaborate speeches.
The similarities and differences between Batman and the Joker, from their masks to their anti-establishment stance, contribute to the richness of their dynamic. Motivations are explored, with the Joker viewing Batman as an equal, claiming, “You complete me,” while Batman initially misunderstands the Joker’s game, thinking he’s after power or money. The Joker’s true desire for chaos challenges Batman’s commitment to rules.
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