6 Things We Learned About Harley Quinn From The Birds Of Prey Teaser
Just how is that fantabulous emancipation shaping up right now?
Just after Margot Robbie uploaded a selfie in her new Harley Quinn outfit, Birds Of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn) put out their first teaser trailer. For obvious reasons, the film will be referred to as just ‘Birds Of Prey’ from now on, by both myself and everyone who sees the movie ever, because the title is ridiculous.
The movie itself, however, does not seem ridiculous. Aiming for an R rating, with lesser spotted but hugely intriguing villains Black Mask and Zsasz going up against a Joker-less (more importantly, Leto-less) Harley, plus Huntress, Black Canary and Renee Montoya, it could be a dark horse. No one really knows what to make of it yet, and frankly, the teaser wasn’t too helpful in that regard.
It consists of quick shots of each of the characters, showing off their outfits and weapons. Many have speculated that it was only released to stop new costume designs leaking, and that a more action filled trailer will hit us later in the year. Despite not having much to go on, when comparing her appearance in the teaser and Suicide Squad, there’s a few things we learn.
6. This Costume Isn’t Based On Any Previous Ones
Comic book movies always take their own initiative with design, but usually include some homage to a comic book original. Aside from a few very minor flourishes we’ll get into a little later, there’s no evidence of that here.
Harley’s costume in Suicide Squad is one of the most recognisable and iconic movie costumes of the decade, with a cultural influence reaching far beyond superhero flicks and into the mainstream. However, it did draw some complaints that it was so heavily sexualised it took away her agency; a lingering shot of her getting changing in front of everyone only added to this criticism.
Wherever you stand on this debate, it’s clear that director Cathy Yan’s vision for the character softens that edge. Harley did seem to stray into ‘male gaze’ territory at times in Suicide Squad, and despite her being the breakout star, her abusive relationship with Joker was confusingly portrayed.
This new outfit, free of any narrative baggage from the comics or TV show, seems an attempt to show her in a new light. One that’s still kooky, fun, and has more than a few screws loose, but one that wasn’t designed with eye candy in mind.