Dec
21
Before we get into The Dark Knight Joker comparison, I must start out first by saying I’m 29 years old and I’ve NEVER read ANY of the original Batman comics nor do I know any of the original story lines from the comic book series. What I do know is that when I first saw the Original Batman movie (the one staring Michael Keaton) I fell in love with the modern day interpretation of the characters (Batman, The Joker, blah, blah, blah). To this day, I feel Michael Keaton is the best Batman. Of course Adam West’s interpretation of the Caped Crusader is second to none and Christian Bale has definitely breathed new life into the role – which by the 4th Batman movie in the previous series (Batman & Robin) was on life support and in desperate need of having the plug pulled (thank God they did); but there will always be a special place in my heart for Keaton’s Batman.
BUT WE’RE NOT HERE TO TALK ABOUT BATMAN ~ LET’S TALK ABOUT THE DARK KNIGHT JOKER!
By now we all know that Heath Ledger is playing The Joker in the upcoming The Dark Knight (Batman Begins 2) movie. I personally have only seen the most recent movie preview and a number of promotional photos highlighting The Joker in this movie, but based on my first glance, it looks like Heath will do The Joker character some justice. However, just like with Keaton’s Batman, I feel that Nicholson’s Joker just can’t be beat… or can it?
The Joker Comparison
The Dark Knight Joker (Ledger) does look quite intriguing and appears to be promising. However, never trust a movie preview (that’s what I always say). My judgment on who is the true Joker victor won’t me made until after I see The Dark Knight but let’s do a comparison based on what we’ve seen so far.
The Original Joker – Cesar Romero
He definitely set the bar high for actors portraying The Joker.
Positives: Very animated, exceptional laugh, and of course, great over-exaggerated smile.
Negatives: Maybe it’s just me but although Cesar Romero added much arm movement to animate The Joker character, he seemed a bit stiff with his legs (unlike The Riddler in the original TV series – quite animated). I would have liked to have seen a bit more jumping around (am I being too picky?). Also, his lines were a bit cheesy. Of course that’s no fault of Mr. Romero’s, but it’s still something to consider.
The Tim Burton Joker – Jack Nicholson
A natural choice for the first modern-day Joker.
Positives: Best facial expressions out of the three. The perfect marriage of a comical court jester and a murderous criminal.
Negatives: Laugh was just so-so. Also I personally didn’t care for all the hats he wore. You gotta show off the disheveled chemically mutated hair. He also wasn’t as animated as I’d like him to be. But then again, Mr. Nicholson is known for his personality and acting prowess, not for jumping around.
The Dark Knight Joker – Heath Ledger
So far, looks pretty good (although my coworkers do not agree). 
Honestly I didn’t even know it was Heath Ledger playing The Joker in the upcoming movie. When I saw the trailer, I had to ask someone who was playing The Joker…and I was honestly surprised, and impressed.
Positives: You can’t really tell it’s Heath Ledger (and it’s a positive because if you could tell it was him, you probably wouldn’t be able to get the image of The Joker sodomizing Jake Gyllenhaal out of your head). Also, it looks like he has some good threads in this one (rather than the typical purple and green attire). And finally, it sounds like he has a pretty good laugh – not too corny, not too forced.
Negatives: In some shots in The Dark Knight movie trailer, The Joker kinda looks homeless, which actually works against my assumption that he’ll have some interesting attire (we’ll have to wait and see). Also, the white makeup and red lips look like The Joker just got drunk and fell into his mother’s makeup case. But I don’t know what back story they’re creating for this version’s Joker, so again, we’ll have to wait and see the reasoning behind it all.
SO, Which Joker is Better?????
Honestly, I don’t know yet. Each has its flaws and it’s perfections. And we don’t know the whole story with Heath Ledger’s Joker yet. After I see the movie, I’ll have to re -examine this comparison and see if my assumptions were wrong.
UPDATE!!!!!!
Unbelievable! On 1/22/08 Heath Ledger was found dead in his apartment of an alleged drug overdoes. Since the Dark Knight Batman movie is in post (aka in the can), then this shouldn’t change his role in this movie. It just changes his role as an actor. We’ll still be able to compare his performance as the Joker.
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37 Responses to “The Dark Knight Joker – Will He Be Better Than the Rest?”
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Pity your coworkers don’t appreciate this clear instance of creative innovation.
The new Batman series is a darker more sober interpretation necessary to counter balance the toyishness of what many have associated with series.
The dark knight is now a dark knight and not clown or a fool.
I just hope that we get a lot more shots of the suggestive Katie Holmes in the next installment!
I think Heath Ledger is the best Joker. Personally the first Joker, was just way to old. Nicholson, i hated. He was too corny, and his clothing sucked. Heath Ledger may look drunk with war paint makeup and blood lips, but he definently is the coolest, and best Joker out of the three.
HEATH LEDGER! HEATH LEDGER! HEATH LEDGER! HEATH LEDGER! HEATH LEDGER!
Heath ledger is the best joker baby. YEAHHHHHH!!!!
Honestly its not hard to see Heath Ledger is by far the best joker…The joker is a psychopath and Heath Ledger plays that part to the T. Also The laugh is dead on and just the character of the joker needs to be more morbid and not so clown like cause that just makes the character look stupid…so being the fact heath ledger plays the morbid psychopath joker so well he is the best at playing the character.
Thanks for reading my blog posting. You make some very good points. I agree with the laugh. It sounds pretty dead on. A morbid Joker might be great. It will definitely be a bit different than the previous Batman movies, but that’s what this new Batman movie franchise is doing.
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jack Nicholson is one of the best actors when it comes to psycho/sociopathic roles his joker character was the best of a villian character in its time cant deny that. but i am very interested to see how ledger did with this role. its hard to compare tho from what i’ve heard about how this role was played.
ledgers joker i hear is more murderous and evil(like i heard the comic joker was) compared to the animated comedic pyschotic joker Nicholson played(like the TV/animated cartoon joker was).
i personally am i huge fan of the original comic book joker, the way it SEEMS to be portrayed in this up coming film is the way the joker was in the comics, phsycotic, deranged, SMART, witty, but a complete NUT, the one thing that seems to be not the same as the comic book is that Heath seems to be wearing make up rather than stained white skin and peeled back lips, i can’t really comment because i havnt seen the movie and don’t know the back story and how it will unfold, if there is one. it could be make up for now and then later he actually gets stained red white and green (remember before he passed away, heath signed on for three movies) unfortunatly we will not ever get to see (in my opinion) the best joker we have ever,and probably WILL ever see,again….
I think Heath will be the best joker. He spent a lot of time developing a psycho killer persona. You really can’t tell it’s him (no australian accent, kinda sounds like Jack Nicholson, aacts completely sadistic) I personally think the negative parts of his character are possitives as well. Does that mean there are no negatives?
From what I’ve seen so far, Christopher Nolan has taken the comic books to an adult level. Instead of a toxic-waste silly face villain, he’s given us a complete sociopath with a brilliant mind who wears clown makeup.. and I get that. Anyone knows when they wear a costume or makeup at Halloween knows that they act… just a bit different. Maybe more outgoing… Or maybe a little.. crazier…
I dont know why every one is raveing about heath, yes he looks good yes his laugh is good but, the film isnt even out yet, at least wait to see it before rating him.
Also why no mention of the legendary performance by mark hamill in the 90`s? best voice so far.
[...] new one. Although it’s not in theaters yet, it’s an interesting and humorous comparison based on whhttp://www.entertainmentbuff.com/dark-knight-joker-compare/IGN: New Dark Knight Trailer DueFeb 20, 2008 … According to DarkHorizons.com, the next trailer for [...]
[...] new one. Although it’s not in theaters yet, it’s an interesting and humorous comparison based on whhttp://www.entertainmentbuff.com/dark-knight-joker-compare/The Dark Knight Movie – Dark Knight Movie News, Interviews, CreditsThe dark knight movie news, [...]
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i dont care if i havent seen the new movie yet, heath ledger is the best joker in my opinion. his laugh is not dead on… its the best! i think he looks cooler with makeup instead of white skin. cant wait for the movie
Hello, I fell lucky that I located this post while browsing for new batman movie. I am with you on the topic of k Knight Joker – A Comparison of 3 Jokers. Ironically, I was just putting a lot of thought into this last Sunday.
[...] out first by saying I??m 29 years old and I??ve NEVER read ANY of the original Batman comics …http://www.entertainmentbuff.com/dark-knight-joker-compare/The Joker pictured on Set Batman: The Dark Knight – Movie ChroniclesA news site chronicling the [...]
try reading the detective batman comics. you should especially read arkham asylum(graphic novel). they display the darkest and most psychological characters, which this batman movie series mimics. you can’t compare the jokers, they are three different characters based off three different styles.
HEATH LEDGER!
And don’t you waste another second to think who’s the best joker. That was THE Joker!
I’ve been a Batman fan my whole life. Because of all the righteous, all his values, for his obstination, for his purpose… And I’ve always known that the Joker was his nemesis, his oposite… but never, never ever, ever I could figure whow much insane and brilliant The Joker is. And you know something… the villian in the comics is for kids… not a single version of a Joker, either in comics, either in flicks has got closer to this… It’s a whole new level.
I’ve seen the movie last night, and I’m just waiting the theaters to re-open today… because I must see it again!
By the way… if you are someone who is easily impressed… don’t go. If you have kids, take them to see any other movie, seriously!
And… the world lost an amazing actor… please give 2 oscars for Ledger… actor an co-actor… HE was the movie. And belive-me… without him, the movie would had been a blockbuster anyway.
wow… why so serious?!
I must say that Ledger’s/Nolan’s interpretation of the Joker was quite amazing! Forgive me Batman fans, for I never read the comics so I can’t judge the storyline of the movie to them.
However, I can critic good…superb acting when I see it. Heath Ledger’s Joker was twisted, psychopathic, and just plain out evil. After watching Nicholson’s Joker and Romero’s you can’t compare. (Well, you can in a Joker sense) but it’s just not the same. Romero’s and Nicholson’s were portrayed in context of staying in an animated-based style. I think if Nicholson’s and Ledger’s Jokers switched movies, the movies would be doomed.
[...] onscreen. Ledger’s role in this film should be taught in drama classes. This is the best portrayal of the Joker I have ever seen (Sorry, Jack.), and one of the best onscreen villains I have seen onscreen in [...]
The Joker in the Dark Knight was indeed way more psychopathic and evil, then the previous Joker in Tim Burton’s Batman. Heath did an outstanding job! The facial expressions, the voice, the suit, it was all great! Also his voice was amazing, you could really hear what kind of person the Joker is in the movie, and how serious and psychotic he can be at the same time.
The only thing that I thought was missing,
Is the fact that there weren’t much crazy ‘Joker’ kind of accents in the movie. For example take the scene where one of Joker’s henchmen is trying to pull Batman’s mask off. The Joker goes all crazy and laughing at his own henchmen and kicking him. Thing’s like that really bring out much more how crazy and funny he is, and give it more that Joker character.
If he troughed in a little bit more of these’s kind of things, this Joker
would be the perfect Joker!
For me the Joker in the Dark Knight is by far the best Joker ever, he just misses only that little
bit of craziness and fooling around, what Jack Nicholson then again did way too much I have to say. I also don’t know if the Joker will be back in Batman 3, it would be very cool if that would be the case, though I don’t think he’ll be playing a big part. It’s really a shame that Heath died, because it would have been so great if the Joker would be the main villain in the third film. I think that Nolan better could have let the Joker die, because it’s weird to let such a villain live in the film, and not bringing him back in the sequel. Especially since it’s the Joker.
Heath Ledger is for sure the best Joker I’ve seen, and I’ve seen all the movies and several versions of a television show. He’s a philosopher in his own right, the real personification of Chaos. He takes the Joker from mischievous prankster to formidable, and frightening, villain. His performance was just so stunning. Completely worth seeing. One of the best performances I’ve ever seen, I think.
Every Joker had a different style. Ledger’s Joker was the only one that was majorly different. He wasn’t some silly-ass clown that killed people. If you want that, go watch Stephen King’s “It”- because that’s what Nicholson’s performance was through my eyes.
Ledger’s Joker had intelligence, the dark undertones of comedic charisma(if you can catch it) and a more realistic, logical look and performance. And I don’t know why people are going crazy over his makeup. Like this guy is going to take percious time to fix himself up perfectly! Come on! He’s not the lovely and talented Jay Gordon!-had to add that.
Caesar is the original, but how many years ago was that?
Anyways…
I hated the fact that you can tell it’s Nicholson behind the face paint. The only great thing about his makeup was that wide grin. That and the Joker’s laugh is the Joker’s best traits. Love the fact that they portrayed Ledger’s Joker with scars from actually having a smile literally cut into his face, and also he had that skitzy Joker laugh perfect.
I will give credit to the 89′ Batman for trying to stay true to the comics. But Nicholson’s performance was, well, Nicholson…
I’m actually unbias because I hate both Nicholson and Ledger, but I have to hand the plate to Ledger for his brilliant performance. I actually had to be told the Joker was Ledger. Shocking, truly. *No offence to fans of either actor, Stephen King or Tim Burton of course*
Are you kidding? Heath Ledger hands down the best.
the reason why his make-up is the way it is, is because they were trying to make it more realistic because
1. its not like hes a proffesional make up artist hes a guy
2. hes obviously insane, no unstable man does things steady, simple, or planned
3. his life is… chaotic, so to speak (if you havent seen the movie you’ll see what i mean soon enough) so the make-up wont be perfect.
Plus his character as the joker is great, its got just the sense of humor that a real man like that would have. The whole point of them making him seem so much different is because they’re trying to bring this movie series more down to earth, if you haven’t noticed.
his insanity and humor of how choatic life naturally is, and his way of “handling” things really sucked me into his character and the movie, i think that if anybody thinks that he was a bad joker probably wasnt watching that movie.
Heath Ledger is the best Joker I have ever seen. And I’m totally not a very big fan of Batman util NOW! He’s totally perfect for the role!!!!!
Jon said it best: Heath Ledger brought a freshness to the Joker that was sorely needed for the Batman series.
He is by far the best Joker. Learn more about the 3 jokers: Dark Knight Joker
Someone commented above me saying something to the effect of “Nicholson and Ledger were great jokers in their own movies” and I have to agree with that. It is very hard to really compare the two because the movies were done so differently. Both were great movies, Burton’s was more typical of his type of work, very surreal and unrealistic while touching a lot of real emotions. The Dark Knight is a more complex story and takes place in a contemporary setting (I still can’t figure out what time period Burton’s takes place, if there even is one).
That being said, I think Ledger did a better job playing a villain who embodies the characteristics that many in our society today would find offsetting or frightening/creepy. And that fit the tone of The Dark Knight perfectly.
On the other hand, Jack Nicholson has a long demonstrated ability at playing crazy or villainous characters and had more experience by the time he played the joker. He has a naturally intimidating personality, along with crazy, rolling eyes and a great ability to play the role of many types of unstable characters. He was more colorful and downright zany as the Joker. It fit exactly what Tim Burton was trying to do.
Personally, I prefer the Jack Nicholson’s comically alarming rendition. He was simply more absurd (and convincingly so) and find his Joker more entertaining to watch than the more serious and “realistic”(i say realistic loosely) version of Ledger’s (though he is a VERY close second).
On a side note… The plot of The Dark Knight seems to play on today’s worries of terrorism (and not necessarily in a constructive or destructive way). Compare that with the acts of “terror” in Burton’s which were far more comical and unrealistic which I appreciate since I would rather not be reminded of modern events and fears when watching an action movie based on a comic book.
all the jokers are great.
but, only….
Ledger’s joker is for the Oscar’s .
Nickelson was the worst. He only ever plays himself.
I like all the Jokers, each one brings their own personality to the table. However.. I have to say that Heath Ledger/Joker was by far the best for me because when I seen Jokers I seen Jack Nicholson, I seen Ceasar Romero, but i never seen Ledger. When I watched Dark Knight I seen Joker not Heath Ledger, I see the crazy villian that you read of in the comics. I have to go with Heath, sadly, there will never be another.
heath ledger..! Jack Nicholson was in my opinion was nowhere near as good. the make-up was a nice touch and more realistic then the fall in toxic waste. Seriously with all the superheros and villans spawing from that stuff, you’d swear it was a common substance.
Ledger……………………………………………..Nicholson………Romero
How come some people were judging this before they saw the movie Mr. “fadil riza” the second comment posted ledger was the best joker before the movie even came out. that’s not right you can’t judge book by it’s cover just like you can’t judge a movie by it’s trailer.
However after seeing the movie Ledger really is the best
It really is a shame that Heath died in real life whereas the Joker is still alive at the end of The Dark Knight. It will be really difficult to top Dark Knight without Joker (at least Ledger’s version of him) if Nolan decided to make a third Batman.
GOD THESE SPIDERMAN MOVIES ALL SUCK. THE JACKAL IS THE WORST ENEMY EVER!!!!
I have seen The Dark Knight SO many times now, like 9 times in fact, and I keep watching it for the same reason. Heath Ledger’s unbelievable portrayl as The Joker. I think Nicholson and Romero are ok but there is no comparison. Heath really IS the Joker. At least when watching The Dark Knight, that’s how I feel. I admire the way he prepared for his role as well as how convincing he really is as the twisted criminal. Heath is and always will be The Joker in my eyes.
omg heath is soooooo hott, i want to live near his genitals.