There have been many different kinds of comic books movies, from the dramatic, to the dark, and of course the action packed super-hero film. Warner Bros. is trying something different this time though, by releasing a film based on one of their most iconic villains, The Joker.
Joker stars Joaquin Phoenix as the titular Clown Prince of Crime, a failed comedian who turns to a life of crime after his life takes a wrong turn. Ever since the project was announced, fans have been wondering how Phoenix would portray the character, whether it would be comedic like Jack Nicholson’s take back in the 80’s, or off the deep end crazy like Heath Ledger, or crime lord style like Jared Leto, and by the looks of of things from the first trailer it appears as if Phoenix has gone his own way. The character looks like a very tragic figure, one who should be pitied for the way his life has turned out. The film looks like it won’t be your typical superhero film either, and will take a direction closer to a Taxi Driver or other films about tragic characters who take a fall.
The film itself, from what we know of it, takes place in the 1980s, and showcases a character named Arthur Fleck, played by Phoenix. He’s an outsider and a failure, who is kicked around by the world, and eventually he turns to a life of crime. The cast also includes Robert De Niro as talk show host, Zazie Beetz as Sophie Dumond, a single mom and love interest, Frances Conroy as Arthur’s mother Penny, Dante Pereira-Olson as young Bruce Wayne, Brett Cullen as Thomas Wayne, and Douglas Hodge as Arthur Pennyworth. This of course means that Batman won’t make an appearance in the film, since Bruce Wayne will only be a child.
Todd Phillips of the Hangover series directs the film, and the film is going with the tagline, “Put on a happy face.”
Joker is scheduled for release on October 4.
