10 Comic Book Films That Ignored The Source (That Fans Still Loved)

Oscar award winner Joaquin Phoenix gave new life to a character that has been stale for quite a long time - Psychotic killer clown? I think not. Director Todd Phillips injects new life into everyone’s favourite Batman villain, gifting the character with a new level of depth.

What hides behind the Clown Prince of Crime's actions? Could anyone ever empathise with Batman's greatest adversary? Comics have ever only slightly brushed that possibility, and while they took Joker in directions ever more maniacal with every iteration, this movie grounds its protagonist as much as possible, and seeks to tell a human story.

In this dramatic tale, there are no vigilantes dressed as bats or thieves dressed as cats, neither penguin-inspired mobsters nor riddle-obsessed criminals. In this politically tumultuous Gotham there is simply a broken man and his tragedies, and the absence of kindness.

Joker's protagonist loses his job, his loved ones, his pride, and ultimatel his identity.

The end result? Arthur Fleck has very little to share with the Joker fans know and love from the comics, but the film still manages to give us an even more compelling story.