A while back, I wrote about writing and risk, and mentioned the phenomenon of double-tracking: constantly taking apart whatever story you’re reading/watching/otherwise experiencing.
So last night, in what seems to be my theme this week, I finally got around to seeing another pop culture phenomenon: Dark Knight. (Previously I’d finally gotten around to seeing Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.)
And yes, I was gripped by the film and the way Heath Ledger devoured the screen. But the most significant thing I came away with was: “Wow, it is so incredibly useful in terms of advancing a plot to have a character whose sole motivation is to be an agent of extremely destructive chaos.”
jennifer robbins-mullin
February 17, 2009 at 10:19 amYes, I tend to dissect everything I’m experiencing. The narrative I provide during real life events is annoying, I’m told, especially during car wrecks.
That aside, I think your description of ‘a character whose sole motivation is to be an agent of extremely destructive chaos’ is deceptively profound. Yes, it describes The Joker in the Dark Knight, but it also made me think of Druscilla on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Sara
February 17, 2009 at 9:26 pmHey Jennifer! I have not yet seen Buffy, so I’ll try to forget that. ;)
jennifer robbins-mullin
February 18, 2009 at 8:07 amI don’t know how to respond to that. I’m having one of my rare moments of being left speechless.
Ahem. I’ll slink away before I find out that you don’t watch Battlestar Galactica either :)