Legends of the Knight, 2013.
Directed by Brett Culp.
SYNOPSIS:
Stories, myths, legends – they have the power to shape our lives, and this documentary examines how one particular mythology has become a modern legend and inspires people to do great things: the story of The Batman.
Films, books, even bedtime stories from your parent or guardian, all have an amazing power over human beings. Dating back 40,000 years ago to the earliest discovered cave painting to modern day where we paint million dollar blockbusters on silver screens, our species have been captivated by stories. Affected his whole life by one particular story, director Brett Culp set out on his first major production to tell the story of others who’ve done great things by tapping in to the power of the same story: the story of Bruce Wayne, a man who as a child suffered the greatest tragedy that a child could endure and used it to make a difference, to help others, and became The Batman, dedicating his life to a cause.
Most of us have endured a personal tragedy, and we all have our crosses to bear. This is an inevitability we all must face, but what is in our control is how we deal with such an event; do we let it define us, or do we fight back and stand tall, turning tragedy to triumph? There are many out there who find strength to endure that tragedy thanks to a comic book character created 75 years ago.
Legends of The Knight documents such people, and contained within this film are inspiring stories that will make you question how you have been living your own life: do I do enough for other people and those less fortunate? Am I living the best life I could lead? And when you meet young Kye, a child leukemia sufferer, you’ll ask yourself a deep question – do I deal with setbacks as well as this young child did? You might be shocked by the answer.
Kye’s is not the only inspiring story here and there are plenty of others; from Jill Pantozzi, a writer over at The Mary Sue many of you reading this may be aware of, whom suffers from muscular dystrophy yet has never once allowed her condition to define her and stop her living a quote unquote “normal life”, to the business man who after making enough money to see him live comfortable now visits children’s hospital wards dressed as Batman, inspiring the young and ill giving them hope and a day to remember, you’ll find it hard not to well up inside.
The film also features some high profile Batman fans, such as Michael Uslan, whom needs no introduction, Denny O’Neil and Will Brooker, to Dr. Travis Langley, who may just run the greatest college class ever, ‘Batman’, in which he teaches psychology through discussing the numerous psychologically complex conditions present in not just Batman but throughout his rogues gallery.
Culp has very successfully been able to capture the heart of the character and the influence that he has on those who read – or watch – his story unfold. Legends of The Knight is a fantastic documentary which might just inspire you more than the legend itself.
You can read our interview with Brett Culp here.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★
Martin Deer
Originally published January 24, 2014. Updated April 13, 2018.
