Why Jared Leto is a Great Joker



First of all, let's just pretend that Heath Ledger never played the Joker or that Suicide Squad was released before The Dark Knight. Let that sink in for a moment. Without Ledger's incredible performance, there wouldn't be so much hype to live up to. Remember that everyone panned Ledger before they even saw him in action. Many people are criticising Jared Leto, even though he was in the film for a meagre 15 minutes. And we need to remember that most of his scenes were taken out, due the films already long viewing time.

With that all being said, let's talk about what he did right, instead of focusing on everyone's insane expectations and prejudice. One thing that people misunderstand is the direction of the film in comparison to The Dark Knight series. It is obvious that these are completely different in nearly every way. Suicide Squad is highly-stylized, with comic moments throughout, whereas The Dark Knight trilogy focuses on heavier tones with philosophical undertones. Now imagine Heath Ledger being in Suicide Squad; it wouldn't be the same, would it? Could you imagine the onscreen chemistry between Margot Robbie and Heath Ledger? I think Jared Leto and Robbie nailed their performances together, creating a realistic view of their relationship based on the comics. Their on-screen chemistry was on fire, and I know for a fact, that everyone wanted to see more.

Now let's move on to a few attributes that Jared Leto nails. Firstly, he has created a unique Joker in comparison to every other portrayal, like Jack Nicholson's. He oozes a type of charisma that has only been done by him. He has female audiences crushing over him. Is that a good thing? I think so. He has opened up the Joker character to a completely new audience with girls wishing they were Harley Quinn. Obviously, I don't condone dysfunctional relationships, but it's a film, no one actually wants to be abused (at least I hope not). He looks dapper in a suit and more closely resembles the Joker in the comics than any other portrayal I have seen. He looks like the Joker, he has the best laugh, the best smile, and Leto is dedicated to the role. Give it time, and if he re-appears as the Joker again, I am the first to predict that he will prove people wrong.

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