A Hero is Only as Good as its Villain, Right?
What Heath Ledger’s Joker showed Hollywood about villains.
For the most part, the hero has been a focal point in cinema, with whole franchises leaning on heroes. As years have gone by, the very idea of what makes a hero has gradually changed, as audiences are frequently treated to vulnerable and thus, relatable heroes.
Whilst still prevalent, studios are clearly trying to move away from the heavily hegemonic masculine hero in favour of a more complex character. In order to do so, the villain must challenge the hero on multiple levels.
Major film studios are increasingly leaning on more complex villains in order to challenge the hero on a more emotional or mental level, rather than in the more traditional physical sense.
A prime example of this is, of course, Dark Knight’s (2008) Joker, famously played by the late Heath Ledger.
Eleven years on, Leger’s performance is still a standout movie villain. Ledger’s Joker arguably reaches the pinnacle of what a psychological villain can be as he constantly toys with Batman, using his famous ideologies against him.
In one of my favourite scenes in any film, Christian Bale’s Batman is attempting to interrogate Ledger’s Joker (below).
Throughout, it becomes clear that the Joker is the one in control. After repeatedly beating him in a rage-filled quest for answers, the Joker maniacally laughs at him and says ‘you have nothing. Nothing to threaten me with. Nothing to do with all your strength…’
Chilling. Even after the twelfth viewing!
Traditionally, Hollywood, in particular, has leaned on the physicality of the hero to save the day as it were. Here, even though Batman clearly has the physical advantages, the Joker isn’t scared. In a sense, the Joker is the true star of the film. Brute force seemingly plays second fiddle to the mental game the Joker is forcing Batman to play. With every punch, we feel Batman losing control of the situation.
Of course, the hero eventually beats the villain. It would not be a Hollywood film if not. However, it does signify a drastic role reversal in cinema, as the villain is being explored on a much deeper level, as film-makers seek to bring the best out of the heroes through their villains. After all, the phrase ‘a hero is only as good as its villain’ has got to originate from somewhere.
