The Dark Knight Definitive Joker

[Batman*]

Originally, this was supposed to be about Batman, but I decided with all the Joker speculation he would be best. Obviously there isn't one single definitive version of The Joker, but there is to you. Which do you view as the definitive interpritation of the characters, as there are lots to choose from. For me, it has to be Mark Hamill from "Batman Animated Series" but who is it to you and would you want any of their qualities to be instilled in Heath's Joker for "The Dark Knight" ?

 

[Superwoman Prime]

I think that Jack Nicholson (Burton's interpretation) is the definitive Joker. That is my view.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Bruce Timm's 'Timmverse' Joker is it for me.

 

[batman7289]

i think ledgers will be the best

 

[Superwoman Prime]

Ledger did say he will do things differently than Nicholson, but there will be inevitable similarities. If Ledger at LEAST has the twisted, dark, apathetic humor that Nicholson brought into his role, I will be happy.

 

[DV8]

Tyler Durden + Evil = Joker for me

 

[Superwoman Prime]

 

[StorminNorman]

I never saw my version of the Joker on screen...until I saw Batman Beyond: Revenge of The Joker. B:TAS nailed the Joker's character - just not his brutality IMO. I think ROTJ took the TimmJoker to the next level.

 

[Keyser Sushi]

I haven't seen him yet. I don't know if there is one, or will ever be one that I consider definitive.

 

[Crooklyn]

I never saw my version of the Joker on screen...until I saw Batman Beyond: Revenge of The Joker. B:TAS nailed the Joker's character - just not his brutality IMO. I think ROTJ took the TimmJoker to the next level.

Agreed. It was basically Timm & Dini's answer to 'A Death in the Family'. Joker hit Bats hard with beating/killing Jason, but what Joker did in ROTJ was far worse imo.

 

[Spidey_Zombie]

 

[cryptic name]

nicholson. no matter what anybody says or does, when i close my eyes and thnk of the joker, it's his portrayal that i see.

 

[MulligaN Stew]

In my mind, the Joker is the criminal representation of the Batman. However Batman is portrayed, Joker must be the vibrant ying to his yang or vice-versa.

For me, he's a conceited nihilist who thrives on the torment of others as a way of coping with the horrible trauma of his acid bath.
Ex: Batman used his tragedy to help people.
Joker used his as a gateway to vent his frustrations/wanton wrath

I really enjoy what Jack Nicholson did to establish the character as a formidable screen presence; I equally admire how Mark Hamill created a quintessential vocal for the Clown Prince, but I'm still hoping to see a man who's less . . . approachable. I don't want the audience to connect with the Joker on an amicable level. I want them to hate him, not because of the taxing morality of wrong and right, but for the reason that a small part of each viewer might crave the freedom that his insanity grants him. He's not bound by law, save that of his own direction. He has control that most people desire, but refuse to acquire or exploit.

Simply put, I envision his true essence as an inconsequential bastard who just does not give a **** about anything, anyone, or even himself; he's functioning or living, if you can call it that, solely for his own demented pleasure, and the rivalry(with others but specifically Batman) which attacks, befriends, and flourishes that pleasure, along with the self-ordained hubris of his lofty eyes. He craves acceptance in the form of adulation, and Gotham is pictorial of his kingdom, at least in the eyes of the 'would be' king.

 

[cryptic name]

you know, if given the chance, i think brad pitt could be a pretty good joker. i bet he'd jump at the chance to play a role that doesn't amke use of his looks

 

[Motown Marvel]

 

[CConn]

 

[Freddy_Krueger]

The definitive Joker would have to be Mark Hamill's take on the character. Jack Nicholson's right on his tail though. I can't wait to see what Ledger does with the character.

 

[I Am The Knight]

Definitive is a big word. There's just so much that can be done in terms of interpretations. With that said, I think TAS presented a Joker I'd like to see.

 

[Lobster Charlie]

Brian Bolland's Joker with Mark Hamill's voice.

Nicholson is the Cesar Romero of the late 80's.

 

[CConn]

Brian Bolland's Joker with Mark Hamill's voice.

What about the actual characterization?

Not that I even know why I care enough to ask you that...but eh, it's a post. +1

 

[Motown Marvel]

the definitive characterization (and look) of the joker is something along the lines of Killing Joke (moore/bolland) and Arkham Asylum (morrison/mckean).

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

I dunno.....wasn't the Joker sort of in a depressed mood in the Killing Joke? Usually, he's a bit more....out there, and not as to the point....but, that'd be interesting to see happen onscreen. Him torturing Jimbo, who people love.

Timm's ROTJ is really the Joker for me.

 

[DA Harvey Dent]

 

[Rynan]

Old School Yo.

Cus it was done right the first time.

 

[Motown Marvel]

I dunno.....wasn't the Joker sort of in a depressed mood in the Killing Joke? Usually, he's a bit more....out there, and not as to the point....but, that'd be interesting to see happen onscreen. Him torturing Jimbo, who people love.

Timm's ROTJ is really the Joker for me.

depressed? he shows up at commissioner gordons door, shoots his daughter in front of him (paralyzing her), kidnaps them both, films himself sexually torturing gordons daughter, then strips gordon naked and sends him trhough a f**ked up gothic funhouse breaking the mans mind forcing him to near insanity.