Joker Origin Movie: 9 Key Influences You'll See In Joaquin Phoenix's Performance

8. The Man Who Laughs

Batman Man Who Laughs Cover Joker
DC Comics

While it won't be the main comics inspiration on the movie, it's common for DC movies - and especially those related to Batman - to cherry pick elements from a variety of sources, and from what we know of the film already there are signs of The Man Who Laughs being drawn upon here.

This is a Joker who is going against Gotham, it seems, because of how grotesque its citizens are. He may be wacky, but it's the high-society, establishment folk who look like being his target - hence the anti-establishment protests, and the presence of Thomas Wayne as a Trump-like figure.

Having a Joker who targets the hoi polloi of Gotham, as his way of hitting back at the city, is key to The Man Who Laughs, and will be making its way into this movie too.

"One by One, they'll hear my call. Then this wicked town, will follow my fall."

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.