Hidden Marxist Principles in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy

There has been much study and talk of Christopher Nolan’s Batman franchise. The three films, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises, are among the most discussed films in cinema history due to their places of prominence in the age of the internet. Dozens of theories abound as to what the major themes are, and entire books have been written attempting to decipher them. Folks, I am here to tell you that all those theories and essays and words are wrong. Dead wrong. There is only one real conclusion to draw, from careful study of all three films in the trilogy. The films are filled with Marxism! Yes, the tenants and principles of Marx flow through the three Batman films like a mighty river, ready to wash over the masses. But these codes have now been deciphered, and for the first time you have visual and textual proof of the hidden meaning behind The Dark Knight Trilogy:

“If you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong.” — Groucho
“I have had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn’t it.” — Groucho
“I don’t care to belong to a club that accepts people like me as members.” — Groucho
“Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?” — Chico
“A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere.” — Groucho
“…” — Harpo

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Room Service (Review)

Room Service


1938
Starring
Groucho Marx as Gordon Miller
Chico Marx as Harry Binelli
Harpo Marx as Faker
Lucille Ball as Christine
Ann Miller as Hilda


It’s the Marx Brothers, doing a play written for other people that they don’t have the luxury of changing too much of the plot to suit their own needs, or even Groucho’s name to something comical (Gordon Miller? Why not W. Saltlick Frogthrower or something equally comical?) Faker (played by Harpo) is from the original play, from my understanding, having not seen the real play, and all of his lines were just given to Chico or Groucho. It’s also the only film they made with RKO, as they were loaned out for one movie. Sadly this is far from their best film, more near the bottom, as they are limited by their source material and not let to shine the way they normally can. Frank Sinatra also did a version of this play as a movie called Step Lively. I bet that is completely different from this version. Or it could be identical. I can imagine Ol’ Blue Eyes chasing women without saying a word and honking a horn all the while!

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At The Circus (Review)

At The Circus


1939
Starring
Groucho Marx as J. Cheever Loophole
Chico Marx as Antonio Pirelli
Harpo Marx as Punchy
Kenny Baker as Jeff Wilson
Florence Rice as Julie Randall
Margaret Dumont as Mrs. Susan Dukesbury


Another Marx Brother’s film! This one has Our Boys involved in Hot Circus Action, gorillas gone wild, ceiling walking, quotes galore, cannons, quips, gags, and lots of fun. A welcome change from the parade of Turkish Monstrosities.


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Go West (Review)

Go West


1940

Starring

Groucho Marx as S. Quentin Quale
Harpo Marx as Rusty Panello
Chico Marx as Joe Panello

The Marx Brothers return for a western spoof this time, as the boys find themselves in a heap o’ trouble involving land speculation, railroad cars, helping young lovers, scams, gun fights, safe cracking, and robot knife fights. Well, maybe not the last thing. On with the show… Continue reading

A Night in Casablanca (Review)

A Night in Casablanca


1946

Starring

Groucho Marx as Ronald Kornblow
Harpo Marx as Rusty
Chico Marx as Corbaccio

The Marx Brothers return after a break in film to this hilarious outing. Originally envisioned as a direct parody of Casablanca, it eventually morphed into it’s own storyline.

A Night in Casablanca
A Night in Casablanca Continue reading

A Day at the Races

A Day at the Races

1937
Starring
Groucho Marx as Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush
Harpo Marx as Stuffy
Chico Marx as Tony
Margaret Dumont as Mrs. Upjohn

Classic Marx Brothers fare, this is the second film after the brothers went to MGM, a follow up to A Night at the Opera. The funny flies fast and furious here, though there are a few slow spots (most noticeably during the ballet number in the middle of the film). Has the classic “Toostie Frootsie” Ice Cream skit and the examination scene.
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