“The Dark Knight” @ FLMNH (July 6)

The Florida Museum of Natural History’s “Creative B” summer film series features entertaining science fiction films and roundtable discussions by scholars, scientists, writers, and artists.

In honor of the Museum’s ongoing exhibit “Masters of the Night,” this summer’s theme is… bats! The series begins on July 6 with Christopher Nolan’s 2008 film The Dark Knight.

Following the events of Batman Begins (dir. Christopher Nolan, 2005), the Caped Crusader, Lieutenant James Gordon, and newly-elected District Attorney Harvey Dent implement an ambitious plan to end the influence of organized crime in Gotham City. Their efforts are disrupted by the appearance of a mysterious, sadistic criminal mastermind who calls himself The Joker. Batman’s battle against this new menace forces him to adopt measures that cross the line between relentless crime-fighting and brutal vigilantism. Their conflict threatens to plunge Gotham City into lasting chaos.

The Dark Knight stars Christian Bale (as Bruce Wayne/Batman), Gary Oldman (as James Gordon), Aaron Eckhart (as Harvey Dent/Two-Face), Maggie Gyllenhaal (as Rachel Dawes), and Heath Ledger, in a haunting, universally-acclaimed performance as The Joker. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor, posthumously awarded to Ledger, who died before the film’s release. The winner of more than 100 international awards in multiple categories, The Dark Knight is widely considered the best superhero film to date and one of the best action-adventure films of all time.

The evening’s events will begin with an open reception from 6–7 PM. The screening will be preceded and followed by a roundtable discussion featuring:

• Ian Breheny – Museum Operations Specialist at the FLMNH, co-founder of the film series, and moderator
• Terry Harpold – Associate Professor of English, Film & Media Studies at UF
• Tim Lawrence – Special effects artist and concept sculptor
• Demetria “Dee” McBride – Marketing Coordinator for the Lubee Bat Conservancy
• James Coats – Body armor manufacturer and engineer, Phalanx Defense Systems

The Dark Knight is rated PG-13 for brief episodes of intense violence, menace, and mild profanity. Some scenes may be unsuitable for pre-teen viewers.

On July 13, beginning at 7 PM, the series continues with Tod Browning’s Dracula (1931), starring Bela Lugosi.

All “Creative B” events are free and open to the public.