Think of a movie or book that, though well-made, you will never watch or read again.
What about it makes you feel that way?
Chances are that the themes of the story are imbalanced.
A good story will masterfully blend light and dark themes and tones.
The second movie in the Batman Begins trilogy, The Dark Knight (2008), was brilliantly done. The cinematography, script, and acting were crafted with precision and care. Heath Ledger’s Joker was an incredible showcase of the skill talented actors wield.
But I internally cringe at the thought of rewatching The Dark Knight.
Why?
Because it feels too dark.
It leaves the audience feeling hopeless. It feels as if despite all the good Batman, Detective Gordon, and their team do, nothing matters. The wholesome, familial, or even comic moments from Batman Begins are erased leaving only the tormented, guilt-ridden futility.
You may say, “It’s because The Dark Knight ends on a cliffhanger. It is meant to be dark. It was the filmmaker’s intent for the audience to feel that hopelessness. If you want to be fulfilled by the story, you need to watch the third installment, The Dark Knight Rises.”
These are all good points.
But even after seeing The Dark Knight Rises, I don’t feel there is enough of a payoff in the end to balance out the dark tone of its predecessor. And while many would disagree with me, I feel that the tone of this movie was too dark and twisted. It was certainly too dark for Heath Ledger. That role cost him his mental health and, ultimately, his life.
Now, what if we switch to the other end of the balance beam?
The Twilight series was filled with paranormal conflicts and fans were eager to see how they would be resolved. Breaking Dawn drew its audience in with preparations for a full-out war, only to wrap everything up with a short conversation. Stephenie Meyer acted as Bella’s fairy godmother, waved her magic wand, and made all the problems disappear.
There was no sacrifice made or loss felt. Bella gets her happily ever after and everything works out the way she wished. This ending bothered me because it was too light.
What was the purpose of introducing the Volturi if they weren’t going to be a threat? Why bring up how new vampires cannot control their thirst if Bella would just conveniently be unaffected? The ending is too perfect and so it feels disingenuous.
A great story can end happily, but there must still be struggle. If there isn’t, the audience is left wondering, “What was the point?”
An example of effective balancing of light and dark tones is The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The Two Towers is the second installment in its series and ends on a cliffhanger. Things seem bleak for Frodo, Sam, and Gollum as they make their way to Mt. Doom.
Why then do I not feel the same hopelessness brought about by The Dark Knight?
Because The Lord of the Rings mixes the victories with the defeats.
Merry and Pippin had just helped the Ents destroy the filth of Isengard. Even amidst the dire challenges, there are glimpses of hope and triumph to balance the darkness. This balance is crucial in storytelling, allowing audiences to experience a spectrum of emotions while maintaining a sense of purpose and hope. Merry and Pippin's victory at Isengard stands in stark contrast to Frodo and Sam's perilous journey, demonstrating that struggle and success can and should coexist.
Storytelling is truly a balancing act.
The Dark Knight, despite its brilliance, leans too heavily into despair. On the other hand, the overly neat resolution of Breaking Dawn feels like a missed opportunity to explore its complex characters and conflicts. The best stories, like The Lord of the Rings, find a middle ground, where light and dark interweave to create a narrative that resonates deeply and endures.
A great story does not shy away from darkness, but it also does not leave its audience trapped in it. Instead, it offers a journey that, though fraught with challenges, ultimately affirms that even in the darkest moments, there is light and hope.
-Guest Article by Chelsea Thatcher
Chelsea is a neurospicy blogger and creative writer who is good at juggling tasks and finding balance in a hectic world. She uses writing to express herself and share her own journey through life, mental health, and family!
Go check out her blog and other writings at https://www.chelseathatcher.com/