Every single time we learn something new about this Joker spin-off movie, the more it feels like Hollywood is playing some kind of elaborate prank on us. First, it was the news back in August that Todd Phillips was planning to direct an R-rated comic book flick about the Clown Prince of Crime, a movie that would be completely separate from Jared Leto's take on the character. The Hangover guy directing a gritty Joker origin story? Okay, kinda weird, but stranger things have happened in the business. But at the same time, we learned that the legendary Martin Scorsese would be involved with producing the film. That news was so ridiculous that I compared it to an Onion headline in my original report. However, Martin Scorsese produces a ton of projects each year, and his attachment to this Joker project was somewhat logical since the film is reportedly inspired by Taxi Driver. But it kept getting crazier! About a week later, we learned that Warner Bros. was pursuing Leonardo DiCaprio for the lead role. It felt like an absurd choice- thankfully, we learned today that it didn't pan out. But if you thought that the latest Joker revelation would be any less ridiculous- think again!
Earlier today, Variety's Justin Kroll reported that Joaquin Phoenix is in talks to play the Joker in the untitled spin-off film that will chronicle the character's violent origins. Kroll reports that negotiations have yet to begin, but Phoenix has agreed to join the cast. The rest of the article reiterates most of what we already know- the film will be made under a new production banner at DC Films, it'll be set in the 1980s, and it's likely to be in the vein of a dark and gritty crime drama. Scott Silver (The Fighter, the upcoming White Boy Rick) will co-write with Phillips, who is directing the picture. This will have no impact on Jared Leto's position in the DC Universe.
Now that you've digested all that information, let's turn to the question at hand- is this a good move? Well, yes and no. Phoenix is one of my favorite actors working today; he simply never gives a bad performance. From his collaborations with Paul Thomas Anderson to his Oscar-winning work on Walk the Line, Phoenix is a determined, fiercely committed actor. He has worked with Lynne Ramsay, Spike Jonze, and James Gray, and whenever he picks a role, there's usually a very good reason for it. So if he decides that playing the Joker is an artistically sound choice, then I trust his judgment. Why would I doubt him? It seems like Warner Bros. is really letting Phillips go wild with this project, and it could result in a genuinely fascinating film. And as an added bonus, the Joker is a notoriously meaty and challenging role. Before Jared Leto made a joke out of it, Heath Ledger poured his heart and soul into a harrowing portrait of madness, an iconic performance that seemingly took a lot out of him. It's understandable that Phoenix would want to put his own spin on it.
To be frank, I don't know why this movie needs to exist, nor do I know why Phoenix has suddenly chosen to do a comic book movie. But it's an intriguing proposition, and this seems like it could be a risky, fascinating project. There's still a long way to go, but I've heard worse ideas than Phoenix as the Joker.
Image: IMDb/Warner Bros.
Earlier today, Variety's Justin Kroll reported that Joaquin Phoenix is in talks to play the Joker in the untitled spin-off film that will chronicle the character's violent origins. Kroll reports that negotiations have yet to begin, but Phoenix has agreed to join the cast. The rest of the article reiterates most of what we already know- the film will be made under a new production banner at DC Films, it'll be set in the 1980s, and it's likely to be in the vein of a dark and gritty crime drama. Scott Silver (The Fighter, the upcoming White Boy Rick) will co-write with Phillips, who is directing the picture. This will have no impact on Jared Leto's position in the DC Universe.
Now that you've digested all that information, let's turn to the question at hand- is this a good move? Well, yes and no. Phoenix is one of my favorite actors working today; he simply never gives a bad performance. From his collaborations with Paul Thomas Anderson to his Oscar-winning work on Walk the Line, Phoenix is a determined, fiercely committed actor. He has worked with Lynne Ramsay, Spike Jonze, and James Gray, and whenever he picks a role, there's usually a very good reason for it. So if he decides that playing the Joker is an artistically sound choice, then I trust his judgment. Why would I doubt him? It seems like Warner Bros. is really letting Phillips go wild with this project, and it could result in a genuinely fascinating film. And as an added bonus, the Joker is a notoriously meaty and challenging role. Before Jared Leto made a joke out of it, Heath Ledger poured his heart and soul into a harrowing portrait of madness, an iconic performance that seemingly took a lot out of him. It's understandable that Phoenix would want to put his own spin on it.
To be frank, I don't know why this movie needs to exist, nor do I know why Phoenix has suddenly chosen to do a comic book movie. But it's an intriguing proposition, and this seems like it could be a risky, fascinating project. There's still a long way to go, but I've heard worse ideas than Phoenix as the Joker.
Image: IMDb/Warner Bros.
Comments
Post a Comment