How the Joker Stole the Oscar from Ironman

Batman: The Dark Knight' bucked the trend that people believe; "Part 2 movies are worse than the movies that spawned them". Yes, there are SOME that were great. 'Empire Strikes Back' and "The Godfather' are two that immediately spring to mind. What Chris Nolan did to the Batman mythos, was nothing short of brilliance. Dark, witty, and a true homage to all that Bob Kane envisioned when he created the character 75 years ago. The casting of Heath Ledger as the Clown Prince of Crime gave some pause to reserve judgment, however what he did with the character will live forever. His portrayal of Batman's nemesis, was on par with Anthony Hopkins' "Hannibal Lecter", and Harrison Ford's "Indiana Jones".

Every time The Joker sauntered across the room wielding a knife, or when he terrorized the party goers of Harvey Dent's campaign funding rally, you actually rooted for him. The best moment for Heath was after the semi-truck flipped over, "sLaughter is the best medicine", he stood in the middle of the road yelling, "Do it! I want you to hit me!!". You, the audience member, than FAN, didn't want to see the main character. You didn't want see what Batman would do. You wanted to see what the JOKER would do. And who didn't squeal with delight after he was thrown of the roof, laughing on his way down. From start to finish, Heath delivered. So that's why I say "Damn you Heath Ledger". Because you stole, yes STOLE, the Oscar from Lincoln Osiris. You robbed it from Kirk Lazarus. From Robert Downey Jr.'s performance in the movie 'Tropic Thunder'.

Now before you bash your head into a wall, hear me out. I'm NOT saying 'Tropic Thunder' is better than 'The Dark Knight'. In my opinion they are both great movies in their respective rights. That said, RDJ's hilarious take on method acting, nails everything you love and hate about actors. Ben Stiller wrote an interesting premise. Bring several well known actors together, and produce a film based on a piece of fiction... 'Avengers' much? During the movie, Lincoln is asked why does he (Kirk) keep using the slang of a made up character, to which he replies, "I don't drop da character til I drop the the DVD commentary.".

Guess what? Get the DVD and he doesn't drop the accent until the very end credits. His role should be studied and praised as a brilliant piece of method acting. His one liners ( Hey who you callin' YOU people) are delivered with such humor and poignancy that you can't help, like Heath's role, root for him too. Robert's dedication to his character made you want to see and hear what HE would say next, what HE would do. Which leaves me to ask this question. Would Heath have won if he didn't pass away, and thus creating a morbid, albeit amazing performance, before the movie was released? Heath delivered an iconic, forever remembered, role with the Joker. RDJ flat out owned his role of Lincoln. Whatever side you fall on, it is us, the movie watching geeks and nerds of the world that will continue to promote the legacies of these two characters, forever.