The Joker is a psychopathic anarchist, nihilist, and criminal mastermind (self-professed "agent of chaos") who rose to power in the criminal underworld by thrusting Gotham City into turmoil, and drew Batman ever closer to crossing the line between hero and vigilante. Heath Ledger, the actor who portrayed The Joker, described him as a "psychopathic, mass murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy". The Joker is highly proficient in psychological manipulation and strategic planning, able to adapt himself to any situation of varying intensity and difficulty, and turn it to his advantage. His appearance was defined by colorful custom clothing, his face sporting smeared clown makeup over a gruesome Glasgow Smile. With his eccentric fashion statement and menacing visage, the Joker offered a unique blend of style and sick comedy to his crimes and misdeeds.