'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQH/8QAIRAAAQMEAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBAAFESEGEhMiQXH/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACA//EABcRAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAhH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AMh5LdJF2sjnnbabeckqUW2gAyhRySpOuwJzve8VZF5LKRGZR7jqgDAcJ+flKUQKGwQ7f//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Batman has become more than just a comic book character over the years. The iconic nature of this caped crusader is reflected in the film adaptations we have seen over the years.
But a great hero needs a great villain to spice things up and increase the stakes. Heath Ledger's version of Joker was one such villain that has become iconic. It earned him a posthumous Oscar for his role in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight. So here is a list of five qualities that this Joker had, which made it menacing and, at the same time, loved by the viewers.
Disclaimer - This article reflects the author's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.
5 things about Heath Ledger's Joker that make him a menacing Batman villain
Batman is a popular superhero in comic books and cinema lore. Part of the reason for its popularity is its reliability. He doesn't have any superpowers, but he is rich. Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight gave an equal fight to the Caped Crusader, and the audience cheered for the bad guy. Here are five things about him.
1) No back story - On several occasions, the makers try to showcase the backstory of a villain (which is often sad) to justify why they became who they became. But Heath Ledger's Joker is an outlier, as Nolan doesn't reveal much about him. It's hinted that his father was abusive, but that's it. We realize he is psychotic without a sad backstory, and that makes him menacing.
2) Heath Ledger's performance - The main reason Joker was, in a way, loved more than the superhero in the film is because of Ledger's performance. The actor put his heart into this role, even collaborating with the team to come up with his costume, and did his own makeup. There are moments, including a clapping scene, that he improvised instantly.
3) Joker's hypocrisy - One of the things that is overlooked about Ledger's version of Joker is his hypocrisy. He kept saying that he doesn't have plans, and he simply wants to watch the world burn. But he is seen speaking through a note when he has held people hostage with a bomb remote. This makes him a bit different from other versions, as he is not what he says he is.
4) A strong counterpoint to the superhero - The Joker might be an unhinged and dangerous guy, but he also needed to tap into his intelligence to face off against Batman. His wit made him a strong counterpoint to the superhero and made the latter's life a living hell. Joker also gives him a choice to save either Harvey or Rachel, and he is torn apart by its consequences.
5) Joker actually beat Batman - Harvey Dent turns into Two-Face after Batman rescues him. He doesn't just transform physically, but also emotionally and mentally as well. But Batman takes the blame for all his killings to save the reputation of Gotham's district attorney. So, the city believes that he is a villain. This, in a way, is a testament that Joker actually beat the Caped Crusader.
Trending
Stay tuned to Soap Central for more such stories.
Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!
Reply
