Costume Ideas for the Joker in the "Dark Knight"

Do not worry about being neat when making the Joker's signature smile from "The Dark Knight."

Heath Ledger's portrayal of Batman's most notorious villain -- the Joker -- in 2009's "The Dark Knight" was such a memorable and sinister character that it earned the actor a posthumous Academy Award for Best Actor. The version of the Joker from "The Dark Knight" has become a popular costume choice for comic book and movie fans during Halloween as well as acostume parties and fan conventions.

Joker Clothing

In "The Dark Knight," the Joker wore a collection of custom-tailored clothing in a purple and green color scheme. Locate costume items at a thrift store or resale shop, or sew your own using a pattern. The Joker wore purple pants and a matching suit coat, with a dark green vest and tie, gray shirt, argyle socks and black shoes. For the shirt, vest and tie, look for items made from printed fabrics like strips, camouflage, reptile skin or other geometric prints.

Joker Makeup

The Joker's face paint is one of his defining features. You need white for his face, dark brown or black to use around his eyes and red for his lips. The Joker's makeup in "The Dark Knight" was blotchy and smeared so do not worry about applying it neatly. Buy prosthetic scars to create a realistic-looking Joker smile and cover them with red makeup. If you do not have an allergy to school glue, apply it to your face to create a fake scar. While the glue dries, pucker your face to create the scar effect.

Finishing Touches

Use a few simple accessories to put the finishing touches on your Joker costume. Use temporary spray-on hair dye or a green wig to create Joker's signature hairstyle. In "The Dark Knight," the Joker was known for cutting his victim's faces with a switchblade, so carry around a toy knife for an extra level of creepiness. The Joker's signature accessory is a joker playing card, so raid your packs of playing cards and keep a couple on hand.

Joker Variations

The Joker wore a few different outfits during "The Dark Knight." The first time the audience sees the character he is wearing a rubber clown mask, so choose this variation if you do not want to be covered in makeup. The Joker also poses as a police officer during an intense scene in the movie. Wear a police costume and prosthetic scars in your normal flesh tone. Wear a red wig, woman's nurse uniform and Joker makeup to represent the scene where the Joker posed as a nurse to sneak into the hospital.

References

• Seventeen: Joker Chic?
• Costumezee: How to Make a Heath Ledger-Style Joker Costume
• Costumezee: The Joker Costume Alternatives

Resources

• The Dark Knight