Jack Nicholson's performance had nothing to do with him, rather the writers creation of the "joker." But in terms of which movie did a good job with it, The Dark Knight did. In terms of acting, Jack Nicholson is the winner.

Heath Ledger's joker was simply amazing, although I havent seen the original Batman in awhile, I recall Jack Nicholson being just a gimmick criminal with a gun. Although I love Jack Nicholson, I must say, Heath Ledger makes a better joker.

Should have had a 3rd option... Stupid Comparison or Abstain or something. The only thing the 2 characters have in common is the name...

Apples and Pears. Not a fair comparison. I think Nicholson would have done better in the new one because he can damn sure do crazy better than anyone. But he wasn't able to because of the context of the film.

Neither makes a better Joker. The original writer makes the best Joker.

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Hmm, in terms of Joker on paper yes. But in terms of bringing the Joker to real life, I highly doubt they would be as good as Nicholson and Heath. Bringing a character to life is a lot different from penning a character on paper.

edit-I didn't even answer the thread poll.
I'm not familiar with Batman comics, so I won't say who portrayed Joker most accurately. I will say, I enjoyed Heath over Nicholson.

Last edited by stubbly at 11:24 am, Jul 25 2008

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In the paper today, tales of war and of waste
But you turn right over to the T.V. page
Now I'm walking again to the beat of a drum
And I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart
- Crowded House 'Don't dream it's over'

This whole thread is completely useless Obviously, The Dark Knight has a better portrayal of the character. But that joker would be out of context in Burton's film. Period. Jack Nicholson is a better actor than Heath Ledger. Period. Look at Heath Ledger's other films, especially the piece of shit that is Cassanova.

Comparing the two is like comparing Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp for who makes the better Wonka.

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I agree with the first part. Let's be frank, the old batman's were "good guy beats bad guy." There were no moral grays, it wasn't dark, and good always won. In fact, the villains were an absolute joke. At least they weren't as bad as the original Batman and Robin movie though ("Robin! Hand me the shark-repellent bat spray!") So basically, Jack's role was right on par with how it was supposed to be. That joker was intended to be a comedian, not a villain.

Now in regards to the Dark Knight, everyone in that world is darker and more realistic. I disagree with the quote in that Jack is a better actor than Heath. Heath did some bad movies, however, Jack did early in his career as well. I have to say i'm a big fan of a Knight's Tale, which... I felt was a major turn around in his acting ability. He just never really had any time to show us what he was capable of. And Jack is.. how old now?

Jack nichilson's joker wasn't really joker like to be honest...i mean he looked like him but that was kinda it...

heath ledgers sadistic gangster like joker seemed like the killing joke joker...xept without the jokes...

heath ledger's portrayal was just more realistic while nichalsons was a...spot light for an old fogei which would look good on his reseme lol

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"You just bleed there and think about what you've done!"

I agree with this.

While Heath Ledger's Joker was really good, its just not how the original character is supposed to be. He's not supposed to be that dark, deranged emo kind of character. Also I'm not sure that the Joker being portrayed more as a human is a good thing.
In my eyes the Joker was always very misterious and sort of supernatural, always managing to survive situations which no normal human could, even if he wasn't given any super-powers.

Jack Nicolson's portrayal on the other hand was just amazing. He had that insane kind of humor that the joker always did. Remember that long barreled revolver he pulled out of his pants? Also his laugh was just perfect.
In my opinion the comic book and the TV Joker's personalities were portrayed perfectly on to the big screen. Even his death at the end of the movie was perfect (when he died he was still laughing via a voice recorder or something - it was just freaky).

Finally I will point out that the Joker's cheeks are not supposed to be cut into a smile.

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Not voting.

You can't compare, it's unnatural. Sure, same name, but both films had -completely- different portrayal of the characters. Unless both performed the exact same role twice (which is impossible) then you can't compare.

Lol, que? Jack Nicholson an old fogey who needs to bolster his resume? If he had only made One Flew Over the Cookoo's Nest, he would still be seen as one of the greatest modern actors. If you want an insane character, watch The Shining.

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I found Ledger's joker to be a little light with the jokes too.
If there was a bit more scenes with him laughing and a couple of more good "Joker" jokes then he would've been awesome.
Then again, I'm not sure if he died before the filming was finnished or not...
I mean it took amlost a year after he died for the movie to come out.

Anyway both films were good, I just think that Nicolson's Joker was more like the comic book and tv series Joker (which IMO was a good thing).

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wat i meant was for nichalson to do joker...sure it was good acting...but it still wasn't the joker...it was nichalson up and down...i'm not doubting his acting either cus it's quite obvious he's really good(the departed like a mother fo)it's just jack's portrayal was as honest to the comic as the dbz movie is going to b honest to the anime...(white boi playing goku and a skinny turtle hermit)

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"You just bleed there and think about what you've done!"

heath ledger was better by far in my opinion...i don't think anyone will be able to top his performance..ever he was amazing...it just made me depressed that he died...

even tho heath's was light on the jokes he still seems like the modern day joker. you found him doing less and less jokes, and killing more and more like in Batman R.I.P. Tho i'll give it to you that nichalson's does sorta remind me of the old joker...tho it was olny because of his zoot suits...oh and i hated the old joker...

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"You just bleed there and think about what you've done!"