10 Iconic Comic Book Movie Moments That Were Totally Improvised

Christopher Nolan's 2008 Batman sequel, The Dark Knight, is hailed as the greatest superhero movie ever created. The film sits at number four on IMDb's prestigious ranking of the top rated movies of all time, and won two Oscars for Sound Editing and Best Supporting Actor.

Christian Bale's role as Bruce Wayne came to fruition in the sequel after Batman Begins, and he is regarded by many as the best rendition of the Caped Crusader. But it's the late Heath Ledger who steals the show for his iconic performance of the Joker.

Heath Ledger was reportedly in character for the entire duration of the production - on and off camera. He went to such extremes including isolating himself in a hotel room for six weeks until he lived and breathed the Clown Prince of Crime.

This commitment is evident during one of the film's most iconic improvised moments. The Joker is held prisoner in the Gotham police headquarters as Commissioner Gordon is given a round of applause from his fellow detectives. As the clapping dies down, the Joker begins a loud, mocking clap of his own.

A close-up shot centers on the Joker as he claps with a subdued expression on his face. This tiny moment of ingenuity is so captivating as it perfectly encapsulates the small quirks of the Joker's persona.

Heath Ledger proves that total commitment to a role can produce brilliant moments of improvisation and bring further personality to a character.