I agree with you. I really don’t want to see a huge, open mouth, full teeth crazy smile that distracts from Nicholson’s take on the character and looks like “just another figure”. I don’t think any of us would be happy with that.
That said, the work that I’ve seen from balloonman is absolutely fantastic and I would have no hesitation simply telling him, “we need you to capture the essence of Jack as the joker in the most evil and sinister expression you can sculpt.”
This is my first experience with a full figure project commission, so I may be in the minority on this. I just believe that if we seek out a sculptor of balloonman’s caliber, and don’t allow him the creative freedom to produce his best, unrestrained work, we’re shorting ourselves.
Just my opinion.