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THE BETTER JOKER
Jack The Joker or Heath The Joker
by Michele Frey

The Better Joker

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The Better Joker
Jack OR Heath

by Michele Frey

A new era is upon us...a time when legends become icons...when icons are deemed immortal. Debating whether Jack Nicholson or Heath Ledger portrayed the best Joker seems a bit controversial. Look at the larger realm of things...follow the story lines. Jack Nicholson was amazing at bringing the Joker to life. In his rendition of the Joker, you saw the man...watched the accident...witnessed the birth of the Joker.

You sat on the edge of your seats while watching the transformation of man into monster. No one could have ever filled that role better than Jack Nicholson did. He brought evil to life through the streets of Gotham...the only law that was of essence was his own. The face of the Joker was burnt into our minds because of the believability and passion of one man...the man on the big screen...Jack Nicholson.

I think there is a question more fitting to ask...who could be amazing enough to pull it off...who could give the Joker God-like status. The right decision was made with Heath Ledger, I must say. I'm sure many of you made it to theaters to see for yourselves...I did not. It's not that I didn't want to go, just couldn't afford to go. I read the reviews...I listened to everyone rant and rave...heard how over the top Heath Ledger was. Problem is, I didn't get to see it for myself. The day it came out on DVD, I got my hands on a copy...raced home as fast as I could...and I was absolutely mesmerized. Heath Ledger went above and beyond what I ever expected. I was drawn into that movie like a little girl with a new barbie...I watched it 3 times that night!

Heath Ledger took the character that Jack Nicholson was born into and perfected it. There is no villian that can live up to the Joker...he is the master of all criminals...he is devious...downright evil. The world lost great man - a fabulous actor. Given a few more years, Heath Ledger would have far superceded most of the actors out there today. He worked magic on the screen and he possessed passion...true passion. If you're as much of a movie fanatic as I am, then you should be asking yourself one thing...is the Joker really Heath Ledger...or is Heath Ledger really the Joker. They are one in the same - and nothing will ever be compared to that. It was a performance bound for the ages...generations to come will cherish what we have just recently experienced on film.

Batman - The Dark Knight...

I shall leave you with 2 new questions to ponder...

Is there anyone that could ever compare to Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker...and from the lips of Heath Ledger himself...why so serious?