The Joker Reveal: Reactions To Joaquin Phoenix's Killer Clown

6. A Weird Stevie Wonder Vibe

The Joker Killing Joke
DC Comics

[Adam Clery]

Going to level with you here reader - which is an honour few have bestowed upon them - I have been through the emotional ringer with these Joker photos.

My first thought, upon seeing a screencap of the short Instagram video that first surfaced, was that he just looked like one of those tragicomedy masks that all stage school girls end up getting as a hip tattoo. I was not a fan.

But having a neb at the offending clip assuaged my fears. Admittedly the sight of him just rocking his head and smiling had, if anything, a weird Stevie Wonder vibe, but the moment his expression snaps back and his face drops was wonderful.

A tiny, tiny moment, and one that in the hands of most actors wouldn’t mean a thing, but if there is one thing Joaquin Phoenix is not, it’s most actors. Ultimately that was a reminder that whatever else happens with this movie, we’re going to get one of the most incredible character performances and I, for one, am here for it.

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

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.

Contributor
Contributor

WhatCulture's former COO, veteran writer and editor.

Gaming Editor
Gaming Editor

WhatCulture's Head of Gaming.

Managing Editor
Managing Editor

WhatCulture's Managing Editor and Chief Reporter | Previously seen in Vice, Esquire, FourFourTwo, Sabotage Times, Loaded, The Set Pieces, and Mundial Magazine

Contributor

Writer. Mumbler. Only person on the internet who liked Spider-Man 3

Content Producer/Presenter
Content Producer/Presenter

Resident movie guy at WhatCulture who used to be Comics Editor. Thinks John Carpenter is the best. Likes Hellboy a lot. Can usually be found talking about Dad Movies on his Twitter at @EwanRuinsThings.

Contributor
Contributor

Horror film junkie, burrito connoisseur, and serial cat stroker. WhatCulture's least favourite ginger.