The Joker 80th anniversary: A look at how the iconic DC villain evolved onscreen over the years
Batman has encountered many villains but few have managed to emotionally wreck him like the Joker. The sadistic murderous clown was introduced in the Batman comics back in 1940 and later evolved into a light-hearted prankster in the 1950s. However, by the 1970s, the Joker returned to his darker and psychopathic roots. He became an intrinsic part of Batman storylines, including chilling ones such as the murder of Jason Todd as well as the incapacitation of Barbara Gordon.
The Joker's origin story has always been a bit of an enigma and there have been several of them. The most common story being that he was an unsuccessful comedian who lost his wife tragically. He falls into a chemical vat and gets disfigured and this along with his wife's death prompts him to go insane. However, in 'Batman: The Killing Joke', Joker hints that this might not be the truth and that he would rather that his past remains a 'multiple-choice'. This layer of mystery around the Prince Of Darkness added more appeal to the character and that's probably why the Joker will live on forever.
The character was brought to life on screen by several actors, each bringing something new to the iconic DC villain. As Joker completes 80 years this week, here's a look at the popular onscreen representations of the character.
Cesare Romero in 'Batman' (1966-68) and 'Batman: The Movie' (1966)
Romero was the first Joker in the live-action series Batman, which starred Adam West. The series was known for its campy, humorous and fun take on the DC villains and heroes. With green hair and a white face, Romero portrayed the Joker as a light-hearted trickster.
Jack Nicholson in 'Batman' (1989)
The Joker became darker and more sadistic with Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the character. Nicholson played the role of Jack Napier, a cranky, mean-spirited mobster, who fell into acid, and resurfaced with a grin etched permanently on his face. His perfectly timed one-liners and puns as the Joker made the role a delight to watch. Nicholson's character demanded so much attention with his loud, colorful, and psychotic demeanor that audiences literally forgot that Michael Keaton's Batman was also there.
Batman: The animated series
You can't trace the evolution of Joker on screen, without mentioning the dark animated show 'Batman: The Animated Series'. Mark Hamill did the best work of his career by voicing the sadistic criminal and giving him that chilling laugh. Putting aside his Luke Skywalker avatar, Hamill sank his teeth into the character of the Joker and brilliantly captured the madness of the villain. One of his most memorable and haunting outings as the Joker was in the animated film 'The Killing Joke', where he tortured James Gordon and Barbara while recalling what exactly led him to become the Joker. Worse, he tried to make Gordon like him. Hamill's Joker made the final appearance in 'Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker', where the Joker revealed that he kidnapped and tortured Robin and made him just like him. However, in a heartbreaking twist, Robin shoots Joker in the heart, after which he breaks down and cries.
Heath Ledger in 'The Dark Knight' (2008)
This is probably one of the most famous portrayals of the Joker and Ledger won the Academy Award for this performance posthumously. Here, the Joker is not after monetary benefits. He intends to ruin people psychologically and that's exactly what he does in Christopher Nolan's dark and gritty take. He brings the 'White Knight' Harvey Dent down to his level, after murdering his fiancee, who also happens to be Batman's close friend. Joker hints at an abusive childhood at the hands of his father, which was what pushed him to the edge of insanity. His father carved his lips into a 'permanent smile'. Ledger's Joker was chaotic and deranged, clever and violent. Fans largely dismissed the actor when he was first cast, but now have declared him the greatest part of the 2008 film.
Jared Leto in 'Suicide Squad'
This is probably the least favorite representation of Joker, perhaps because he was barely seen in 'Suicide Squad'. Even the damaged tattoo wasn't enough. Nevertheless, filmmaker David Ayer strongly maintains that a lot of footage of Jared Leto's Joker was 'ripped out' from the film, and that there was a lot to be seen. Maybe, if the Ayer Cut does see the light of day, we'll get to see Leto's full potential as the Joker?
Joaquin Phoenix in 'Joker'
While Mark Hamill made Joker's laugh chilling and icy, Phoenix's laugh as the Joker rang hollow and was full of pain. The film 'Joker' was an origin story of a man named Arthur Fleck, who had been pushed to the periphery of society and was 'invisible' to the rich. With nowhere to go, he's a broken and beaten man, with a sick mother to look after. He has been mocked by everyone, and slowly, he begins to crave revenge. The film showed his steady dip into insanity, and how he became the sadistic murderous clown that everyone knows. Phoenix's performance earned him several awards and accolades, including the Academy Award and Golden Globe. There was much controversy around the film, as critics and many fans argued that it glorified the villain and seemed to justify his actions.