Ledger vs Nicholson

Veggie Eater · **Posted:** August 12th, 2008, 2:29 am

So we all know The Dark Knight was a big hit. One reason many people went to see it is because of Heath Ledger. Not only was this his last movie, it was one of his best performances.

Heath Ledger did such a great job capturing a new light to the Joker which made it more interesting and appealing - even to people who never really liked the Batman movies.

But at the same time, I feel bad for Jack Nicholson. Everyone is comparing the two Jokers, and of course, most people like the new, darker Joker better. Many feel as if Heath's acting in the movie is much better than Jack's.

Heath didn't create the darker version of the Joker. He did a hell of a job portraying the new Joker, but he didn't create it.

I think Jack Nicholson captured what the directors/writers wanted for the Joker at the time.
The Joker was supposed to be crazy in a silly/wacky way. Jack Nicholson went way above and beyond that.

Just as Heath Ledger captured what the directors/writers wanted for the Joker now and went way above and beyond that.

Basically what I'm trying to say is that I think they both did an amazing portrayal of the Joker. I wish people wouldn't be quick to say that Heath Ledger 'out-acted' Jack Nicholson or anything like that.

I mean did you guys see Jack in the movie The Shining? The whole time I watched it I couldn't help but compare his mannerisms to the darker Joker. I think Jack could have portrayed the darker Joker perfectly.

Yeah, that's just been bothering me lately. Bravo to the both of them.

Adbot · **Posted:** August 12th, 2008, 2:29 am

Brad · **Posted:** August 12th, 2008, 4:12 am

I watched the old 1989 Batman after seeing the new one and I agree with what you're saying. The Joker in the old batman was much more cartoonish and wacky. I think Nicholson could easily have portrayed the joker as psychotic and out of his mind like Ledger did. They're almost like two different characters, and the Joker in the new batman was a better character.

CreepyPirate · **Posted:** August 12th, 2008, 4:22 am

Quote:

I think Jack Nicholson captured what the directors/writers wanted for the Joker at the time.

I agree with this, he played the role that the writers wanted at the time, i prefer the new, darker Joker but Nicholson did a fantastic job.

Besides, anyone who's seen The Shining:

Know hes more than capable of playing a nutcase. ;]

trekkie · **Posted:** August 12th, 2008, 8:06 am

for this set of movies ledger did a fantastic job. only thing i feel sorry for is if somebody has to play the joker in the next movie or future movie, they are going to be compared to him and that's a tough act to follow.

P.S the clip from the shining. i would have stabbed him in the face when he poked his head through. that's like duh

Pfkninenines · Global Moderator 12/4/08

Jack Nicholson is perfectly able to be an eccentric person, and in general that is how I think of him. He doesn't tend to be in movies where his character doesn't explode at least once, and when they do it's always done in a maniacal tone.

If Nicholson were a bit younger, or the next Batman movie took place when everyone was retirement age, Nicholson would come back and fill the shoes of Ledger as the next Joker. But, as Creepy said, he did his job extremely well when he was the Joker. Though now I'd say I like Ledger more, I think both are hard acts to follow.

trekkie wrote:

P.S the clip from the shining. i would have stabbed him in the face when he poked his head through. that's like duh

"Here's John.." *stab* End of movie. I was thinking the same thing

EMS9889 · **Posted:** August 12th, 2008, 11:01 am

Jack Nicholson is one creepy SOB in the shining and Heath is one creepy SOB in The Dark Knight. Jack was a funnier joker ( although heath was funny in a dark way)

CreepyPirate wrote:

Quote:

I think Jack Nicholson captured what the directors/writers wanted for the Joker at the time.

I agree with this, he played the role that the writers wanted at the time, i prefer the new, darker Joker but Nicholson did a fantastic job.

Besides, anyone who's seen The Shining:

Know hes more than capable of playing a nutcase. ;]

I love the face jack makes when he says " not by the hair on your chinny chin chin?" its hilarious

Adbot · **Posted:** August 12th, 2008, 11:01 am