What does this animated Batman film, based upon a graphic novel, tell us about Hobbesian views with regard to self-interest, social mores, legal codes and social contract? How does Batman’s motivation differ from the crime families portrayed in this film? How is he similar? Do his actions give support to Hobbes’ view as to man’s essentially selfish nature? Why do he, Gotham DA Harvey Dent and police Capt. Gordon agree to bend, but not break the rules as they attempt to take down the Falconi crime family? Does the Batman story serve as a reminder for Americans of how lucky we are to live in a society where the rule of law is respected, instead of one riven with tribal or familial conflicts and motivations? How is Gotham like Afghanistan or Iraq? How do the characters of Dent, and his wife Gilda, lead us to consider the relationship of revenge to justice? Is Gotham beyond saving? If so, what should be done? Do Batman films need to be so serious and bleak?