
The Joker (Heath Ledger)
Movie characterAbout
Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in 'The Dark Knight' is a landmark performance in film history. His Joker is depicted as a psychopathic, mass-murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy, embodying themes of chaos and anarchy[2]. Ledger's immersion into the role was intense, involving method acting techniques such as keeping a diary to delve into the Joker's twisted mind[3]. This approach resulted in a nuanced and terrifyingly authentic portrayal. Ledger's Joker is a mastermind of chaos, testing Batman's morality by targeting his allies and creating moral dilemmas throughout Gotham City[1][2]. His performance earned widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor[1][2]. Ledger's Joker remains one of the most iconic villains in film, celebrated for its depth and complexity[2][4]. His influence on the character's future adaptations and the superhero genre as a whole is profound[1][4].