‘Joker’ Trailer: Joaquin Phoenix Goes Crazy As The Clown Prince Of Crime
Joaquin Phoenixgets the last laugh in the newJokertrailer. The highly-anticipated anti-comic book movie from directorTodd Phillips takes the Clown Prince of Crime out of whatever crazy continuity currently exists in DC-based films, and lets him loose in his own standalone story. Rather than attempt to make your standard superhero-inspired movie, Phillips is going for something heavily influenced by the work of Martin Scorsese –Taxi Driverby way ofThe King of Comedy. Watch theJokertrailer below.
Joker Trailer
In many ways,Jokerlooks to be somewhat refreshing. We’ve spent so long trapped in a world of cinematic universes springing up around comic book properties that the prospect of a standalone story is unique. We don’t have to worry about how this story might tie intoShazam!orAquamanor any other DC-inspired film. We’re just being presented with a totally independent tale, and for that, I’m enthusiastic.
I’m also enthusiastic about this cast. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Joaquin Phoenix is one of the best actors working right now. I am fully convinced that no matter howJokerturns out, his performance will be memorable. And as if that weren’t enough, Phoenix is surrounded by some mighty talented folks:Robert De Niro,Zazie Beetz, andFrances Conroy.
And yet…I’m still not convinced. But I want to be. And the footage released so far is certainly enticing. Cinematographer Lawrence Sher has brought a gritty, grainy style that looks a lot different than other comic book related movies, and then there’s the fact thatJokeris going to be playing the festival circuit, first at the Venice Film Festival, then at TIFF, and also the New York Film Festival. That’s usually a sign that the studio has a lot of faith in their product. But it’s not a guarantee.
We’ll start learning how audiences react toJokervery soon, as the film is set to premiere at Venice at the end of the month. After its festival run,JokeropensOctober 4.
Failed comedian Arthur Fleck encounters violent thugs while wandering the streets of Gotham City dressed as a clown. Disregarded by society, Fleck begins a slow dissent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.
