Phoenix was solid. I just think the plot wasn't great. I don't think any part of that Joker character would match up with any Batman. He's more special needs than crime lord.
This question is insulting. DeNiro in Taxi Driver is one of the greatest performances of all time. In the 70s, the only performances that might top it are Nicholson in One Flew Over, and Pacino in Godfather 1-2. Phoenix is a class actor, don't get me wrong, but his Joker can't touch Ledger's imo, let alone DeNiro in Taxi Driver.
From a guy who was only known for doing comedy, right. Todd Phillips milked The Hangover into a trilogy. So the sequel is not a surprise as you said.
Phoenix was very good as always but not De Niro Bickle level. Joker actually made me think of Rupert Pupkin & The King of Comedy first, then Taxi Driver. That’s an overlooked performance and movie (it tanked at the box offfice when it came out).
If you only saw joker once, you should watch it again before you truly comment. I didn’t appreciate the performance until the second or third time seeing it. Phoenix absolutely tops DeNiro in this movie vs taxi. Phoenix shows amazing range in this performance where DeNiro is basically the same throughout the whole movie. Monotone