When you have great actors such as Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger preceding you, it certainly makes taking on an iconic role like the Joker doubly intimidating. But in the case of Joaquin Phoenix, it seems as though the guy is more than up to the challenge and will likely turn in a memorable performance.
If anything, most of the intrigue comes by way of how the flick directed by Todd Phillips will put its own stamp on the enduring legacy of the Clown Prince of Crime. After all, not only is Thomas Wayne still alive and running for mayor, but Bruce may still be just a child. Then again, the Batmobile was spotted near the set, so who knows what the heck is going on?
Fortunately, we have something new to chew on today. As it turns out, the first official synopsis has been released and can be found right here:
Joker centers around the iconic arch-nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen. The exploration of Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix), a man disregarded by society, is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.
Admittedly, the above description somewhat paraphrase info we’ve already become privy to, though it’s nice to be given something to sate our appetites while we wait. For the most part, goodies have come in the form of leaked set photos, which, cool as they are, serve as taunts reminding us that opening weekend doesn’t arrive until next fall.
Being a lifelong fan of the Ace of Knaves who isn’t a stubborn purist, I can’t wait to see what sort of spin Phillips and Phoenix have put on the character. Even if there’s no Batman to speak of, I imagine I’ll be quite proud if the legendary villain is given cinematic redemption after an iffy portrayal in 2016’s Suicide Squad. All we can really ask for is for everyone to put in their best effort and hope the end result is great.
Joker arrives in theaters on October 4th, 2019.
Published: Nov 21, 2018 01:55 pm