Have you ever picked up a Batman comic? May I remind you that for supposedly being so realistic, he’s an angst ridden adult that dresses up as a bat while using gadgets that the military would love to have. I’d also like to point out that he’s in the same universe as such notable superheroes as Superman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman, none of which are anywhere near realistic. I could also point you toward tons of story arcs involving Batman and his Gotham city chums and rivals that have little to no realism at all. A particular favorite of mine is the Emperor Joker plot. WHOA BUDDY, SUPER REALISM RIGHT THERE.
And yes, Jack Nicholson’s representation of the Joker was, to me, more accurate. Especially in appearance. I mean, really, are you trying to tell me that when you pick of a Batman comic with the Joker in it, you see Heath Ledger with greasy hair, bad make up and an aura of slimy angst that could rival Batman’s? No, you’ll see a guy with chemically bleached skin, bright green hair and a permanently fixed grin.
“He is evil, sadistic, and yet funny.”
You meant occasionally, right? I’m going out on a limb here and assuming you read the comics, which means you would know that the Joker’s personality is shifting and changing constantly, which means he doesn’t always fit the bill you’ve slapped on him. One moment he’s a mass murderer, the next he’s a reclusive and grumpy guy that just wants to be left alone, then he’s a harmless fella just looking to make people laugh. The Joker is great precisely because he isn’t cookie cutter WHOA GRIMDARK like most of the Gotham line up, and I feel Nolan failed to truly get that across.
tl;dr – Sorry if you don’t like my opinion, but I have my reasons for having it just as I’m sure you have yours. Also, kudos to you for making me look like a lame ass by goading me into passionately arguing about a comic book character. I see a future for myself as the obese comic store guy from the Simpsons now, and it’s all thanks to you!