Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter versus Heath Ledger’s the Joker

Talk about criminal sociopaths.

The Dark Knight showed the Joker (portrayed by Heath Ledger) as one of the darkest and most insane criminals in the fictional world. And I thought over other fictional sociopaths that gave off — or almost gave off — the same scent as the joker, and one name came to mind: Hannibal Lecter, as portrayed by Sir Anthony Hopkins.

So who’s the calmer but more devious one? Both are definitely genuinely geniuses who unfortunately saw the world differently from us. In their elements, they are both calm and thinking, seeing great beauty in their beliefs. When they act on their beliefs, they create great catastrophe. And they do it gladly.

Sir Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter

Hannibal Lecter was also portrayed by Brian Cox (Manhunter) and Gaspard Ulliel (Hannibal Rising) but the most memorable portrayal of the infamous cannibal was that of Sir Anthony Hopkins. With his chilling performance and those calm but maddening eyes, his performance was very mesmerizing that he won an Oscar for it and got to play it in a total of three Hannibal Lecter movies.

Hannibal Lecter

Hannibal Lecter was a brilliant psychiatrist. He was also a cannibal serial killer. Creator Thomas Harris never gave a clear explanation as to the inspiration for the character. Harris had been in many investigative cases and court trials of serial murders and brutal killings for us to know for sure the origin of Dr. Lecter.

According to fictional character Special Agent Will Graham, Hannibal Lecter wasn’t as crazy as everybody else thought. Graham is the hero of Red Dragon, and was the one who exposed and captured Hannibal Lecter. Having been favorited by Hannibal Lecter himself because they think alike, we can say that it is Graham who knows Lecter the best. And when he says Lecter’s not crazy, we can really believe it.

Now just how do you add up a cannibal serial killer who’s “not crazy”? He would be intelligent, calm, calculating, and deadly. And this is an understatement when we’re talking of Hannibal Lecter.

Heath Ledger’s the Joker

The Joker

Heath Ledger’s performance was hailed as one of the best ever, garnering him a rumored posthumous award and reaping the top spot in the superhero movies list. And we absolutely understand why. The Dark Knight’s Joker was definitely one of the most wicked fictional characters ever placed on screen and, with Heath Ledger behind the makeup, it was one of the highest level of wicked.

The Joker’s past is not clearly defined either. The general story is that he was once a scientist or an engineer who fell into some vat of chemical waste where he emerged with bleached skin and green hair. This wasn’t confirmed as there were other theories as to how Joker came to be who he is. His real name is also unknown.

What is known is his penchant for killing people and creating chaos for his amusement. Heath Ledger made that very clear in The Dark Knight. He’s also a very smart sociopath, also made very clear in the movie. He also has no remorse whatsoever for the things he’s done. Comes with the job description. Heath pulled that off too.

When you’re a sociopath and you like to joke around, I guess there’s no better way to have fun that to kill people and make some explosions.

Who’s the Most Wicked?

I honestly cannot decide. These two have been so scary. They’re both genius human minds with no heart and smile at people’s deaths. Sir Anthony Hopkins and Heath Ledger made us believe it was them, with their eyes, their tone, their voice, and their creepy words. Hats down to both of them.

The Joker: Jack Nicholson versus Heath Ledger

Why so SERIOUS?.. creepy.

Heath Ledger’s performance as The Joker had everyone impressed. He really transformed into a creepy murderous clown, and is worthy of being a Batman’s rival. Heath Ledger also became worthy of being Jack Nicholson’s rival for the role.

The Joker is one of the most sinister and most deranged villains of all time. Jack Nicholson is an Academy Award winner known for his roles of neurotic men. Heath Ledger was known for his portrayal of unique characters and was an emerging force in Hollywood.

Heath Ledger and Jack Nicholson as the Joker

Three utterly unique men. Two great actors who played an influential — and I cannot forget the word ‘creepy’ — character. One role that serves as a comparison between these two great talents.

1989’s Joker: Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson as the Joker

I don’t remember much of Jack Nicholson’s performance back then since I was still a geeky kid at school who preferred books over TV. But I can remember his face — that really creepy face. The makeup and the hair would have been okay on any other face, but to put it on Jack’s werewolfy features and Grinchy grin produced a mean face. When I saw Jack Nicholson’s face as the Joker, I immediately knew he was a main villain. He was right for that role.

Jack Nicholson’s facial features did the first step. His portrayal of the character made the leap. Batman wasn’t set in a dark tone like the Batman franchise of today is so the Joker had to be a little more “happy” — irritatingly “happy”. But as the villain, of course, that “happy” demeanor should also be rotten, deranged, and flippantly destructive.

I don’t think there’ll be anyone who’ll disagree that Jack Nicholson made these characteristics a convincing part of him.

2008’s Joker: Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger as the Joker

There’s been talk of a posthumous Academy Award, and I would definitely vote yes. Heath Ledger gave one of the most riveting and scariest performance ever when he took on the Joker in the recently released The Dark Knight.

While Jack Nicholson went for the comic presentation of the Joker in the 1989 Batman film, Heath went for the realistically deranged criminal genius who just wants to see the world burn up in exploding flames. IT was definitely one of the villainest villains. Heath added more darkness to the dark tone of The Dark Knight. His “clown” side allowed him to fumble with his movements, but he was still downright murderous genius.

The Jokers: Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger

Who’s Better As the Joker? My vote goes out to Heath Ledger. His performance said it all. It was mesmerizing and terrorizing, that I know I’ll remember Joker as one of the most vicious villains in history. If Jack Nicholson gave the same impression for me, I would remember him as a mean villain, too. But I don’t. And Heath’s portrayal clearly overrode his, in my opinion.