Start of Darkness/Analysis

Christopher Booker lists this plot (not as a prequel, but as the main story) in his The Seven Basic Plots, and calls it "Tragedy". He goes into great depth on the symbolism, but basically, it's the story from the point of view of the villain who is eventually defeated by the hero. It's also one step shy of his "Rebirth" plot, which allows a woman or child to reach the villain's heart, get him to turn from his evil ways, and be redeemed. According to Booker, if the villain repents but dies, it's still Tragedy, not Rebirth.