Joker Film/TV Exhibit
Jack Nicholson "The Joker" Screen Worn Signature Costume and Hat from Tim Burton's Batman (Warner Bros., 1989). Original bespoke (7) piece iconic signature character costume consisting of purple wool, orange and turquoise, pinstriped suit with (1) double-breasted, peaked lapel, jacket with 2-hip welt pockets and one left chest pocket, purple buttons at cuffs and front closure, lined in purple satin, (1) matching button-front vest with 4-front pockets, self-cinching belts at the sides and button front closure, and lined in ivory striped satin and backed with purple pattern sating, (1) matching pair of pleated trousers with cuffed legs, zipper and hook and eye front closure, (1) hot orange satin, long sleeved, buttonless, over-sized cuff shirt with flared short collar and button front closure, (1) green and purple, diagonal striped Christian Dior brand neck tie, (1) pair of Robot brand, UK made purple leather and suede size 10-1/2 lace up ankle boots, and (1) Dobbs brand purple felt hat with black grosgrain hatband. Highly visible worn by "The Joker" (Nicholson) in Tim Burton's game-changing superhero epic. Costume designer Bob Ringwood collaborated with the notoriously hands-on legendary actor Nicholson to create stunning costumes, like this one, instantly recognizable the world over. Director Tim Burton's vision and Academy Award nominee Ringwood's design excellence blends with Nicholson's attention to character detail in every garment and accessory he wore in the blockbuster. The look achieves the bold lines and color of a classic cartoon gangster, without ever descending into campiness. This aided Nicholson in his goal of being funny but legitimately terrifying at the same time. The jacket and pants retain the Tommy Nutter of Saville Row maker's internal bias label, the orange shirt retains green liquid stains around the collar and shoulders from production, shoe's soles are caked with production materials, and the interior of the hat is soiled, as you'd expect, with familiar white pancake makeup residue. This costume is worn when The Joker has a meeting with Gotham's mafia and employs a fatal handshake with his electric joy buzzer. Exhibiting production wear and minor age. NOTE: This purple suit is also worn beneath a black trench coat when Jack Napier falls into the vat of chemicals and still worn when he gets his face reconstructed in the basement and laughs for the first time. The orange shirt is also worn in the infamous museum scene, exhibiting stains due to the leakage from the flower used to squirt Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger). COA from Heritage Auctions.
Batman (Warner Bros., 1989), Jack Nicholson "The Joker" Overcoat. Original single-breasted, thigh-length purple wool overcoat with velvet collar. The navy-blue lined coat features 4-brown buttons across the front, a left breast pocket, 2-large flapped front pockets, 4-brown button fastenings on the cuffs, and 1-right-side interior pocket. Designed by Oscar-nominated costume designer, Bob Ringwood, the deep purple color is said to have been chosen by Jack Nicholson in order to represent his favorite NBA team, the L.A. Lakers. This iconic overcoat is featured in the film, most prominently as The Joker (Jack Nicholson) leads a parade through Gotham City, concealing a lethal surprise in whimsical balloons. Buttons were replaced for a subsequent production. Displays light production age and wear. COA from Heritage Auctions.
"Joker" Prototype Costume for Batman (Warner Bros., 1989). Original production made costume consisting of purple pants with thin black stripes, purple, open front tailcoat with black trim, gold vest, lime green shirt with purple buttons and double-sided plastic purple "gem" cufflinks, black string tie, pair of purple gloves, pair of purple stockings and (2) pink silk flower "boutonnieres". All pieces exhibit minimal wear and handling. COA from Heritage Auctions.
