Heath Is No Joke

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With The Dark Knight scheduled to come out July 18, many are still wondering if the studios will decide to change anything due to Heath Ledger's death earlier this year. It seems as though Warner Brothers and director Christopher Nolan have decided to move along with their initial plans regarding the marketing time-line for the film. While there was a small hiatus after Ledger's death, viral marketing websites are back up, trying to reel in fans into the world of Gotham. As much fun, interesting, and effective those sites are for increasing the hype on the movie, I sincerely believe that this movie's success will and should be mostly credited to Ledger's performance. Yes, Christopher Nolan has completely transformed the Batman universe from Schumacher's commercialized and "kid-friendly" vision, into a darker, more profound world. But judging from the few trailers and TV spots that have been released so far, it seems as though Ledger's portrayal of the Joker will make or break the movie. They've already placed so much emphasis on his character throughout the marketing of the movie so far, that they clearly want fans to focus on the dynamic that Ledger's performance will bring on to the screen. From what I've seen, I think Ledger truly nails the part. Every time I catch the trailer on TV, Ledger's twisted laugh and his delirious demeanor get me excited to watch the film. I believe that his portrayal of the Joker will match, and maybe even beat Jack Nicholson's portrayal. Now I know that seems a little rash and impulsive. Frankly, I think Nicholson has rarely been upstaged, if ever, in any role he's taken. But there's something about Ledger that I like. Nolan's take on the Joker is much less cartoonish. Its almost like you sympathize for the character as you can feel the anguish in his demeanor with his ragged wardrobe and his smeared make-up. But then Ledger hits you with his sinister and mischievous smile that make you realize how evil his character is. I'll say it again, I think Ledger's performance will make or break this film. I'm very impressed with what they've done with the character, so I say Ledger's performance will be incredible, and will bring a fresh, and more appropriate depiction of the Joker to younger generations. Ultimately, it'll come down to one factor. I think younger generations will be more open and enjoy this portrayal of the Joker. But if Nolan and Ledger are able to sell it to fans of the Tim Burton version, then Warner Brothers will be celebrating a big compensation. This role will become one of, if not the defining role of Ledger's short, but successful career.