The New York Film Critics Circle: "Milk" Best Film of 2008

[imsounoriginal]

Originally Posted by stvn1974

Nicholson's Joker actually seems like it belongs in a comic book. Ledger is some random criminal who paints his face. Batman 1989 is also the better movie than The Dark Knight. So is Milk.

The scene when Nicholson's Joker introduces himself to the mob bosses is funny and terrifying at the same time and makes the same scene with Ledger's Joker seem silly.

I mean, I think they both work well for the movies they're in. But Ledger's is a far deeper and more transformative performance. Nicholson's is caricature, which is fine for what Burton was going for. But it's not in the same league as Ledger's.

[cynatnite]

Originally Posted by imsounoriginal

I mean, I think they both work well for the movies they're in. But Ledger's is a far deeper and more transformative performance. Nicholson's is caricature, which is fine for what Burton was going for. But it's not in the same league as Ledger's.

I thought both were exceptional in their given roles. Nicholson ran with what he was given and he was creepy and psychotic as hell. Ledger reinvented the Joker in a way that no one expected. That man was an incredible talent and had he lived, he would have more than one award sitting on his shelf, IMO. For me, Ledger's finest role will always be Brokeback Mountain.

Comparing them side-by-side really shouldn't be done. They stand quite well on their own.