I understand that some critics have no idea what or who the Joker is really. So here it is: Joker has no background actually. He was (at the beginning) didn't have mental issues until recently in the late 80's or mid-90's when DC made him more of a lunatic. He only did petty theft in his early issues until he gain his rep. He had no real actual name to go by. He symbolizes people's own darkness and unjust inequality due to mental illness,etc. He IS a tragic villain in this ONLY movie. CRITICS READ THE COMICS OR DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE WATCHING THE MOVIE!!!
As for the movie...SPOT ON!! They got his movements and fighting technique and abusive ways perfectly. It was top notch, and Phoenix's performance was beautiful and tragic just like the Joker himself. The mystery behind Joker's story was as if DC was making their first issue all over again. His dancing was exotic yet characteristically like him. This DC movie was FAR better than the other recent DC movies out so far. I hope to see more of THIS Joker in the future. Good job Warner Bro. you finally got it. Joaquin keep doing you!