Heath Ledger's Joker "out-scares Hannibal Lecter"

Tuesday, 15 July 2008

Movie fans will be terrified when they go to see The Dark Knight as Heath Ledger 'out-scares Hannibal Lecter' according to his co-stars.

At the world premiere of The Dark Knight last night Sir Michael Caine tipped Heath Ledger for an Oscar, telling The Daily Mail: "My favourite part is the opening monologue of Heath Ledger as The Joker, it's one of the best close-ups I've ever seen in my life.

"His energy was astonishing, he's certainly the best villain I've ever seen."

The premiere was dedicated to his memory and many of his co-stars opted for black outfits as a sign of respect. As the stars chatted to the world's press they all mentioned how much they missed the Brokeback Mountain star.

Michael Cane at The Dark Knight Premiere (WENN image)

Maggie Gyllenhaal looked absolutely stunning in a back evening gown with a floral design adding a small amount of colour. She replaced Katie Holmes as leading lady Rachel Dawes in the movie.

The 30-year-old had a special relationship with the Australian actor as her brother Jake is as a godfather to Heath's daughter Matilda.

She enjoyed working with Ledger as it was the first Batman film for both of them. Many of the other stars had appeared in Batman Begins: "He's so good in the movie, really remarkable. But even before this movie he really had an effect on people."

Maggie Gyllenhaal (WENN image)

Gary Oldman who plays Lieutenant Jim Gordon told the BBC what fans can expect from the new Joker: "I haven't seen a villain like this, or a bad guy like this, since Dennis Hopper played Frank Booth in Blue Velvet - this out-scares Hannibal Lecter."

Gary Oldman (WENN image)

Heath's portrayal of the Joker certainly ticked all the boxes for director Christopher Nolan: "What we wanted to do was create a villain that's iconic and terrifying, I think, but also recognizably human.

"And I think Heath does that in a very interesting way - I think people are going to be blown away."

Batman himself - Christian Bale added: "He's created this anarchic, Sid Vicious-like, punk rock Joker, unlike any Joker that's been seen before. I think it's a real classic portrayal that will be remembered for ages."

Christian Bale and his wife (WENN image)