Filmmaker Michael Mann Raves About 'Joker,' Calling It "Brilliant" & "Authentic"

As we approach the end of the year, and awards season becomes the only thing that Hollywood is concerned about, films that are on the verge of getting a ton of nominations begin having special screenings with superstar Q&A’s. And Warner Bros. seems to be pulling out all the stops to promote “Joker,” with recent screenings hosted by Michael Moore and now, filmmaker Scott Cooper. But you see, Cooper wasn’t the original choice to host a recent screening, as Michael Mann was supposed to moderate but ultimately wasn’t able to attend.

However, in his stead, Cooper was not only able to conduct the Q&A, but the filmmaker also read aloud a letter written by Michael Mann (via IndieWire) that not only talked about how much he loved “Joker,” but to congratulate director Todd Phillips on his “best film” to date.

READ MORE: Todd Phillips Originally Pitched “A Whole Label” Of DC Films But WB Only Chose To Move Forward With ‘Joker’

“I love this movie,” Mann wrote. “I think it’s brilliant and not only Todd’s best film but it’s exciting because it’s on a frontier. And that’s usually where very good things happen. Todd and Scott [Silver’s] screenplay has that relevance that occurs when work is authentic and not derivative.”

He continued, “We find Arthur disturbing and poignant simultaneously. He’s both child victim and adult perpetrator. Both are true, as is the case with most schizophrenics. That both are true is uncomfortable. We find ourselves in a fugue state. It’s counterpoint. It’s why Arthur and the film’s impact sustains so strongly in memory. To build on all of this, and for Joaquin, Todd, and Scott, to impact upon on this powerfully is a difficult accomplishment. Congratulations, Todd!”

READ MORE: Martin Scorsese Explains Why He’s Not Involved In ‘Joker’ & Says It’s “Very Different” From A Superhero Film

With fans such as Michael Moore, Scott Cooper, Martin Scorsese, and now Michael Mann, filmmakers are seemingly lining up to give praise for “Joker” and what Phillips and his star Joaquin Phoenix were able to accomplish. And as we enter prime awards season, there’s no denying that WB has a strong contender with the DC Comics film.