Jack Nicholson is my favourite version of the Joker, being over the top and fun, but often embracing the hilarity of evil. It worked so well because Jack Nicholson is such a versatile role and personified the whole concept of black humour. Heath Ledger on the hand is my second favourite, having a rather contrasting idea but still doing excellent things with it. He took on more of a dark turn and was a lot more sadistic and maniacal, and whether he's insane remains ambiguous. What held it back for me though is not his acting, that was stunning, but rather the character itself being used for modern social commentary; and that's fine but the Joker persona fell into a backdrop while the cringe worthy past and his apathetic attitude towards pain is his focal point.
That having been said, I have never seen an actor who I liked as Batman.
I don't know why but Batman seems to always be written as such a dull person. Granted, I've never read the comics, but Batman never really goes through any further development after his origin story. Why? Well Batman is a very emotionless character because he's perfect. He doesn't let his emotions get the better of him and while he often makes tough decisions, he does what he thinks is right, whether it is or not. And that's where we go wrong...
You see, Spiderman is very flawed. He's often underpowered, he's very insecure and his personal life is constantly getting in the way of his job as a superhero. I don't particularly like spiderman 3 but I loved the first two. So for better or for worse, it makes Toby McGuire's job a lot easier. I mean even Superman has a lot of issues he has to deal with. Tony Stark is overwhelmed about his love life, financial situation and etc.
While Batman is definitely not a bad character, I think it's hard for any actor, even a great one, to be so challenged by what they have to do. It's not a drama where you have to consistently convey your facial expressions and your interactions with other people, he's the God damn Batman (what are you, dense?) The best they can do is show their acting through their body movements and their stance and the way they walk.
You may argue that you get to see the actors shine when they play Bruce Wayne and not the suited hero but Bruce Wayne is a pretty boring person. He's a rich business man. Not much else to him. Sure, he's a reflection of what he's truly like and vice-versa for Batman, but there's not really a lot to say.
And finally, I'd like to get to the discussion part.
1. Who is the best Batman and why?
2. Who would you have play Batman?
If I've said anything which you believe is wrong, feel free to talk about it.
...
Not that you wouldn't anyway, after all, we are on the internet... But still.
That having been said, I have never seen an actor who I liked as Batman.
I don't know why but Batman seems to always be written as such a dull person. Granted, I've never read the comics, but Batman never really goes through any further development after his origin story. Why? Well Batman is a very emotionless character because he's perfect. He doesn't let his emotions get the better of him and while he often makes tough decisions, he does what he thinks is right, whether it is or not. And that's where we go wrong...
You see, Spiderman is very flawed. He's often underpowered, he's very insecure and his personal life is constantly getting in the way of his job as a superhero. I don't particularly like spiderman 3 but I loved the first two. So for better or for worse, it makes Toby McGuire's job a lot easier. I mean even Superman has a lot of issues he has to deal with. Tony Stark is overwhelmed about his love life, financial situation and etc.
While Batman is definitely not a bad character, I think it's hard for any actor, even a great one, to be so challenged by what they have to do. It's not a drama where you have to consistently convey your facial expressions and your interactions with other people, he's the God damn Batman (what are you, dense?) The best they can do is show their acting through their body movements and their stance and the way they walk.
You may argue that you get to see the actors shine when they play Bruce Wayne and not the suited hero but Bruce Wayne is a pretty boring person. He's a rich business man. Not much else to him. Sure, he's a reflection of what he's truly like and vice-versa for Batman, but there's not really a lot to say.
And finally, I'd like to get to the discussion part.
1. Who is the best Batman and why?
2. Who would you have play Batman?
If I've said anything which you believe is wrong, feel free to talk about it.
...
Not that you wouldn't anyway, after all, we are on the internet... But still.
