Applying Levi-Strauss' Theory to The Dark Knight

• WARNING: The above film snip-it has a BBFC rating of 15, and is not suitable for viewing of anyone of a younger age.

This is the opening sequence of the 2008 Action Thriller 'The Dark Knight', directed by Christopher Nolan, featuring Heath Ledger (Brokeback Mountain, 10 Things I Hate About You) and Christian Bale (Terminator Salvation, Public Enemies).

The binary opposites presented in this opening sequence are as follows:

• Good vs. Evil - This is possibly the most obvious, and frequent binary opposite that appears in all films and is unsubtlely shown in The Dark Knight. This binary opposite helps signify the genre of the film, and instantly, within this opening sequence, allows the audience to gain an understanding of what this film is going to be about. The good is the bank workers, who are taking hostage, and the bank manager who attempts to fight back, who initially looks to be a hero, but then is killed and is proven to be a false hero. The evil is the bank robbers, the masked gunman who kill the 'hero' and break into the vault, making off with thousands of dollars. This sets the rest of the film up to be based around good vs. evil.

• Known vs. Unknown - The criminals rob the bank while wearing masks, and only one of these robbers reveal their identity, the Joker. This shows that this character is unique, and different from the rest. He is the only robber to leave the bank alive, with all the money for himself, which hints to the audience that he set up the heist.

• Calm vs. Anxious - The character that we see as the Joker is calm and controlled throughout the whole scene, whereas all everyone else, not only the hostages, but the other robbers are all on edge, and anxious to get the job done. They work through it speedily, attempting to get the job done as quick as possible. But the Joker, after killing everyone, even has time to go back and put a grenade in the bank managers mouth, showing that he is in control and has everything planned out as he doesn't seen keen to get away from the scene.

• Happy vs. Sad - All the masks worn by the robbers have a frowning 'clowns' face painted on except one. The wearer of this mask is the Joker, which, one again, makes him look unique and the centre of attention. The scars that he possesses which the audience can see when he removes his mask give him a permanent 'happy' expression which is another binary opposite in itself, as he has a happy expression while killing people.