How to Make a Joker Halloween Costume

As we prepare for how to make our Joker costume for Halloween, portraying Batman's nemesis, we must make a key choice.

Do we want to model our Joker Halloween costume after Heath Ledger's get-up in the 2008 Batman flick, "The Dark Knight," shortly before Health Ledger died of a reported prescription drug overdose? Or, should our Joker costume more closely model the Cesar Romero portrayal of the middle 1960s, when the Batman TV show was more lighthearted?

Our decision will make all of the difference in how we make our Joker Halloween costume, and it's a question not just of makeup, but a question of attitude. Romero's Joker was a prankster; Ledger's Joker was a psychopath.

Our Joker Halloween costume also involves a question of age. Not only did Cesar Romero perform his Joker handiwork more than 40 years ago, but he was nearly 60 years old at the time. Health Ledger was younger than 30 years old.

Still, Cesar Romero's Joker was younger at heart. The main feature of his makeup is the lipstick that creates a mischievous grin. Meanwhile, Heath Ledger's Joker doesn't seem to be having the fun that a Joker should have, and the outstanding characteristic of his makeup is the black-encircled eyes that give a Goth sort of appearance.

Both Jokers have longish green hair. Cesar Romero keeps his locks moderately well-combed, while Health Ledger appears never to have seen a comb.

Our advice, as you apply your makeup, is to place photos of both Jokers near the mirror, and to sort of take your pick. Our preference is the Cesar Romero version of the Joker, but especially if you are young and/or are Halloween partying with younger folks, the old Joker might not be properly recognized. Make sure you allow your white-face base to fully dry before you start painting the lips or applying other highlights.

Your clothing get-up should be easy. Just find pants, a dress-collared shirt, a tie, a vest and a sportscoat in colors that don't go with one another. Keep the colors solid, not plaid or striped. If you're doing a Heath Ledger Joker, you'll need the shirt and tie to be blue, the vest pea green. With a Cesar Romero Joker, you can be more versatile. Consider your local thrift store. The tie best be wide. You also may consider some white gloves.

Finally, attired in a Joker Halloween costume, your demeanor will mean just as much as your makeup or your clothes. Study videos of whichever Joker you may choose, either the Cesar Romero Joker or the Health Ledger Joker. Practice the laugh. The laugh is the key. Master the laugh!

SOURCES

http://www.ehow.com/how_4480725_create-joker-costume.html

http://www.1966batfan.com/joker.htm