TDK scene analysis

In this scene when we are first properly introduced to the jokers character the scene starts off with a shot of the mob and gangsters as a threatening presence through their appearance and the mass amount of them. The control of the scene then shifts to Lau as he tells them that he has taken their money. After this we then cut to an over the shoulder shot of the joker walking into the mob's hideout the camera positioned as if to make it feel like we are walking in with him and through this perspective we are yet again reminded of just how outnumbered he is as we walk towards the crowd with him. As the Joker approaches the table one of the gangsters threatens him using one of his bodyguards as the gangster approaches him the joker asks the crowd if they want to see a magic trick he then proceeds to slam the bodyguards head onto a pencil vanishing the pencil into his skull this now gives the Joker a intimidating presence and gives him the attention of the gangsters for him to state his proposition giving him control of the scenario. Once he has the attention of the gangsters and is sat at the table giving his proposition to the mob to allow help him get rid of  Batman the Joker confronts Lau and disregards Lau's plan that gave him control or power over the mob initially by threatening this now gives the Joker further control over the Mob as doing so shifts the power to him giving him further persuasion for his plan.

The performance by Heath Ledger within this scene is amazing for presenting the Joker as unhinged and menacing through his out of control mannerisms and peculiar speaking patterns and the way he speaks to the mob fearlessly and quite patronizingly treating them like they are less than him. His physical appearance is also quite intimidating as his outfit represents his insanity and the way he slams the gangsters head on the table is very forceful and gives the audience a feeling of immense impact. The sound throughout this scene is a crucial method of creating impact and meaning for example the thundering slam of the gangsters head hitting the table to make the audience reallly feel the impact of the moment and present joker as a serious threat. As tensions increase throughout the scene between joker and the mob the backing music represents this constant unstable tension on the edge of breaking out into conflict by staying the same throughout the scene keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as at any time throughout jokers speech the music could change as it does when the joker insults one of the mob bosses and reveals the explosives in his jacket yet again now giving him supreme control over the scene.