The famous character of The Joker is back but not as many may have expected, as Joaquin Phoenix explores the origins of the criminal mastermind.
The Joker is going to be the first in a series of DC films that aren't part of the DC Extended Universes. Todd Phillips is directing the stand-alone film, as well as co-writing and co-producing it. Phillips is famous for many films including The Hangover Trilogy and A Star Is Born. Warner Bros. Pictures is distributing the new film.
Joaquin Phoenix is taking on the role as The Joker, one that Leonardo DiCaprio was potentially going to take. Robert De Niro plays Murray Franklin. He is a talk show host that plays a major role in the downfall of Arthur Fleck, who then becomes The Joker. Zazie Beetz plays a single mother who becomes the love interest of Arthur Fleck.
At the start of the teaser trailer, we see Arthur talking to a psychiatrist. This straight away shows us that Joaquin Phoenix's character is one that struggles mentally which will play a part in him being The Joker. As it progresses we understand that this is an issue his family is aware of. He says that his mother told him to always “smile and put on a happy face”.
Arthur Fleck is trying to make his way as a comedian but is failing at it. He isn't accepted by society and this is shown when he is beaten up in an alleyway and subway car for being a clown. Dressing up as a clown is a way of him putting on a smile even though we can see he doesn't want to.
This leads to the downfall of Arthur Fleck and the uprise of The Joker. The trailer shows us The Joker we are used to. One that lives a life of crime, terrorising the city of Gotham.
This is only a teaser trailer so the full plot of the film is hard to piece together. When the official trailer is released we shall explore that one even more!
The Joker – Release Date October 4, 2019
