Todd Phillips Explained What Would Happen If Joaquin Phoenix As The Joker Came Face To Face With Batman
In the fascinating universe of Gotham, where chaos and order constantly collide, Todd Phillips gives us a look at what might be the most anticipated showdown: Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker versus Batman. With the imminent arrival of Joker: Folie à Deux Coming to theaters this October, Phillips, director of the sequel, shares his thoughts on what this hypothetical showdown would look like.
Joaquin Phoenix, a Joker in constant evolution
Phillips imagines a Joker, brilliantly played by Phoenix, who would be completely fascinated by the imposing figure of Batman. “I think Arthur would be impressed by the alpha of Batman. I really believe that. “Arthur would look up and appreciate it,” he revealed in an interview with IGN. This statement not only highlights the complexity of Arthur Fleck’s character, but also gives us an idea of the possible dynamic between hero and villain.
In Joker (2019), Phoenix has already given us a small taste of this charm during a brief meeting with a young Bruce Wayne, played by Dante Pereira-Olson. However, there are currently no plans for a third Joker film, suggesting that this meeting between Phoenix and the Dark Knight may remain in the realm of the hypothetical.
Arthur’s Inner Dilemma and His Admiration for “Men at Peace”
Phillips delves into the inner torment of Arthur, a man who has never been at peace with himself. Comparing him to characters like Murray Franklin, played by Robert De Niro in the first film, Arthur sees in them a serenity he has never been able to achieve. This admiration for those who are comfortable in their own skin may be the key to his fascination with Batman, another “man at peace” in Arthur’s eyes.
The scene of Joker: Folie À Deux It places us in Arkham, where Arthur Fleck is facing trial for his crimes as the Joker. As he struggles with his dual identity, Arthur not only discovers true love, but also the music that has always been inside him. The cast is rounded out by the presence of Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, Harry Lawtey as Harvey Dent and Zazie Beetz reprising her role as Sophie Dumond.
With a release date scheduled for October 4, 2024, Joker: Folie À Deux promises to explore new depths in the already complex character of Arthur Fleck, as fans continue to speculate about future encounters in the dark and enigmatic world of Gotham.
Gotham as a reflection of our society
The multifaceted character of Arthur Fleck positions him as one of the most complex and disturbing characters in modern cinema. Through his interactions with authority figures and symbols of power, Fleck reflects an internal struggle that resonates deeply in an increasingly divided society. The representation of Gothamon the other hand, it serves as a dark mirror of our own cities, where inequalities and injustices foster the birth of antiheroes and villains.
Compared to other iconic characters, Arthur Fleck stands out for his intense humanity and vulnerability. Unlike villains like Lex Luthor or Thanos, whose motivations may lie in ambition or twisted ideologies, Phoenix’s Joker shows us human fragility and desperation under the mask of the villain. This emotional depth is what makes him so appealing to the audience, offering a more intimate and personal perspective than the classic antagonist.
Exploring the Psyche of a Villain
Phillips’ take on how Joker would view Batman not only enriches our understanding of the character, but also raises interesting questions about what motivates our favorite villains. Is it respect, envy, or a complex mix of emotions that defines your relationship with your heroic counterparts? These kinds of questions ensure that audiences remain captivated and eager to learn more about this dark and twisted saga.