Everything You Need to Know Before Watching Joker

Joaquin Phoenix is the one and only Clown Prince of Crime in Todd Phillips’ Joker. Set in 1981, Arthur Fleck is a mentally ill, impoverished stand-up comedian disregarded by society.

Before you put on a happy face and watch the movie, here’s everything you need to know about Joker:

5. It’s a Standalone Film

With so many superhero franchises out there, it might be hard to keep up with which movie belongs in what universe. Joker, on the other hand, is a standalone film with no ties to any other DC Comics films.

Director Todd Phillips was quoted saying:

“Instead of trying to live in the shadow of the beast, let’s do something they can’t. Let’s strip that all away. It’ll be liberating.”

4. It’s Going for the Gold

Ever since Joaquin Phoenix signed on, fans and critics alike knew that Joker was going to be a prestige film. When it premiered at the 76th Venice International Film Festival, it received an eight-minute standing ovation and won the Golden Lion, the festival’s highest prize.

As we enter the awards season, both the film and the lead actor have been pegged as major contenders for the Academy Awards. Many believe nominations for Best Picture and Best Actor are guaranteed.

3. Inspired by Scorsese

The film takes inspiration from Martin Scorsese’s films Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy. Scorsese himself was attached to produce the film but had to leave due to scheduling conflicts. With an 80’s Scorsese vibe and seven-time Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper producing the film; Joker is guaranteed to be a nostalgia trip for all the classic cinema purists out there.

2. Not Your Typical Superhero Movie

Joaquin Phoenix had, on multiple occasions, declined major roles in franchises such as The Marvel Cinematic Universe due to the multiple film commitment. Phoenix preferred to tell more contained, character-focused stories.

Despite being a comic book supervillain and pop culture icon with several legendary incarnations, Phoenix’s take on Joker is an in-depth character study and cautionary tale unlike anything seen before.

1. Arthur Fleck is Not a Hero

Joker has generated online debate about the messages behind the film and if Arthur Fleck’s violence is being glorified. Warner Bros. has released a statement online saying:

“Neither the fictional character, nor the film, is an endorsement of real-world violence of any kind. It is not the intention of the film, filmmakers or the studio to hold this character up as a hero.”

Now that you’re all caught up, get ready to see one of the most talked about films of the year: Joker . Book your tickets here and share your thoughts, reviews and more using the hashtag #JokeratVOX. 

BOOK TICKETS