The interrogation scene in The Dark Knight (2008) plays an integral role in the film’s final act and is the first time the audience see’s batman out of the dark shadows he occupies. The scene begins with the police commissioner interrogating the Joker. Both subjects and seemingly lit by a desk lamp on the table bouncing off the reflective surface onto the subjects faces. This effect creates very soft low-key lighting on the characters faces and creates a dark, shadowy vibe. There is one fluorescent light in the background which adds depth to the room without effecting the lighting on the characters. When the commissioner leaves the room all of the Fluorescent lights are turned on, revealing the Dark Knight standing behind the joker. The rest of the scene is visually lit with the fluorescent lights above. These fluorescents are diffused by white panels and create soft, white down lights. Judging by the shadows on the characters faces, it appears they are not using other light sources to fill. The shadows created by the downlights are quite distinguishable. Making the wrinkles and facial structures of the characters more predominant.

What’s interesting about the use of lighting within this scene is it’s story telling ability. The shadowy figure that is the Dark Knight prior to this scene only appeared in very low lit scenes. However, when the lights are turned on in the interrogation room, Batman is no longer hiding in the shadows. The lighting enhances the action in the scene. Visually exposing the character in light while acting as a reflection of the newly exposed Dark Knight. Director Christopher Nolan has also used lighting as visual tool to reveal batman. When changing the interrogation room from a very low lit space to a very bright room, the lighting change reveals Batman to the audience.

Scene Link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ChPTKPzB4I