Why Did Bane Punch the Pillar Twice in The Dark Knight Rises?

Introduction

The final battle between Bane and Batman in The Dark Knight Rises has sparked numerous discussions among fans, one of the most notable being the act of Bane punching the pillar twice after Batman has moved out of the way. This article aims to delve into the reasoning behind this iconic scene, its significance, and the nuances of its execution.

Symbolism of the Punch

The act of punching the pillar serves multiple purposes. Primarily, it emphasizes Bane's physical dominance and the destructive force he embodies. The impact of Bane's punch is not just a physical blow, but a symbolic moment that underscores his strength and the severity of the battle. It sets the stage for the climactic confrontation between Bane and Batman, showcasing Bane's brute strength and the high stakes of their battle.

This moment also encapsulates Bane's character as someone who relies on physicality and intimidation, contrasting with Batman's agility and strategic thinking. It highlights the dynamic between mental and physical prowess, a central theme in the film.

Understanding Bane's Motivation

Bane is in extreme pain due to the damage to his mask, which is interfering with his ability to use his full strength. Despite this, Bane is still far stronger and knows that a few well-placed hits could bring Batman down. Therefore, Bane is trying to quickly knock Batman out with a flurry of punches, many of which are poorly timed or placed due to his pain.

Some answers claim it was poor fight choreography, but this analysis is flawed. The director deliberately had Bane punch the pillar after Batman moved to emphasize Bane's loss of control and pain. The fight sequence, as is often the case in cinema, is not always entirely accurate to real martial arts, sacrificing realism for clarity and impact. Bane's punch back towards the pillar is a result of his frustration and desperation, highlighting the deteriorating state of his physical condition.

The Importance of Fight Choreography

The fight choreography in The Dark Knight Rises has been a subject of both praise and criticism. While some aspects of the fight between Bane and Batman were well-executed, the overall fight scenes, especially those involving minor characters, were often repetitive and lacked imagination.

In martial arts, even a powerful strike retains its force whether it strikes a target or merely flies through empty air. Strikes that have power don't stop having power and speed just because the target isn't there. However, this is evident in many fight sequences, where the momentum and precision are often lost. It is crucial for fight choreography to maintain the integrity of the strikes, regardless of the target's presence.

Comparison with Real Martial Arts

One must also consider the comparison with real-world martial arts. For example, in the video of a skilled martial artist named Lerdsila, one can see the incredible precision and power of strikes. The strikes maintain their force and accuracy even when the target moves or is absent. This is a stark contrast to the fight choreography in The Dark Knight Rises, where the impact of the punches is often lost.

The fight between Bane and Batman in the film is an obvious example of this. The punches thrown by Bane, despite their destructive force, don't maintain the same level of impact even when they strike a concrete pillar. This is not reflective of real martial arts, where a trained fighter's strikes would retain their force and speed.

Conclusion

The act of Bane punching the pillar twice is a critical moment in the film, serving as a powerful symbol of Bane's physical and mental state, as well as setting the stage for the climactic battle. While the overall fight choreography in the film was criticized, this particular sequence, when understood within the context of the film's narrative and style, remains a significant and impactful moment.

The video of Lerdsila and the critique of the fight choreography in the film are both illustrative of the importance of maintaining the integrity of martial arts techniques in fight scenes, even when the target is not easily discernible. Understanding and appreciating these nuances can deepen one's engagement with the film and its characters.