See I'm glad they left that out. Everyone assumes that a person is psychotic b/c of a bad family relationship, traumatic events as a child, etc. But I like to think this Joker is in the mold of Leopold and Loeb. He had a great childhood, wasn't poor, etc. but just went crazy one day for no real reason. I know the comic book Joker had an origin tied into a traumatic event but its more engaging for me to believe this Joker is just crazy for no real reason.
Then you're in favor of a pretty shallow character. You don't just "go crazy" out of the blue. That doesn't happen. You don't have to explain how, since it's not too important, but you have to at least recognize that Joker was pushed to madness.
Agreed I've raised this a few times. He actually says "go back to ripping off mob dealers? No, no.......NO". Like he's recollecting something particularly amusing or significant on the last beat. I suspect this had to be deliberate on the part of Ledger. he's letting the inner Joker shine through again. From robbing mobsters to robbing their banks, with some very mysterious scars on your face, "what doesn't kill me".... I don't think this is a stretch at all. He gives away the secret with that final 'No'
I think the entire interrogation scene was a glimpse into the Joker's past. The entire time he's explaining his views on the world to Batman, I sensed Joker actually talking about why he's the way he is. When he says "their morals, their
code....it's a bad joke". It's said with such disdain that I can't help but feel he's experienced first-hand the atrocities of society and that was a major catalyst in creating him.
It makes his grand scheme even more significant. Breaking down Dent was a great ploy, as was the 2 barges. But when the latter failed to succeed, the look on his face speaks volumes. Instead of the cliched "nooooo!!" reaction the villain gives when his plans are foiled, Joker is dead-silent. It's one of the few times Joker has a quiet moment, and you can see how much it's affected him. Up to that point, Gotham had been his playground and everything was going to plan. He was
sure that the ferries would blow up and when it doesn't, it's bitter disappointment. "You've gotta do
ever-y-thing yourself" sounds like how a child would react when things don't go their way. Joker's response is to just blow it up anyway out of spite.
I also think Joker saw something in Dent that would make him a perfect candidate for his theory of "one bad day". It's clear that Joker hates rules, society, and order. Everything Harvey is the embodiment of. So if he could "break" Dent, then that wouldn't make Joker alone. Imo, Joker is seeking validation of his own psyche. When he first meets Batman in the room, it's almost a plea of sorts:
"don't talk like one of them, you're not!"
Then:
"to
them you're just a freak....like
meee."
A recognition of their shared status in society, and maybe a verbal of way of sticking out your hand for a peaceful shake? Perhaps.
I could go on and on, but I'm sure someone gets the point.
