Oh boy, this is going to be polarizing…
Fresh off the reveal of what Joaquin Phoenix would look like without makeup in the upcoming ‘Batman’ spin-off film, ‘Joker,’ director Todd Phillips is back and he gives fans what they’re been waiting for — full Joker makeup. But this isn’t the Joker you all know and love/fear. This is something…completely different.
Taking a cue from real clowns, Phoenix looks creepy as hell, for sure. But does he look like the legendary comic book character? That’s going to be the real debate that probably takes up nerdom’s time for the next year. With each live-action iteration of the character, the Joker has donned many different looks. From Cesar Romero’s comic-book accurate look (minus the painted-over mustache) to Heath Ledger’s anarchist/punk rock Joker, the villain has been molded to fit the tone and look of the film. So, regardless of what fans think about how close the look comes to comic books of yore, it’s clear that the filmmaker, as well as Joaquin Phoenix, has a unique view on the Clown Prince of Crime.
It’s also worth mentioning that this look is described as a “camera test,” and should be viewed as such. While it’s probably representative of how Phoenix looks at some point in the film, it may not be the finished look by the end of the ‘80s-set spin-off. One could easily see Phoenix change his makeup throughout the film as he descends further and further into madness.
Anyway, there you have it, folks! We are almost exactly 12 months away from ‘Joker’ hitting theaters, and we have plenty to talk about. We knew Phillips and Phoenix were bringing fans a very dark, unique take on the beloved villain, and now, we have plenty of time to brace ourselves for the full-on weirdness that is coming our way.
Also, for those wondering, the song is “Laughing” by Burton Cummings. So, at least you know the name of the song that will be in your head all day.
‘Joker’ hits theaters on October 4, 2019.
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