Textual analysis draft

'To protect my city, I must wear a mask' In light of this statement, this essay compares and contrasts  the two films i have chosen to analyze: The Dark Knight directed by Christopher Nolan (2008) and Attack The Block by Joe Cornish (2011). In The Dark Knight, the audience witnesses Batman's struggle for his true identity. Is he better off as the masked hero/vigilante Batman? or is the city safer with him being playboy billionaire Bruce Wayne? The subject of both films that i have specifically chosen to study is the contrast in the representation of masculinity between the two films, due to the contrast in representation between the two ages. For example, how youth is represented even though their acts are heroic in comparison to how Batman is represented as a hero. In both films, we learn of their struggle for identity and how their masculinity has been represented, if any lessons were learnt and what they are and finally, how the audience was influenced by the meaning embedded in the films, which are expressed and emphasized through the analysis of key scenes.0

In both The Dark Knight and Attack The Block, the audience are spectators as the events unravel dependent on the crucial choices the protagonists make, which therefore sets in place the mysterious narrative they are yet to witness as it unravels before them.  For example, Batman takes his place as Gotham's protector once more, whilst in the 'kids' of Attack The Block are introduced to us as, and i quote 'Badman's' from their typical, realistic, and comic language that is associated with the characters, which has been influenced by how gangs communicate today. Which also links to the representation of the characters.  This particular aspect is demonstrated in one of the first and key scene's the audience see. The scene consists of the boys mugging a women (aged 27, Sam) Its dark, and she's alone and surrounded by the youths. Their masked, enabling their identity to be hidden which creates a direct comparison to The Dark Knight, however the contrast is that the characters are masked for different reasons. Their is conflict between right and wrong at this point of comparison. Their masculinity is emphasized through their masked identity, their weapons and their general attitude and manner towards this women, and the fear they empower over her. 

A key scene from The Dark Knight that I have chosen as a study point for my textual analysis is the (garage fight scene). The reason behind my decision is it shows, that the meaning i encountered from this scene was that it takes something to be a hero, not a superpower, more like a sense of doing something for the good of others. Batman's masculinity is also represented. In this scene we experience Batman fight of Scarecrow and a gang of Batman wannabe's. My point i have established is emphasized through this due to the gang of Batmans fan-group are defeated, and this clarifies that not everyone can be a hero. One of the Batman wannabe's, Brian, asks Batman himself a powerful question "What gives you the right? What's the difference between you and me?" This is powerful, and influences the audience dramatically due to the truth and perhaps enigma in his question. What is the difference between Batman and everyone else? His masculinity is represented due to his empowerment over Brian and everyone else due to the city is unconsciously perhaps, very reliant on Gotham's masked hero. Another point that links to Brian's question is the quote of Harvey Dent 'You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain'. Batman is willing to die for Gotham, which gives him a strong sense of masculinity, however is anyone else willing to do the same?
One other key scene that i feel relates to this point is the party scene at Bruce Wayne's penthouse. Masculinity is represented in two ways. Protagonist masculinity and Antagonist Masculinity. The Joker as part of his diabolical plan, he gate crashes the party. His masculinity is represented over the empowerment he has over the people, fueled by fear. He threatens Rachel with a knife, before being threatened by a more superior source of masculinity, Batman. 

One final key scene that i have chosen for analysis from Attack The Block is when they're in Sam's flat. I chose this scene in particular due to the significance of fear and empowerment they have over her and how they have been represented as powerful and masculine (carrying weapons ect). She is completely vulnerable due to the youths are non-acknowledgeable towards her plea's for them to rid her flat.
"Get out of my fucking flat!"
[a couple of them glance at her, make derogatory noises because they're too busy worrying about the situation, and turn away] 


My conclusion, after thorough analysis of both films, i have come to conclude that both films use a unique and similar technique in order to communicate narrative. It has recently become apparent to me, that the Action genre has changed over time, in order to fit the needs of a post-modern audience. This therefore enables the suiting of a fit audience, in order to absorb the best possible experience and messages in the film, therefore this is why age certificates are assigned to films. This is also relevant, as it is required in order to make the audience create relationships with characters and enable conclusions towards the plot developments,  enabling the audience to remain intrigued and captivated throughout the film. I feel the comparison and contrast between the two films is relevant, and that is why i chose this point of study for my textual analysis and it enables you to read deep into the meanings that are adopted through the narrative.