Was it Heath Ledger or was it the director? (The Joker)

[mhirn3]

Ledger, he is the one who put the words and motions from the paper into amazing actions on screen.

[Damian Rey]

Originally Posted by mhirn3 Ledger, he is the one who put the words and motions from the paper into amazing actions on screen.

It's both. Nolan wrote the script, and more than likely had a very solid direction of what he wanted the character to be and represent. His job is to inform Heath of what this direction is, and work with Heath and allow him to expand on it.

It'd be different if Ledger were like Kevin Costner, who plays the same guy in virtually every movie. No need to direct him. Just let him be him. Joker's role needed direction. How much freedom he gave Heath is a different story.