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

by James Hunt

1. It's Hard Not To Get A Little Excited

joaquin phoenix inherent vice
IAC Films

[Simon Gallagher]

Just when you thought the prospect of a Joker Origin movie that somehow conspired to also be a Joker movie without Batman was an irredeemable idea, they go and pull this.

This reveal isn’t just great, it actually goes a long way to arresting the negativity around the project. There’s a theatricality to the reveal - particularly alongside “Laughter” by The Guess Who that is just about the most perfect song choice ever for a teaser - that really works hard for it.

Where Jared Leto’s first image only told a poor story of a Juggalo pimp clown, there’s narrative here too. We get to see Phoenix’s Joker literally blossom out of his vulnerable Arthur cocoon. And the subtle touches to his clown look - that John Wayne Gacy vibe more than anything - are the crowning glory.

We might not need a Joker origin, necessarily, but when the suggestion is that we’re going to see so much of Phoenix’s performance without him hiding behind as much quirkiness as Leto, it’s hard not to get a little excited all the same.

What do you think of Joaquin Phoenix's Joker look? Let us know down in the comments.

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We love teamwork! Who doesn't? This article is a collaborative effort between James Hunt, Simon Gallagher, Scott Tailford, Adam Clery, Josh Brown, Ewan Paterson and Ashleigh Millman.
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