10 Best Joker Movie Moments
4. Why So Serious? (The Dark Knight)
The Joker isn't afraid of power, or authority - he isn't afraid of mob bosses, gangsters or thugs. As this scene demonstrates, he can kill, injure and attack anyone, at any time he wants, and it's this that makes him such a terrifying threat.
The Joker, threatened by Gambol in an earlier scene, decides to take matters into his own hands. Playing dead and infiltrating his hideout in a bodybag, The Joker precisely picks his moment and pounces, taking Gambol at knifepoint. He then proceeds to tell the tale of exactly how he obtained his facial scars (well one version) before slashing Gambol's mouth in a similar manner to his own.
The Dark Knight carries a 12a/PG-13 rating, but it's a testament to the skill of Ledger and director Nolan that this scene is completely tense, atmospheric and legitimately frightening without showing too much.
And that just completely defines The Joker doesn't it? He's a clown after all - clowns are the stuff of nightmares, but they also have a light side.