Joker : an unexpected success
Released during the last quarter of 2019 in most countries, Joker it was the big box office surprise of that year. Todd Phillips’ feature film bet on representing Batman’s famous enemy under the identity ofArthur Fleckplayed by Joaquin Phoenix. It is therefore a character still far from being the famous antagonist that we discover here, but rather a man with a complicated life, despised by everyone and who lives in a poor environment. When he’s not taking care of his mother or clowning for an agency, Arthur imagines himself performing comedy shows on stage. But after being attacked in the subway by three shopkeepers, Arthur turns and takes revenge by killing them. It will become like this an inspirational figure for the underbelly of Gotham and directly target the wealthy.
Very inspired by the cinema of Martin Scorsese (Taxi driver AND The Waltz of the Puppets), Joker it was originally supposed to be just a “little movie” for Warner Bros., who approved a budget of approx $55 million. Far from the cost of superhero movies which generally require hundreds of millions of dollars. The sober and dramatic style of Joker also contrasts with the explosive blockbusters full of action and special effects. Needless to say, it was a huge surprise when the film came out. has surpassed $1 billion in global box office receipts.
Christopher Nolan’s changed ending
Before Joaquin Phoenix, we remember the extraordinary performance ofHeath Ledger in the role of Joker The Dark Knight (2008). Directed by Christopher Nolanthe film and the trilogy as a whole were also immensely successful. As often happens with this director, who has benefited over time from the great creative freedom of Warner Bros. Another symbol of the filmmaker’s power in this period (he has since joined Universal Oppenheimer), his involvement in other productions, including the Joker by Todd Phillips.
In fact, according to sources The Hollywood journalistwho in an article focused on the failure of Joker: Folie de duoChristopher Nolan would have posed his veto on a scene which was supposed to be in the film dedicated to Arthur Fleck. Joaquin Phoenix was supposed to appear at the end of the film in front of a crowd and cut his face off. Only the director of The Dark Knight he totally rejected this idea and ensured that it was not retained in the final scenario. The director felt he had already represented it with his Joker starring Heath Ledger and didn’t want it to be used again. In his film, the different explanations for the origin of his scars also contribute to the character’s madness.
If at the time Christopher Nolan was very popular at Warner Bros., after his departure for Universal, Todd Phillips was able to return to his initial idea, but this time in the sequel, Joker: Folie de duo (in theaters October 2, 2024). It is also at the end of the film, almost off-screen, that Arthu Fleck self-mutilates his face to form a smile.
Source: Cine Serie
Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.
