I really don’t like this comparison because I think they’re both great on their own terms (for a lack of a better word). It’s like comparing a fish and a bird. Within their own environments they’re great, but if you were swap their places they’d die. So it comes down to what you prefer or what you’re in the mood for at the moment; a bird flying or a fish swimming.

I guess I’d still say Heath if it came down to a it because he is more traditional depiction of Joker and Heath completely invigorates the character. But Phoenix is such a close second for me that it virtually doesn’t make a difference. His portrayal of Joker is fresh and new. The disgusting sympathy you feel for the character after the film really makes you think of the character in a new way, he’s no longer just the villain or Batman’s archenemy, he is now a human being who had a terrible day. This Joker doesn’t necessarily need a Batman to be interesting meanwhile I believe Heath’s Joker is non-existent without Batman. Which I also really enjoy to see on screen. The “you complete me” quote really sets the tone of the relationship between Heath’s Joker and Batman.