Key Takeaways:
– Ridley Scott expressed his discomfort with the violent nature of Phoenix’s Joker.
– Despite its divisiveness, the film was a commercial success, crossing $1 billion globally.
– The sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, featuring Phoenix and Lady Gaga, is expected this October.
Amidst the myriad of opinions surrounding Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, celebrated filmmaker Ridley Scott recently voiced his criticism of the film. Despite widespread praise for Phoenix’s performance, the film’s unabashed depiction of violence did not sit well with Scott.
Controversy Surrounding the Joker Franchise
Even half a decade later, Phoenix’s portrayal of an unhinged Arthur Fleck remains a heated discussion point. The film aimed at capturing a raw and gritty reality of the character’s descent into the iconic villain Joker. This starkly different approach to comic-book storytelling generated polarizing reactions, with lauding acclaims and criticisms existing simultaneously.
The DCEU, in an attempt to experiment with a fresh take on their catalog, conceived Joker as an outlier to their franchise. Todd Philips took charge of the project, crafting a film that dived deep into Arthur Fleck’s disturbed psyche, plagued by societal neglect and mental health issues. However, the film’s approach towards mental illness, coupled with its graphical violence, resulted in mixed perceptions, even provoking critiques from personalities like Ridley Scott.
Ridley Scott’s Discomfort with Violence Adulation
Ridley Scott shared his views at the Contenders London event by Deadline last year. Having collaborated with Phoenix for a Napoleon biopic, Scott admired the actor’s performance in Joker. Yet, he was taken aback by the movie’s display of violence. “Joaquin was remarkable. I was blown away by Joker, but I didn’t like the way it celebrated violence,” Scott confessed.
The film, despite the controversy, broke records by becoming the first R-rated film to surpass the $1 billion mark globally. Besides, it did ensure Oscar victories for Phoenix and Hildur Guðnadóttir, who won for Best Actor and Best Original Score respectively.
Joker: A Divisive Film Continues Its Impact
Phillips’ rendition of Joker faced controversy primarily due to its raw and unabashed portrayal of violence. Framed as a cautionary tale, the film intended to shed light on the plight of the marginalized and those living with mental health issues. However, its gory aesthetic and grim depiction have contributed to a larger stigma associated with such realities.
The film explores Arthur Fleck’s struggle to navigate his world. While initially trying to adjust peacefully, Fleck’s increasingly reprehensible actions fuel his descent into villainy. Consequently, the narrative’s approach opened up discussions about societal issues but added to the existing prejudices against mentally disturbed individuals.
Anticipated Sequel: Joker: Folie à Deux
Despite its controversial elements, Joker was undeniably a hit for DC. Encouraged by its success, the studio is preparing a sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. With Phoenix reprising his acclaimed role and Lady Gaga featuring as Harley Quinn, the sequel is already garnering positive responses from test screenings.
This second installment is reportedly set to be a musical with 15 popular songs incorporated into the film. Expected to release on October 4 this year, the film is already generating a buzz among fans of the franchise.
Meanwhile, Joker remains available for streaming on Netflix and the Max Amazon channel and can be rented or purchased on Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. As audiences await the sequel, the debates around the original continue, affirming Joker’s polarizing impact on modern cinema.
