10 Sarcastic Movie Pricks You Can't Help But Love
3. The Joker - The Batman Films
![The Joker Heath Ledger](https://cdn3.whatculture.com/images/2016/12/0c4f70da4580cb22-600x338.jpg)
Why so serious?
Both the Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger version have provided Gotham city with its fair share of make-up smeared, ludicrous one-liners,. The Joker excels in sarcastic put-downs, humorous pranks and the most extravagant buffoonery.
Firstly, then, the Nicholson Joker- brash, cocky, narcissistic, Batman's first and greatest enemy was also the most sarcastic. His explosive joie de vivre meant you almost rooted for him-Nicholson steals every scene from Keaton and Basinger. In fact, the film only really succeeds because of the Joker.
From dad-dancing around to Prince tracks, to the famous balcony-gargoyle scene where the Joker falls from the Helicopter-the most memorable parts are centred around his comic jests. Nicholson's version had some undeniably fine lines too; From "Never rub another man's rhubarb" to "Where does he get those wonderful toys?" and the brilliantly caustic "Haven't you ever heard of the healing power of laughter?"
![Joker The](https://cdn3.whatculture.com/images/2017/02/af8176fa00c2f7b8-600x338.gif)
Certainly Nicholson's version has the better comic aspersion. But Ledger's performance as the psychopathic, schizophrenic bank-robber was similarly inspired. Whereas Nicholson's Joker has a comic insanity, there is a deeply disturbing and truly unhinged comic anarchy to Ledger's portrayal. And Ledger's Joker enjoys some fantastic comic lines too; The Joker (after stumbling out of a wrecked truck) "And I thought my jokes were bad" "Now I see the funny side. Now Im always smiling!" The Joker; "You just couldn't let me go could you?" The Joker to Batman; "We really should stop fighting, well miss the fireworks!" The Joker: See, "I'm not a monster, I'm just ahead of the curve".
Both Jokers amounts to fine, comic characters. Whether it's the revisionist attempt by Ledger or the all-prancing, boombox-beating original of Nicholson. One things for sure, like Hans Gruber compared to John McClane, it's the bad guy who steals the show in Batman.