[Jeritron]

No matter what Nolan's interpretation of Joker is, or how quality Ledger's performance is in the role, I think that The Joker will in this movie, and in anything else always live in the shadow of Nicholson in 1989. It is just so larger than life with people that to the average person it has become synonymous with the character. As fans, things can change or opinions can vary. But to the casual Batfan or movie goer/kid, Nicholsons Joker strikes a cord that doesnt really have much to do with it's fidelity to the comics or mythos. Unlike Batman where some people think West, some think Keaton or Kilmer, and now with a new generation some think Bale. Batman has become kind of a James Bond character in terms of what the role is and the actors who play him.



That's bittersweet of course, since sadly almost every Joker interpretation will forever be judged against Nicholsons and likely live within it's shadow regardless of it's difference or quality. That's the bitter. The sweet of course is that there's a version of The Joker that is so endearing and classic out there. Regardless of problems fans may have with the role or performances accuracy to the comic books, it's pretty clear that it's an amazing performance.