SOME MEN JUST WANT TO WATCH THE WORLD BURN

“You see, in their last moments,

people show you who they really are.” 

― The Joker (Heath Ledger) in ‘The Dark Knight'

One of the most admired (or, hated?) villains in the history of world cinema is The Joker in the Batman movies. He is so convincing and so ruthless, that you simply say ‘Wow!”

But, do you say, ‘Wow!’ for the character played by the actor or the actions and philosophy of the Joker?

Two days ago, while teaching my student,  Kavish, he asked me, if there are really people around us, who want us to suffer for no reason. In other words, his question was: Why should anyone in his senses be obsessed with destroying others for no valid reason?

“Have you watched the Batman movie, ‘The Dark Knight’?” I asked Kavish.

“Yes sir, I have,” replied Kavish,” In fact, I have watched all of them.”

“What do you think of The Joker?” I asked.

“I admire him… I like him more than Batman,” said Kavish.

“Would you justify the actions of the Joker?” I asked Kavish, “Do you think, with his kind of philosophy, you can live a peaceful and honourable life?”

Kavish was about to reply.  I said, “Think and tell… Don’t answer me just because I have asked you a question.”

“No sir, I will not buy Joker’s philosophy,” said Kavish, “I only like the character played by Heath Ledger.”

Well, we all have loved the character played by the actor, but none of us has liked the ‘character of the Joker’… His illogical and senseless destruction, his instinctive and ruthless actions… His utter madness!

And, this world has characters like the Joker… Who simply defy logic… They simply want to watch the world around them burn. In the movie, ‘The Dark Knight’, Batman’s mentor, Alfred Pennyworth puts it beautifully:

“Some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.”

I had asked Kavish to write something on ‘The Joker’. Kavish had brought this one, today…

Negative characters are always important as, without them, a hero certainly does not have a chance to exist!

The Joker is a great example. Rather, he can lucidly define a sadist. The role of The Joker is taken up by many of the actors… but, the most impactful and most successful actor was Heath Ledger in ‘The Dark Knight’. His acting in that role was absolutely exceptional!

The Joker was a rutheless psychopath, who had taken madness to another level. He was a sadist, a loner, who found it amusing to create havoc and get himself pleasures. His attitude and somewhat his actions were inspiring… as in, if we take into account and use it for a good cause.

I can say, that I am a much bigger fan of The Joker than Batman. His determination to succeed was much stronger than anyone else’s. He was very fast to adapt changes and, accordingly, would come up with a move at any given point of time. He never ever planned his moves.

The Joker has been one of the most followed and loved villains of all times!

I would like to conclude with a famous quote of the Joker:

“Smile because it confuses people;

Smile because it is easier than explaining what is killing you inside.”

Just as there is no logic behind the attitude and actions of The Joker, except that he loves to watch the world around him burn… there is no logic behind the attitude and actions of some men and women around us, except that they want the world around them burn… Call them sadists or loners, call them losers or lost… but, there do exist such Jokers… And, there do exist Batmen and Batwomen, as well!

The Gotham City may be burning... but, it still stands!

GERALD D’CUNHA

Pic.: Internet