We analyzed details of the versions of the Joker from The Dark Knight and the Riddler that we saw in The Batman to determine which of the two villains is the best in the history of the Dark Knight on the big screen
After the premiere of The Batman, millions of fans of the Dark Knight were not only shocked by Robert Pattinson’s performance as the Bat Man in his second year in Gotham, but also by Paul Dano’s work as Edward Nashton / Riddler, for what the comparisons with the Joker of Heath Ledger did not wait.
It may interest you: The Batman: Why did Matt Reeves choose Paul Dano as Riddler?
In the comics there have been these comparisons between the master of puzzles and the clown prince of crime, since while Edward Nygma constantly seeks to demonstrate his intellectual superiority in crime, Joker has no other purpose than to watch the world burn.
With this epic hand in hand we do not intend to say which is the best villain, or which Batman movie is better between The Dark Knight and The Batman, both tapes were turning points for the history of Batman on the big screen.
So we present some points to consider in the decision to choose the best villain, Joker or Riddler.
Interpretation
In January 2008 we learned of the unfortunate death of Heath Ledger, who before he died managed to film his participation as Joker in The Dark Knight, in a role that earned him the posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
For this role, in addition to meeting the character created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson, Heath Ledger was inspired by an interview with singer-songwriter Tom Waits, as well as spending a month in a hotel room.
While Paul Dano was inspired by the infamous Zodiac killer to lead a darker and bloodier version of the Riddler, compared to actors like Frank Gorshin, John Astin or Jim Carrey, who gave the villain comic overtones.
Dano took his Riddler to be the vigilante Gotham City needed, taking revenge to levels never seen before, which ran counter to Batman’s principles, throwing up ingredients for a game of cat and mouse.
History
In The Dark Knight Joker is an anarchist whose plans are unknown until he executes his blows, or warns who his possible victims will be. This version of the Joker does not distinguish between good and evil, so the victims of his acts do not generate any empathy, in an absence of consciousness.
This Joker constantly changed his origin story, so he was an open mystery for his victims, the police and Batman himself.
While in The Batman, Edward Nashton has a tragic background growing up in an orphanage, where he developed his intellect, but at the same time a resentment against the high society of the city, especially the men of the underworld who dominate Gotham’s social and political scene.
Therefore, the Riddler was seen as a figure similar to that of Batman, with the difference that the Riddler left clues that only Batman could deduce in relation to his next hits.
Movie
After the success of Batman Begins, Warner Bros. Pictures gave the vote of confidence to Christopher Nolan, who achieved with The Dark Knight not only to make the best sequel to the Batman movies, but also one of the most important movies in the history of the cinema.
For the second part Nolan not only explored the history of Batman more, he also built an intimidating Joker, who is considered the best villain of his trilogy, after making his notable difference with Jack Nicholson’s Joker.
For its part, The Batman seemed like an aimless project in 2018, with the departure of Ben Affleck and the question whether this film would be linked to the DC Comics Extended Universe (better known as the Snyderverse) or this film would mark the start of a new universe.
With Matt Reeves at the helm of the project, and Robert Pattinson as the new bearer of the mantle of the bat, The Batman took inspiration from plots such as Batman: Year One, The Long Halloween and Ego, delivering a film that fans appreciated. Part of the success of this film was thanks to the antagonists, especially the fearsome Riddler who played Paul Dano.
Verdict
Paul Dano delivered an extraordinary job with his take on Edward Nashton/Riddler, a sadistic villain who likes to be in control of his punches, openly defying Batman, in his second year in Gotham.
As we mentioned before, Paul Dano delivered a Riddler quite different from the versions that both the Batman series and Jim Carrey’s version of Batman Forever accustomed us to, which we clarify again are not bad.
But despite the brilliance of Paul Dano’s Riddler, we still consider Heath Ledger’s Joker to be the best villain not only in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, but in every Batman movie produced since 1966.
For you, who is the best villain in Batman movie history? Heath Ledger’s Joker or Paul Dano’s Riddler?
Do not miss: Heath Ledger’s Joker is the most dangerous Batman villain, according to analysis
Source: SMASH
Get hold of the best Batman stories at SMASH Luxe
On these dates do not miss the opportunity to make yourself a collector’s item. Personalize your passion with the Smash Luxe Collection: Batman, a numbered deluxe box that, in addition to your name, as well as four key pieces in the Bat-Man story:
- All-Star Batman and Robin The Boy Wonder
- Batman/Flash: The Button
- Detective Comics: 80 Years of Batman
- Batman & Catwoman: The Wedding Album
You will receive these volumes in a metallic box and in your name, or in the name of whoever you want to give this collector’s item, which every good fan of the Dark Knight must have.
Also being read:
This Is What Henry Cavill Would Look Like As Batman
This is what Robert Pattinson looks like as Batman
The most expensive movies in Hollywood
Gallants who have played ‘Batman’
Batman would die from flying like he does