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Thoughts on a Joker Origin Movie
Last week, after months of rumor and speculation, it was officially announced that Joaquin Phoenix would be starring in a new movie about The Joker’s origin story. Just like any other big announcement for a blockbuster movie, the news was met with mixed reactions. Most of the reactions were negative, though. Not because they were upset with the casting choice, or anything like that. Instead, it’s left many people wondering if we even need a movie like this.
Well, I’m here to tell you that, no, we probably don’t. But we’re getting one whether we asked for it or not, much like a Lord of the Rings TV show. So let’s move past whether or not this is a good idea and talk about what we can expect from something like this.
The film is being directed by Todd Phillips of The Hangover movies. Until two years ago, I would have thought this was a bad idea, since just about his entire filmography included adult comedies. There are some excellent comedies, but they’re nothing like a possible Joker movie. But in 2016, he directed War Dogs, starring Jonah Hill and Miles Teller, which was a very well done crime dramedy.
When I heard that Martin Scorsese was attached to this project, I got excited. I thought he would direct and that it would be great to see a real dark and serious take on a comic book character. It would be like a Christopher Nolan movie, except with someone who is basically universally thought of as an amazing and visionary director. But instead, he’s a producer and it’s unclear how much involvement he will actually have in the project.
Since this new film is also rumored to be experimental, it gave me extra hope in Scorsese’s direction. But I’m still very hopeful given Todd Phillips’ background. It could dive into some dark humor, which would be perfect for the character. Experimental doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be a super weird and unconventional movie – it could just mean that it will be unconventional for the comic book genre. It could be dark and twisted and not lighthearted fun – it would stay true to the spirit of the character. And reports are saying that it will still be a crime film. What else would we want for Mr. J.?
Now, the Joker isn’t a character that needs a backstory movie, especially with what’s going on in the DC Extended Universe. There is also supposed to be another Joker standalone movie with Jared Leto’s iteration of the character. I, for one, was not a fan at all of the Joker that appeared in Suicide Squad. It seemed like Leto heard all the rumors about what Heath Ledger did to get into the mind of the character and wanted to one-up him. He should have spent a lot less time sending co-workers rats and instead, he should have figured out how to bring this character to life. But that’s the past.
Instead, we get to focus on the kind of dedication Phoenix will bring to the role. Apparently, according to an interview for Collider, he had an idea for a project like this a few years back.
“Three or four years ago, I called my agent and said ‘Why don’t they want to take one of these characters and just make a lower budget film about it, a movie but a character study, and why not take one of the villains?’”
This sounds like Logan, which was great. My only qualm left with it, though, is the lack of Batman. The Joker is who he is because of the existence of Batman. The Killing Joke brought a backstory to the Joker and what he was like before he became The Clown Prince of Crime, but it culminated in a showdown with Batman.
Overall, there is a lot to like from this news. From filmmakers who want to create a quality film, to the low budget, to an actor who knows what he wants to do. It looks like we’ll just have to wait for this movie to be released for any official judgement. But there is certainly hope.
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