The Joker is supposed to be the perfect villain. No conscience, just chaos. There can be no redemption and only the constant pursuit of harm. Yet, despite this rather one dimensional idea of The Joker, different series and even actors have managed to bring a wealth of contrasting interpretations to the character and not all have them have been met with enthusiastic applause.
Because of Joker’s incredible singular focus on creating havoc, it might be assumed that Leto’s take would have been perfect. Leto was reportedly so fixated on the role, he stayed as 'Joker' the entire time during filming and even creeped the cast-mates out with his antics. He reportedly even sent used condoms and a dead pig to his Suicide Squad cast mates. Yet, Leto’s Joker has largely been considered a flop. Leto just took Joker way too seriously, and he idolised him too much. Joker is at its best when everyone recognises that he is a cautionary tale. It’s not about chaos for the sake of chaos, but chaos that challenges our very beliefs when Joker really shines. Leto never seemed able to understand that and this is why even though not part of the DCEU, Joaquin Phoenix is already exciting fans about his potential take on the legendary villain. The audience needs a break from Leto and men who take the wrong lessons from villains.
There are two examples of when Joker was at his best (and most dastardly). The comic Mad Love largely followed Harley struggling with Joker’s abuse. Joker is called out on his behaviour by Batman who tries to convince Harley that Joker doesn’t really love her and that she deserves better treatment. It’s all a game to Joker.
When it seems like Harley might finally be about to escape his abuse, one red rose helps Joker grab Harley back into his clutches. Joker isn’t given any redemption and his behaviour is held to account. It’s awful watching what happens to Harley but it also puts the audience firmly in an objective position. We see Harley’s love but we also now see the abuse. Joker and Harley have become a legendary ship but people forget that this isn’t a romantic relationship but a one based upon toxicity. Mad Love told the story how it really was, and it didn’t glamorise Joker who spends the entire time fixated on Batman until he needs Harley again.
The other stunning example of The Joker has to be The Dark Knight. In contrast it Mad Love, Joker really dominates the proceedings. He’s much more involved in the story and he speaks for himself. This could risk giving an idealised view of Joker (which has been done before) but actually, the depth and quality of the writing help provide a really compelling Joker but one who is still utterly hideous, and highly watchable.
Joker, in his malevolence, manages to speak more truth than those who so desperately try to uphold justice in a city that is reaching its breaking point. When Joker grins and mocks that everyone just needs a plan no matter how awful that plan is, he shows he understands society in a way that Harvey and Bruce still can’t. His words offer a commentary on society, even though he comes at it from an absolutely terrifying way. Ledger (and the writing team) makes Joker such a rich character, because while we can condemn his actions we also want to hear what he has to say if only to be able to argue with it.
This is when Joker is at his very best. When he gives us something more than just his own chaos. A one-dimensional troublemaker is like having to endure films or comics on a naughty five year-old kid and gets pretty repetitive very quickly. Phoenix’s Joker might end up ridiculous or brilliant, but it will likely at least have more depth than we’ve seen Joker demonstrate for a while on the big screen.
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