Lessons from the Joker

Batman is one of my geeky guilty pleasures. From the time I was a little boy and I saw the first Batman on VHS one christmas eve, until this past Summer when the absolute greatest superhero movie I've ever seek (The Dark Knight) was released, I've always been fascinated by the story of Batman.

The interesting thing is, the thing that makes it so great isn't Batman himself, but the villains he fights. Some of the most creative and interesting villains in any superhero movie come from these movies. Two Face. The Riddler. Catwoman. Ras Al Ghul. The Scarecrow. And...my favorite...the Joker.

The first Batman movie didn't do him justice. Nicholoson was good, but that was just it...he was Nicholoson playing the Joker. Heath Ledger, on the other hand, COMPLETELY disappeared into the role. Go ahead, watch his other movies, and then watch this one and be awed at just how eerie it is.

The funnest part of the movie, for me, was anytime the Joker spoke. He had such a chaotic humor about him that was almost mesmerizing to watch, yet he was truly terrifying at the roots. The first time I saw the movie, I could actually feel the tension of what was happening in Gotham as he wreaked havoc in the city.

So here are a few of my favorite quotes:

I believe whatever doesn't kill you, simply makes you....stranger.

Now I see the funny side. Now I'm always smiling.

The only sensible way to live in this world is without rules.

Why so serious?

I'm a man of my word.

If we don't deal with this now, soon little, uh, Gambol here won't be able to get a nickel for his grandma.

Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it. You know, I just... do things.

Upset the established order, and everything becomes chaos. I'm an agent of chaos. Oh, and you know the thing about chaos? It's fair!

I mean, what happened? Did, did your balls drop off?

Yeah, I liked that last one too. Did you learn anything? Then read it again.