MovieChat Forums > Jack Nicholson Discussion > Your thoughts on his "Joker" portrayal?

Your thoughts on his "Joker" portrayal?

posted 2 years ago by SilenceByWolf (1868)
7 replies | jump to latest

I personally didn't like it. Maybe at the time (1989) it was groundbreaking. But Heath Ledger's portrayal was far better. Nicholson's was too cartoonish and comical.

[–] liscarkat (16530) 2 years ago

Cesar Romero is the true Joker.

[–] RoloTony (1163) 2 years ago

I saw it in theaters and I don't think anyone at the time lauded the role as groundbreaking. In fact, it was regarded as being "cartoonish and comical" as you say. But Jack did bring a darkness to it beyond the Adam West days.

Overall, I think his take was totally apropos for this iteration of Batman.

[–] Otter (24464) 2 years ago

He was fun in the role, but Ledger was scary. Scary AND fun.

[–] SilenceByWolf (1868) 2 years ago

Exactly my thoughts. I don't think Ledger's will ever be topped.

[–] Otter (24464) 2 years ago

I suspect you're right, that was a case of the actor and the screenwriter nailing the role in tandem.

Which won't stop other actors and writers trying, there's too much money to be made from comic book movies and TV.

[–] April-151-CT (10210) 2 years ago

Nicholson's was too cartoonish and comical.

It was cartoonish and comical because that's what they were going for as it was a movie made from a comic book and done in the true sense of the form. I.E. cartoonish and comical. So he was perfect for what they were making at the time.

[–] R_Kane (15828) 2 years ago

It ruined the movie. Pure ham.

“”id est”—meaning that specifically is—is not capitalized. I congratulate you for knowing its difference from e.g.), which means “for example.” You are more literate than most who are here.