How to Portray The Joker - Wisecrack Edition 

"Leto's Joker: a normal person trying to act crazy. Phoenix's Joker: a crazy person trying to act normal."

Personally, I've always wanted to see what Willem Dafoe would do with the role.

I see jokers as the reflection of their era. From funny weird period of experimental cinema, to the boom of the 80s, to the terror of terrorism all the way to the problems created by social media.

How to portray the Joker: Make sure to have Mark Hamil on speed dial

Step 1: Live in a society

The best thing about Phoenix's performance was his physicality, the way he moved was very correct to how I imagine the Joker Moves.

It’s amazing how Batman has a singular origin: parents get shot, pearls, blah blah blah. But the Joker has no distinct origin. He’s just there.

Short answer: not what Jared Leto did

The fact that every host on here talks with exactly the same tone and cadence kinda freaks me out

*1989:* Joker fell into the vats of chemicals that disfigured him and went insane. *2019:* Joker got thrown into the society and he had enough.

Heath, Hamil and Phoenix were the best

Joker unlike few comic book villains is so iconic and identifiable, yet so malleable. It's amazing how many versions of the same character we've been getting for about 70 years, and he still remains new and fresh. From the goofy to the unhinged psychopath, there's an entire spectrum of what the Joker can be. My personal preference remains Ledger's Joker as I believe he brought the most novelty to the character.

How to portray the Joker? *Phoenix to Leto *You wouldn’t get it*

Phoenix's Joker isn't an anti-hero, he's an anti-villain.

"You'll never have a clumsy, tongue tied James Bond for instance" Just wait.

By making sure you announce “I’m the joker baby”

" If it was me dying on the sidewalk you'd walk right over me" -Joker

I think we tend to forget Jack Nicholson's amazing portrayal of the joker when we have been bombarded with extremely good actors such as Ledger and Phoenix playing the iconic villain. I applaud Mr Nicholson for being the first one to portray the Joker in a psychotic way, you sir did a fine job!

Heath ledger joker: a man to be feared and to understand this nihilistic view on humanity Joaquin Phoenix joker: a man to feel sympathy towards and understand how he fell into insanity Jared Leto joker: a man to cringe at and understand how bad of a joker he was lol

The way I see it: Joaquin Phoenix is the best character whereas Ledger is the best villain. My 'canon' is that Phoenix's joker evolved and became Ledger like 10 years later, after extensive suffering and character development, molding his unique anarchist and nihilistic philosophy. Ps: obviously Hamill is in a class of his own, but he's not live-action unfortunately

Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix's portrayals were the best Jokers by a landslide. Jared Leto's, on the other hand, barely even qualifies.

15:46 “He presented himself in a sorta power pose” Literally T-Pose to assert dominance

Joaquin Phoenix's interpretation delved into the psychology of the character, Heath Ledger's version explored the philosophy that the character represents, Jack Nicholson's take showcased the character's dark humor; but Mark Hamill portrayed every aspect of the Joker over the course of decades.

When you read The Joker as he appears in the comics the core aspects of his character are his twisted worldview, his narcissism and his absolute glee in creating mayhem. Romero's version kind of skims over those aspects because he took on the part when the character was seen as merely a prankster due to the comics being watered down after the introduction of the Comics Code Authority. Nicholson's Joker is absolutely en pointe and portrays the darker aspects that were working their way back into the comics with stories like The Killing Joke. Ledger's is probably the one that strays the furthest from the characters roots visually but the performance, again, reflects the comics in the way that in the early 2000s the stories and characters had become more grisly. Leto's Joker has more in common with the original version of the character who was basically made up like a quirky gangster. Leto's Joker is vain, twisted and attempts to be charismatic but only succeeds in being off-putting (which is what a person like that would be in real life). But Phoenix has created a perfect, grounded version that we can relate to. When he transitions from Arthur into Joker you see that narcissism, the twisted sense of humour and the glee in the mayhem he creates. He doesn't care about sending a message (like Ledger) or becoming a master criminal (like Leto and Nicholson), he only cares about the power that he gains from destroying his inhibitions and going wild.

Mark Hamill is the closest you’re gunna get to perfection, I know he only voice acts the role but the enthusiasm he puts into it raises him above the others. I feel the others are good/bad based on variables such as writing and direction.

Ironically, Leto was probably the perfect Joker for that movie. A better portrayal would have been jarring.

"Four and a half" portrayals? Ouch. But, yes. The Leto Joker 100% deserves that burn.

Heath Ledger is the defining joker. As for the best one, it's either him or Phoenix. I think it's Phoenix, but I can see myself changing my mind

I love Cesar Romero’s refusal to shave his mustache. That’s one of the most joker things ever.

Basically they’re all unique and awesome... ....less so Leto. 😕

What makes Phoenix’s rendition incredible is how human he is. From him we can understand the Joker, understand the chaos, understand that he’s not just evil for the sake of being evil. We make the same realization as he does that the world has turned its back. If he were to join the dceu I could see myself rooting for him.

Jared Leto: how to portray the Joker? Phoenix: ... you wouldn’t get it...

Jack was good but he could have been crazier like how he was in the Shining

Whoever keeps giving Helen more episodes to do, I salute you. Much appreciated.

Cinema has certainly changed over the years. In the early years, you'd see these big, bombastic characters and now most are very withdrawn with subtle movements and careful dialogue. Because angles have moved closer actors now have to do more with less. Goes to show why everyone loves Mark Hamill's Joker so much. He's able to play the role without the benefits of being on camera. No small gestures, no facial tells. It's all in his voice.

I'd love to see Romero's joker antics in a grim dark setting to show how depraved and out there he is.

The Joker as a social critique is what seems to be most popular nowadays, but my favorite depiction of the character will always be the non-sympathetic narcisstic vaudevillian monster who, like Daffy Duck, basically does crimes for attention and ego. Which is why Hamill, Nicholson and Romero gave my favorite portrayals of the character.

Mark Hamill was left out because he's the Joker and they're looking at portrayals of him

How could you forget "I'm the Joker baby!" Joker smh. Truly a master of the craft

For me it goes something like this. Mark Hamill will always be the voice of the Joker to me, but Ledger will always be the face of the Joker, but Phoenix, Phoenix would probably be the heart of the Joker if that makes any sense. Honestly I never cared if the Joker had an ambiguous backstory. Having one that was clearly defined didn't detract from the character for me. For the longest time, I just assumed the Killing Joke's take was the definitive backstory and I was fine with that. Though part of me wishes that people would essentially take the Joaquin Phoenix portrayal and make that the canonical backstory, because to me it's more interesting than just a sociopathic clown with an ambiguous background. Perhaps it has something to do with my view of evil as a sort of tragedy. I don't know if I'm alone in this, but I always consider acts of evil or evil people in some sense tragic. It didn't need to turn out this way and it yet it did. Of course I'm also influenced by various religious schools of thought which view evil of any sort as a type of self inflicted hell. Frankly if someone could combine the best of those three performances into one, I think you would have the perfect portrayal. Pain, menace, and over the top theatricality with a heavy dose of the comedic trickster. Also this is probably an unpopular opinion, but I was actually quite entertained by Leto's joker. Was it my favorite performance? No, but I think his gets too much hate. I consider it to be the Nickelback of performances. Not the greatest thing ever, but over hated, and not as bad as people like to think. People just hate it because for some reason it's popular to hate it when in fact, there's so much worse stuff out there more deserving of that ire. *coughs* the majority of popular trap music, a lot of mainstream EDM, boy bands, and Brokencyde *coughs* Anyway... I'd probably go so far as to say that Caesar Romero's Joker is my least favorite. It's just too innocent and campy in the wrong way. Sure it has it's charm, but to me, he will always be out shined by Hamill (which I think should be remembered as one of the finest moments in voice acting), Ledger, and Phoenix's performances in particular.

For me, the most iconic joker of all time is Mark Hamil's

Is it part of the Wisecrack brand for everyone to talk/speak the same way as Jared?

2 rules! 1. He has to say a lotta jokes. 2. He has to laugh like crazy.

to see all five performances back to back and to not only discuss the differences between the actors but the way they were filmed was superb top notch video guys well done!

No talk of Mark Hamil? That's criminal in my book.

Joker is one of the best movies I've seen in a very long time

As good as the film is, it's really quite difficult to see Phoenix's version as THE JOKER, but instead he's just Arthur Fleck who went mad. Heath Ledger is really the most defining version of the enigmatic, criminal mastermind known as The Joker, probably the best villain ever created.

Joaquin Phoenix's Joker (Sociopath) / (Protagonist) Heath Ledger's Joker (Psychopath) / (Antagonist)

“No spoilers” Literally tells you the entire plot if Joker.

Leto: Send used condoms to your costars....right??....right??

More of her please. Her voice and presentation style is excellent.

Y'all just gonna leave Hamill out of the lineup? 😒

I think in time, Phoenix's performance will become the defining portrayal of the joker in the future.

Wisecrack: So let's find out who the definitive Joker is. *YAY!* Wisecrack: Excluding Mark Hamill. *BOO!*

I feel each acting iteration of the joker fit that overall era of what he needed and was seen to be.

Saw Batman in 89 while I love Jack's version always Phoenixs is the best

Ledger and Pheonix are easily my favorite renditions. I was pleasantly surprised by "Joker", I was so worried it was gonna be awful but it definitely was not.

People say "hes cruel cuz he dont look at people when he kills them" Would it not be more cruel if he looked at them?

This was great. Would love to see her do more of these kinds of videos!

"Not really any spoilers ahead". *Shows the climactic scene in Joker*

"Don't worry- there's no spoilers ahead" *casually spoils the climax of the most recent movie*

Jack Nicholson's Joker performance, together with Burton's love for dark lighting, and creepy camera shots were the stuff of my childhood nightmares. I even have phobia of clowns because of this Joker portrayal.

I thought Phoenix's Joker never came off as The Joker. He did a good job with the role, but his Joker was never scary or entertaining, which to me are two of the most important parts about the character.

Ledger was the defining portrayal of the Joker, no question. If we’re going for animated portrayal , though, I will have to go with Mark Hamill.

loving it when Helen does videos

Great job, Helen. Keep up the good work!

the tone and sound of this host are amazingly comfortable, love!

I'm a simple man. I see a video called "How to portray the Joker", with the face of Cesar Romero on it's thumbnail; and click. Thanks Wisecrack

Sooooo, no Mark Hamill?? Really? Voice acting is so under appreciated it.

It would have been awesome to include the Joker from the Arkham games because even though it's not a movie, I always thought it was a great take on the character

Fantastic video!

"Who was the defining clown prince?" Ok I can't even be mad, that was clever

Jared Leto: How NOT to portray The Joker

I enjoyed the history lesson on movie making & acting. It's good to put each Joker in context of the era made and what each movie was trying to portray. Each Joker was uniquely suited and admirable for his time, except for Leto. Loved the latest Joker movie! Would you please do a video on the animated Jokers as there have been some amazing versions of him.

Such a holistic analysis thank you

Mark Hamill is my defining Joker

Where is Hamill and ginger Jesus? 👀🤔

What about Cameron Monaghan? He could be the next Joker. His performance in Gotham is amazing. He could be Pattinson's Joker tbh

What makes a good Joker performance is to make it your own. That is what every Joker did but one.

If I have to choose between Ledger and Phoenix's joker... I'd rather not choose at all

How to portray the Joker: Step 1: Be a Jedi

"Manic giggling" 💀😂😂😂

What makes a good Joker is barely controlled insanity imo

"To get out of debt you need a loan...." Ok? Very contradictory, to get out of debt you start by getting into more debt.

There is no Jerome or Mark Hamill. I'm upset.

I really just feel like each version has a different aspect of the joker highlighted. the clown, weapon loving, violence and chaos, his mental status, his trickery, etc.

It would certainly be possible to analyze Hamill's Joker this way. You can look at both the way the artists and animators portray his movements, and the way Hamill does the voice. Just the laugh, or rather, laughs, are amazing.

I still want to see a live action Batman Beyond with William DaFoe as the Joker.

9:52 Wasn't he like, skateboarding on set? Could've sworn I heard that somewhere. Edit: So he did skateboard, just not over anybody as the joker.

"We're gonna focus on the four... and a half live action portrayals of gotham's villainous clown..." You got me there. lul

It's worth noting that all of these are a product of more than just the actor, except possibly Leto. (I know little about his movie, nor do I particularly wish to.) Each performance is a good performance for the movie they were trying to make. I'm not trying to rob any of them of the credit they're due for their part in it, but the writers, directors and so on also deserve their share of the credit.

*MARK HAMILL DID HAVE A CINEMATIC ROLL!! EVER HEARD OF “MASK OF THE PHANTASM”?!?*

I think Max G said it best, "the Joker has to tell jokes, the Joker has to laugh like an idiot."

"... Nothing in his pockets but knives and lint..."

Hey editor you did an awesome job 👏

Of the live-actions: Heath Ledger Of all: Mark Hamil

Wow, her eyebrows, hair, and lipstick are all on point. 😮👏

The scene on the Murray show hands down was one of the best scenes in cinema history

Loved the video, but I'm a bit salty because you didn't include Cameron Monaghan. I loved every second of his portrayal in Gotham TV series. I think it was really underrated

Man way to slight Mark Hamill's Joker.