A textual analysis of the representation of the antagonist in The Dark knight and Skyfall In this essay I will be discussing

about the textual analysis of the representation of the antagonist through the use of my two case studies, The Dark Knight (2008) and Skyfall (2012) The Dark Knight is an American Superhero film, which borrows ideas from action and thriller genre. The Dark Knight was produced by; Legendary Pictures, Syncopy Films and DC Comics produced the Dark Knight. Christopher Nolan directed the film and it stars Chrisitan Bale, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Aaron Echart and Maggie Gyllenhaal. The antagonist Joker represents the themes in the Dark Knight. The Joker tries to break the strong ideals of the Batman the Jokers polar opposite through the use of conflict, violence and anarchy the films main themes. Skyfall is a British Action Thriller. Eon Productions produced Skyfall. Sam directed Skyfall the film stars Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes Naoime Harris, Berenice Marlone, Albert Finley and Judi Dench. The antagonist Silva represents some of the themes found in the film revenge conflict disillusionment. This drives Silvas character in all the actions and steps he takes into achieving his goal, revenge. My first analysis will be of the antagonist Joker from the film The Dark Knight. In the first scene I will be analysing the Joker, the Joker is represented as being sadistic this was shown through the use of diegetic dialogue I wanted to see what you would do and you did not disappoint you let 5 people die. Christopher Nolan follows the conventions expected of an antagonist in a thriller, as most are sadistic willing killing to kill innocent people for there own sadistic needs. This representation is perfectly clear in relation to the antagonist Joker, he was very willing to let 5 people die in order to assess Batmans resolve. Joker sees Batman as his equal, and must prove this he forces Batman to allow five innocent people to die before Batman could get to him this sadistic nature the Joker conveys is common amongst villains in the thriller genre. Joker strongly reinforces this representation through the dialogue; the delivery of each word becomes frightening as he chuckles to himself without any remorse. Shot reverse shot is used during this exchange of dialogue between Batman and the Joker during this scene to emphasise the difference between the two characters, this relates to Levi Strauss binary opposition good vs. evil this is because Joker becomes the definition of evil he has no care for innocent lives and only seeks to cause destruction and anarchy across Gotham City. In this scene the use of non-diegetic score music to represent the presence in which Joker commands. The tempo of the music is constantly rising as Joker pushes Batman further and further over the edge, wanting him to break his one rule. The music intensity complements the mood in which the situation is built upon Jokers resolve to Batman making him choose between Dent and Rachel.

The score music works hand in hand with Jokers merciless nature during this scene. In this scene Joker interrupts a mob meeting, which causes conflict amongst the mob hierarchy, without saying a word he is able to take control of the room. Joker in this scene as being commanding this was shown through the use of diegetic dialogue I know why you choose to have your little therapy sessions here Joker taunts them with not only through the use of dialogue but also through the use of mise-en-scene, the Jokers suit is paid for using the mobs money this shows that as an antagonist he enjoys to taunt his enemy in this case by showing them what he was able to achieve with their money. In this scene Joker is represented as unpredictable through the use of props and cinematography specifically a close up of the prop grenades he strapped himself with live grenades. This shows that the antagonist Joker is mentally unstable which proves is unpredictable as he was willing to kill himself and others around him to escape the building. Although this was a threat his command of the situation was to a degree that they could not help but give in to his commands. In this scene Joker succeeds in taking down an armoured police vehicle whilst also causing the death of a large number of police escorts and civilians in the process. The editing is fast paced throughout the scene as it switches to different jumps cuts of the destruction caused during the sequence. The Joker directly influences every shot used during this sequence of cuts. The Joker is instrumental to each moment of destruction as he is represented as an anarchist this is an unconventional representation of an antagonist used by Christopher Nolan as most antagonists in thrillers are reserved and only kill in secret whereas the Joker is an anarchist he is bent on causing chaos to disrupts what ever equilibrium Gotham had. This relates Todorov narrative theory of equilibrium and disequilibrium. The Joker causes the disequilibrium by causing chaos across Gotham city with Batman trying to find balance but unable to comprehend the extent of Jokers influence on Gotham. The Joker is represented in this scene as suicidal as he was spurring the Batman on to kill him. This was shown through the use of eye line match, this was used twice the first when the Joker is driving the lorry was hoping for a head on collision with Batman and the second whilst he stood in the middle of the road wanting Batman to hit him. He solely focused on Batman spurring him with diegetic dialogue come on I want you to hit me hit me. The tone in which the line is delivered is dark and intense and the Jokers sheer force of will wanting Batman to hit him shows an unstable character. I will be analysing the second antagonist in this essay Silva from Skyfall.In the first scene I will be analysing Silva, Silva is first introduced using a wide shot, we can only see his figure although blurred because of the use of depth of field this is a daunting sight as he slowly walks towards James Bond building up the tension in the scene. This coupled with diegetic dialogue from Silvas monologue the analogy about the two rats survival and how they had became cannibals killing

there own kind. Silva uses this analogy to manipulate Bond into betraying M. Silva in this scene is playing an archetypal villain in a thriller he tries to manipulate the protagonist by using his own experiences with M and her betrayal of him. In this scene we can also see that Silva is a sophisticated antagonist because of the way he is dressed. His costume accentuates his personality which gives a fascinating profile unlike most antagonists he is sophisticated and appealing to the audience. His composure in front of the camera makes this villain very appealing. He does not come across to the audience as an antagonist and plays down his hostility. Silvas demeanour and attitude work well with the intimidating and tries to be-friend Bond. At first he tries to sympathise after a close up was used to show Silva caress Bonds body trying to seduce him this was used to show affection towards Bond in a homoerotic manner. This is unusual in the thriller genre as the antagonist only feels a level of respect for his/her adversary but in this case it goes beyond that sympathy and love. Sam Mendes follows the convention set in other Bond films the antagonist are usually eccentric and grand and Silva is presented in that way to the audience, Bond antagonists are usually countertype and Silva is no exception, his mannerisms are delicate and feminine in the shots he is in. Silvas use of facial expression is also subtle instead of just the stereotypical expression of an antagonist for example scowling, smirking and anger. Silvas expression especially when in close-ups represents him as sympathetic character. Sam Mendes establishes Silva as a character you empathise with which is unconventional representation of antagonist. In this scene we see a change in Silva he goes from a calm and collected antagonist to a stone cold killer. This was presented through the use of editing and mise-en-scene first the prop gun used in the killing of his lover, Match on action was also used to show the intensity of killing .A close up of his face showed a carefree man quite content in killing her even though they had an emotional connection at some point, this also shows a different side to the character as he is being portrayed as heartless and vicious. This relates to the John Berger and Bell Hooks theory on women in media how they are just objects subjected to the male desire. Silva used her until he had no use for her, he was now bored of her like a child bored of a toy. In this scene Silva is presented as a helpless coward as he watches all his men killed by Bond. The editing in this scene is fast paced and once again jump cuts are used to show the killings and Silvas reaction to them as he stands helpless and unable to assist his dying men he runs away like a coward but still cant escape. This scene presents the antagonist Silva as a coward when he no longer as the support of his men this a conventional take on antagonist by Sam Mendes because Bond antagonists in the past have been known to cower in fear of there impending downfall as they lose the support of there henchmen.

In this scene Silva reveals how the Chinese tortured him and the hardship he was put through in order to protect M secrets. The audience becomes sympathetic towards Silva because of the use of the medium shot as Silva delivers his lines with hardly any expression; Silva is cold and calculated as he recounts the event. The steady build up of the score music as Silva steadily removes his prosthetic jaw revealing the damage the cyanide capsule had done to his face. Gives the representation of an antagonist the audience feel empathetic towards Silva, which is unconventional for the audience to care about the antagonist instead of rooting against him. Silvas back-story makes the audience question M a protagonist and makes us wander who the real antagonist are in this situation. The antagonists in both films have their differences and similarities based on there actions in the film. Silvas motives are hidden under the chaos he causes. The destruction Silva causes is a distraction created in order for him to be able to get close enough to his aim revenge. Whilst the Joker has no motive he wants to cause destruction for the sake of it. He is driven by the chaos and anarchy he causes. Joker describes himself to be a dog this analogy represents what he truly is Am like a dog chasing a car I wouldnt know what to do with it when I catch it. This analogy represents the Jokers base desire to have a need for something but once he has it he is clueless and doesnt know what else to do. Silva schemed for many years before he could finally take his revenge on M for abandoning him just like the Joker although his plans come across as sporadic and improvised the Joker is calculated in his actions each moment for the start to the end is thought of he was able to infiltrate Gotham police station in the same way Silva was able to infiltrate MI5. Silva goal is M he does not seem to have any interest in Bond but instead wants Bond to join him this goes against Levi Strauss narrative theory of binary opposition Silva does not view Bond as an enemy instead as an ally. Binary opposition works on the rules the antagonist is against the protagonist but in this case Silva is against M not Bond, whereas Jokers primary focus through out the film is the protagonist Batman he is obsessed with corrupting the Dark Knight. Both antagonist are different because of their use of violence, Joker is an anarchist and conforms to that through the entirety of the film he is surrounded and causes violence and carnage. Joker is theatrical when committing his crimes, as he has no limit to the extent of damage he wants to cause. While Silva is less theatrical and doesnt seem to cause destruction at random only when he believes he cannot fail, it is very rare for Silva to kill others as his sight are set for one M. In conclusion the antagonists in both films follow the conventions expected, they are dangerous chaotic and evil but Silva is a less conventional antagonist compared to the Joker the audience feel sympathetic towards him and because of the reason which drove him to such extreme acts. Joker has no reason to cause the destruction he engages in he is a mysterious force that the audience hate but also respect because of his daring nature.