Only one thing about Todd Phillips’ standalone Joker movie is certain: this isn’t going to be any old superhero film. Here are all the reasons why it’s time to get hyped about this brand new take on the Dark Knight’s greatest nemesis.
First things first: this isn’t a Batman movie. Sure, Bruce Wayne has been cast, but in this movie he’s a child with no idea what’s still to come. He’s not the focus, the protagonist, or even a major player. This is a story about the Joker and the world that made him.
But just as the greatest Batman stories are often about the kind of evil he faces down, so too might this story be about the good that the Joker fights. That means this film isn’t just capable of being a great Joker story, but also a great story about Gotham itself, too. And that’s a perspective even fans of the comics rarely get to see.
Legendary actors aren’t new to superhero movies, and even the Joker himself has been portrayed by some world-class performers.
But more often than not, caped adventures simply act as a springboard for actors to reach greater heights. Chris Evans was Captain America before he directed his own film; Mary Jane Watson was an important step towards Kirsten Dunst becoming a legendary actress; and Wolverine gave Hugh Jackman the chance to eventually make some of his dream musical projects. Often, capes and cowls are what you start with — not necessarily what you aim for.
So it’s not every day that an actor like Joaquin Phoenix steps up to play a denizen of Gotham City. Phoenix has won Grammy awards, been nominated three times for Oscars, and garnered acclaim across multiple genres and mediums. From The Master to Gladiator to his soundtrack work for Walk the Line, he’s time and time again proved his worth as an artist with vision, passion, and drive. Phoenix isn’t just a star you can count on to play a role well — he’s someone you can count on to make it his own.
Watch the video to see why Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker movie will completely blow you away!
#TheJoker #JokerMovie #JoaquinPhoenix
No Batman | 0:13
Joaquin Phoenix | 0:45
Standalone | 1:46
Todd Phillips | 2:46
Old world | 3:22
The Scorsese influence | 4:06