A Tribute to Heath Ledger’s Joker Hidden in Plain Sight
David James of We Got This Covered is among those who have praised Joaquin Phoenix for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck in ‘Joker’. However, many people, including myself, missed a subtle tribute to Heath Ledger’s iconic Joker hidden within the film. The back of an ambulance, designed to resemble the crazed smile of Ledger’s Joker, was a homage to the actor who revolutionized the role and set the bar for future portrayals.
Jared Leto struggled to follow Ledger’s performance, attempting to reinvent the character but falling short. Joaquin Phoenix, on the other hand, has been praised for his portrayal of a mentally disturbed individual with a condition that causes uncontrollable laughter. Ledger’s Joker was pure chaos, reveling in his madness without remorse or introspection.
Comparing Jokers: Different Actors, Different Themes
Each movie featuring the Joker with a different actor has a unique theme. Jack Nicholson’s Joker in ‘Batman’ was more playful and vicious, with an old-school sense of humor. He was brutal but focused on making a point before killing someone. Jared Leto’s Joker was a slick gangster that didn’t quite hit the mark, while Ledger’s Joker was a chaotic force of nature.
Phoenix’s Joker is a delusional character, which may be why some people don’t think he measures up to Ledger’s portrayal. The tribute to Ledger in ‘Joker’ is so small and fleeting that it’s easy to miss, but making it more prominent would likely detract from the film and invite more comparisons between Ledger and Phoenix. The Joker is a character that offers a lot of leeway for actors, as long as they can convincingly portray a mentally disturbed and unhinged individual.
Unique Takes on an Iconic Character
Each actor who has taken on the role of the Joker has brought something unique to the character, experiencing a side of humanity that most of us can’t comprehend. The Joker is a normal human being with a touch of madness that makes him incredibly dangerous, even to hardened criminals. It’s difficult to find the perfect word to describe the feeling the Joker evokes in audiences, as it goes beyond simple descriptions and taps into a fundamental, often unspoken, emotion.
Many people believe Phoenix did a solid job as the Joker, while others still consider Ledger’s portrayal the gold standard. Comparing the two performances is challenging, as the films they appeared in are vastly different. Both actors were perfect for their respective films and the times they were released. It’s heartwarming to see ‘Joker’ pay tribute to Ledger, whose performance still lingers in the minds of many. Tamiera Vandergrift of the CheatSheet has more to say on this subject.
Will Phoenix’s Joker Stand the Test of Time?
If there is a ‘Joker’ sequel, we’ll see if Phoenix’s performance was a one-time success or if it has the potential to endure beyond a single film. It would have been fascinating to see Ledger reprise the role if he were still alive, but his one-time portrayal of the clown prince of crime remains a benchmark for future actors who take on the iconic character.
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