Into the Darkness

Synopsis/CharacterDevelopment/characterisation

“Into the darkness” is a 10-15 minute narrative piece based on the origins of the Batman Films and television series ‘Gotham’ characters including Joker, Riddler, Victor zsasz and Harley Quinn’s characteristics, mannerisms, behaviors, personalities and traits and conveying them through ordinary people. I see it now as 4 portraits – performed by actors applying subtle methods to suggest underlying psychosis/neurosis using choreographed movement whilst speaking to themselves towards the camera. (characters) – two men and two women appear in mid shot and close up from a single camera. e close up emphasizes the odd twitches or gestures. The camera direction will follow the in the direction of the monologue. – These might need some repetition and emphasis.�I intend to use this as the basis of my Film. I will be enlisting selected drama students to enact these cues to make visual observations of how these characteristics are presented through mannerisms etc.– As this will �be a solo production i saw this as an opportunity to explore the deeper emotion of how actors portray this �in lm. e script will be 4 x approx. 3-5 minute monologues for each character. In terms of costume design I would like to approach costumes within ordinary clothing, however to show some hints of characterization I will be including makeup within.�Due to the theme of darkness within these characters inflicted the theme of aspects of violence the intended audience is for the age range of PG13. Location was original going to be set in an asylum, however due to budget possibilities and permission I decided to lm in the studio’s as conveying the darkness and using low key lighting would be more effective, however the theoretical location is an asylum like location. As this is mostly based on improvisation excluding the script their will not be a specific set storyboard however there will be an underlining of what happens in each shot and scene on the day of filming

In conclusion the aim is not only to show these well-known character’s personality traits & behaviors but to demonstrate the theory and theme of ‘psychosis’. In addition and before auditions I would like actors to look at some clips of the TV series of Gotham to see the development and also the films to interpret their characters behaviors.


The Riddler

The Riddler (Edward Nygma) is typically portrayed as a smooth-talking yet quirky character with abnormally high IQ, but later versions temper that with an obsessive-compulsive need to devise and disseminate his riddles and puzzles. His obsession with displaying his own intelligence is the central trigger of his many personality disorders.

We see Riddler tries to refrain from leaving a riddle, but fails. This compulsion has been a recurring theme, as shown in a 1999 issue of Gotham Adventures, in which he tries to

commit a crime without leaving a riddle, but finds that he cannot help himself: "You don't understand... I really didn't want to leave you any clues. I really planned never to go back to Arkham Asylum. But I left you a clue anyway. So I... I have to go back there. Because I might need help. I... I might actually be crazy." In the TV series ‘Gotham’ we see the development of Nygma turning into the riddler. We see a side of him in which he has some aspects of schizophrenia. (Watch Gotham for acting influence of character)

The Joker

Appearing to be the most evil, deranged, and flat out psychotic killer of all comic book villains, The Joker is the primary antagonist of Batman. He is the complete opposite of Batman, in everything from appearance (Batman tends to be a rather large and muscular man, while The Joker is typically a man of average height or even taller possessing a skinny frame), to ideals. The Joker views murder

as sport, and will not hesitate to toy with his food before he eats it, even if said food are the men he has hired to work for him. As intimidating as he is psychotic, he still manages to recruit hordes of henchmen despite his maniacal insanity.


His methods are unpredictable and incalculable. He does things according to his own twisted sense of logic, and does not desire money. If there was one thing that he did desire, it would be the power to instil anarchy into Gotham by any means necessary, proving that organization is meaningless and futile. He is an exceptionally intelligent man, and this tends to be his greatest weapon against Batman, the police, and the District Attorney's office. He is often confronted by the authorities, but easily evades capture due to sick and twisted mind games he plays on them, all full of mystery. While Batman prefers to stay in the shadows, The Joker basks in the spotlight, often broadcasting to the public and media outlets.

Victor Zsasz

Victor Zsasz is a true sociopath at the age of 25

his parents died in a boating accident to which

sent him into a deep depression. Driven by

desire there was no point to his existence

therefore he attempted to commit suicide,

however he was stopped when a man assaulted

him Zsasz saw into the man’s eyes that all life is

mean- and that nothing nor anyone matters. He

then proceeded to stab the man to death as a

“gift” for saving his life. From then on, he dedicated himself to “liberating” others from their

pointless existence (Zsasz o en refers to victims as “zombies”). He usually preys on young

women, but has no qualms over whom he murders. He slits his victims’ throats and leaves

them in lifelike poses, adding a tally mark to himself each time. He has been diagnosed as

insane and is regularly incarcerated in arkham asylum.

Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn uses her obsessions to help define herself. We know that most Batmen related characters represent a certain aspect of Batman’s psychology, Harley represents obsession mostly towards the joker. Batman is obsessed about fighting injustice. He doesn’t fight injustice like

Superman or other heroes do, there is a sense of obsession there. If he can’t solve a crime he will spend all day and night obsessed with the case, not able to think about anything else. Harley may not be obsessed about fighting injustice, but she likes to cling onto things to help create some sense of self in her mind. Whether that’s an obsession with the Joker or puppies, the things she likes, she tends to be obsessed about.


She’s not nihilistic like the Joker, even though her actions ensue chaos. She’s always trying to figure out who she is, and what her role is in the world (she talks about how there is a side of her that craves purpose). Through her obsessions she hopes they can define those questions for her, but soon she realises, or is forced to realise that they can’t give you that answer, only you yourself can. And she doesn’t hate people like the Joker, she loves people. Harley has a strong sense of compassion and loyalty towards the people in her life whether that be Poison Ivy or her creepy neighbour. You could say Harley Quinn is the least psychotic character out of these 4 characters.

Documents

Into the Darkness