The Dark Knight-The Value of Truth

 

“You know how I got these scars?” Whenever The Joker asks this you know that you’re going to hear an elaborate story, different from the previous ones shared. The nature of truth in The Dark Knight is one of great importance. Truth is the one thing that can undo everything; therefore it is the one thing that must not be revealed. Harvey’s double sided coin is an example of a lie. It seems like a harmless one until he “plays” with The Joker’s henchman. Then it becomes a cruel lie, as the editors show by using low key lighting and low angle shots of Harvey making it seem much more devious. As seen in this picture:

 If Harvey’s betrayal of his values were to be revealed, the whole city would be doomed. The truth would be detrimental. Batman realized that and that’s why he and Gordon lied to keep two-face’s reputation a good one. That scene utilizes the techniques of low key lighting, giving off an air of foreboding, and the non-diegetic sound of the music to add to the suspense and gravity of the scene. The importance of the “good guys” keeping the truth hidden is essential to the plot of the film.