For years, fans have been debating over the politics incorporated in Christopher Nolan’s films, especially in his universally acclaimed The Dark Knight trilogy. Many have argued that the themes explored in the acclaimed trilogy are a bit more right-leaning, especially the threequel The Dark Knight Rises is considered to be the most political of them all.
However, according to the man himself, The Dark Knight trilogy is not supposed to be political but about the upending of society. But not everyone is convinced by the Oscar-winner’s explanation.
Christopher Nolan’s Stance on TDKR‘s Politics Leaves Fans Confused
It’s not hard to see why The Dark Knight Rises is considered by many to be the most political entry in the trilogy, following its parallels to the French Revolution. Considering Bane exploits the anger of the lower classes of Gotham to take over the city and sets up his own Kangaroo Court, presided by Scarecrow, some have interpreted it as a criticism of the far left. But according to Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight trilogy is not meant to be political, stressing “they’re exploring ideas of fears that are important to all of us”, and aren’t particularly inclined with one political ideology.
The Oscar-winner further explained that TDK is about “anarchy”, and the final conclusion to the trilogy revolves around “demagoguery”.
In The Nolan Variations (via Splice Today), his statement read:
“The Dark Knight films are not political acts. They’re exploring ideas of fears that are important to all of us, whether on the Left or the Right. The Dark Knight is about anarchy, and The Dark Knight Rises is about demagoguery. It’s about the upending of society.”
However, following his usage of “anarchy” and “demagoguery”, which people often constitute with political acts, some netizens are left confused by Nolan’s claims of his films not being political.
"Anarchy is a political act… demagoguery is a political act…" pic.twitter.com/AodghZuYRn
— Adam Slusar (@TapwaterAlice) May 5, 2024
Aren't "anarchy" and "demagoguery" political terms?
— j.aleese (@Twirl4meK) May 4, 2024
His speeches were like his films..
— Raghav.K (@raghavk24241316) May 4, 2024
I feel like he means they aren't political in reference to real world politics. idk tho
— lewis (@lewis0701__) May 4, 2024
TDK has a very obvious Patriot Act illegal wiretapping analog in it and Rises is based on A Tale of Two Cities so they are both political
— Baramos (@BaramosGonus) May 5, 2024
It’s safe to say this isn’t going to be the last of the debate surrounding the political implications of The Dark Knight trilogy, even though Nolan debunked theories that claimed it to be right-leaning.
Jonathan Nolan Has No Problem Coming Back for More Batman
While Christopher Nolan has no intentions of delving back into the corrupt streets of Gotham, his brother Jonathan Nolan has no problem returning for more Batman.
Jonathan Nolan, who was responsible for co-writing the acclaimed trilogy alongside his brother, stressed that he would absolutely love to work on the character again if given the chance.
He told THR:
“Wouldn’t that be a dream? That period was 10 years of my life [from] when I got the call to work on Batman Begins, and it was epic. Working with Christian [Bale], Heath [Ledger], Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and to honor an American icon. If I had the chance to go back and work on that again? Absolutely.”
But considering Matt Reeves’ The Batman sequel is currently slated for a 2026 release, which will be followed by DCU’s version of the Caped Crusader, chances of another one are low.
The Dark Knight trilogy is available to stream on Max.
