JOKER Described As "A Character Study Of A Mentally Ill Person That Becomes The Joker" By Star Marc Maron

In an interesting new interview, Marc Maron (G.L.O.W.) has delved into why he decided to join the cast of Joker alongside Joaquin Phoenix, and sheds some light on what director Todd Phillips has planned.

By JoshWilding - Mar 28, 2019 02:03 AM EST

Filed Under: Joker

Source: NME

The first trailer for Joker is expected to be attached to Shazam! next weekend, and now some new details have been revealed about what we should expect courtesy of star Marc Maron.

It's thought that the comedian and G.L.O.W. star will play a producer on the talk show hosted by Robert DeNiro's character, and while he didn't delve into his role specifically, Maron did explain why he decided to join the project despite previously stating that he's not the biggest fan of the comic book genre.

"I think it’s a very interesting approach to this world," Maron explained. "I’ve been somewhat judgemental when it comes to comic book movies and I’ve got a little pushback in the press for being a hypocrite. Whatever I think, if you get a call and someone says, ‘Hey do you wanna do a scene with Robert De Niro and Joaquin Phoenix?’ your principals fall to the wayside."

He then went on to say that director Todd Phillips is delivering a very different sort of comic book movie, and will delve into what leads someone with a mental illness to adopt the Joker persona.

"If it’s relative to what I think of Marvel movies then it’s like, ‘Yeah, of course I’m gonna do that’. Oddly, it’s not that kind of movie. The approach that Todd Phillips has taken is more of an origin story and a character study of a mentally ill person that becomes The Joker. It’s more of an intimate and gritty movie with a very specific scope. It’s going to be really interesting to see how it comes out."

Those involved with Joker definitely seem to be saying the right things, and it really will be interesting to see how it all comes together and whether comic book fans embrace or reject this origin story.

For a recap of everything the set photos have told us

about the movie, hit the "View List" button below!

Meet Arthur Fleck

Our first look at Joaquin Phoenix's "Arthur Fleck" came via Joker director Todd Phillips but it took no time at all for set photos to surface featuring a maniacal looking Arthur having a good laugh on Amusement Mile.

Arthur could be seen leaving "Ha Ha's" talent agency looking miserable as sin before being confronted by a guy dressed as a clown, cracking a joke, and then giving his nose a good squeeze. Perhaps Arthur feels at this point in time that comedians like that are beneath him but little does he know what's in store for him moving forward...

The Joker Is Revealed

The test video featuring Phoenix decked out in his Joker makeup which was shared by Phillips generated an awful lot of discussion but our best look at the Clown Prince of Crime came courtesy of some revealing set photos.

In those, we saw what will presumably be the villain's final look as he could be seen with green hair, a colourful suit, and smeared makeup which definitely gives him a menacing vibe. It appeared as if he had incited some sort of riot on the subway and in a video which was also shared at the time, we saw protesters attacking Thomas Wayne in the background.

"The Losers' Club"

Bryan Callen's male stripper was also spotted on set fairly early on and it appears as if he belongs to the same talent agency as Arthur and that overweight clown we mentioned at the start of this post. Presumably, they're all looking for their big break in Gotham City and it should be interesting seeing what role, if any, these apparent "friends" of Arthur's have on his journey.

Arthur's Obsession

We don't know much about Zazie Beetz's Sophie Dumont beyond the fact that she lives in the same apartment building as Arthur and is the object of his affections. In these intriguing photos, he could seemingly be seen stalking Sophie through Gotham and she's definitely not her normal glam self.

Thomas Wayne Is Running For Mayor

Recent casting additions have revealed that Bruce Wayne does indeed exist in this world and that Alfred Pennyworth will also be making an appearance. That probably means no Batman but Thomas is clearly a busy man at this point in time because photos have confirmed that he's running for mayor!

That goes some way in explaining how The Joker has so much support from Gotham City's citizens as the last thing the disenfranchised probably want is a billionaire running things.

Stalking Turns To Love?

Despite the fact that it appears as if Arthur is stalking Sophie at one point in the movie, later images showed the two of them catching up in a diner...before he breaks into a maniacal laugh!

Does that mean she eventually falls for Arthur only for something to happen to her which pushes the already unhinged Arthur over the edge? That certainly seems like one fairly likely possibility.

The Joker May Be The Movie's Hero

While The Joker has his fair share of followers in the comics, they're normally Arkham Asylum escapees. In this movie, however, it appears as if those who aren't in the 1% will rally behind the Clown Prince of Crime and many extras have been seen holding up signs saying they want him to become mayor. Could it be that he'll eventually run against Thomas Wayne? That would be...weird!

He's Also A Happy Clown

If you're wondering where Arthur gets the idea to become a clown, it seemingly stems from him being forced to degrade himself by dressing up as a clown and holding one of those signs on the street pointing people to deals they can find in nearby stores.

That presumably comes as a result of his stand-up career being a complete failure and the make-up he's wearing resembles what we later see him in as does the green wig so this is definitely the prototype "Joker" before he transforms into a full-blown baddie.

The Batmobile May Make An Appearance

This is far from confirmed but one fan claims to have spotted the Batmobile on the set of the movie and it was almost identical to the version the Caped Crusader drove in the 1960s TV series.

Seeing as Phoenix's Joker is also heavily inspired by Caesar Romero's, it would make sense for Batman to have that version of his car in this movie but it's just as likely that this was for a random event nearby and isn't associated with the movie in any way. Still, the prospect of Batman appearing in some form is definitely intriguing, especially now we know Bruce Wayne will show up.

A First Look At Thomas Wayne

There's been a lot of speculation that Arthur will be outed as the illegitimate son of Thomas Wayne and these photos definitely pointed to him trying to get the billionaire's attention as Phoenix was spotted trying to chase him down before tumbling to the floor. We know his mother may be connected to Thomas in some way so perhaps he's acting on her behalf during this embarrassing fall.

A Potentially Major Spoiler

In one of the biggest spoilers we've seen to date, The Joker was seen being hauled away in the back of a police cruiser while laughing like a maniac. In all honesty, this could be something which happens at the halfway point but it's hard not to wonder if these shots could ultimately be from the final act as the cops finally catch up to Gotham City's new Clown Prince of Crime.

We'll have to wait and see but I don't think the plot will be as simple as The Joker being arrested and being made to pay for his crimes! My guess is he's the one who kills Thomas and Martha...

The Joker Goes On The Run

Shooting is currently taking place so we'll update this post accordingly and the latest round of images have shown Phoenix's villain being chased down by Shea Whigham and Bill Camp's cops.

His make-up is pretty much flawless at this point in time so it's highly likely that we're seeing Arthur shortly after he first transforms into the Clown Prince of Crime and starts causing chaos...

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93 Comments

1 2 3

JohnnyTBP - 3/28/2019, 2:46 AM

Sounds interesting. I can’t wait to get a teaser

Edministrator - 3/28/2019, 2:57 AM

This film could either be really good or a complete blunder.

MexCowboyNation - 3/28/2019, 7:42 AM

@Edministrator - Why not in the middle?

Kumkani - 3/28/2019, 3:09 AM

Well that's one take on the Joker mythos I guess. Not all surprising but cool nonetheless. I am interested in how this film plays out story wise.

What has Marc Maron said about comic book movies though? Anyone know?

regularmovieguy - 3/28/2019, 4:00 AM

@DnA

He’s interviewed a lot of actors (sometimes promoting their own CBM) and he’s just not a fan. He’s never a huge asshole about it but he’ll tell them their not for him.

theFUZZ008 - 3/28/2019, 6:49 AM

@DnA - I'm not a big Maron fan, but I respect the guy for acknowledging that he is being viewed as hypocritical.

smallvile559 - 3/28/2019, 3:22 AM

Could be good.
Could be hammered shit.
I’m beyond giving WBDC the benefit of a doubt at this point, but the one thing I do know is that Joaquin Phoenix doesn’t do shit just to do shit unless it’s worth doing.
So yeah.
#fingerscrossed#

TheUnworthyThor - 3/28/2019, 3:25 AM

Alex35 - 3/28/2019, 3:33 AM

I feel this is gonna be one of those great, critically praised films that are a bit boring and hard to watch on repeat viewings. 70% drama, 25% crime, 5% action.

CorndogBurglar - 3/28/2019, 3:36 AM

I just can't get into this...

Kurne - 3/28/2019, 4:15 AM

Besides, Wonder Woman, I don't think the DCEU/DC movies have given us anything too different to what we've seen before in the genre-- and that's including Aquaman (seriously, the "first underwater superhero movie"-bragging right or whatever, as if its comparable to WW or BP is complete reaching for a first), so this movie will be their biggest time to shine if they get it right.

SuperManes - 3/28/2019, 5:07 AM

@Kurne - imo we haven't truly gotten anything "too different" in a long time from either studio. WW wasn't all that different, neither was BP. This film might actually be the first CBM in some time that's "different", unfortunately it may be "too different" for many fans who harp on comic accuracy ".

MusaTariq25 - 3/28/2019, 5:21 AM

That’s not giving SHAZAM! enough credit — it’s the most refreshing take on the comic book film genre since Guardians

dnno1 - 3/28/2019, 1:00 PM

@Kurne - Aquaman was better that Black Panther. Better VFX and story.

1 2 3

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JOKER Described As "A Character Study Of A Mentally Ill Person That Becomes The Joker" By Star Marc Maron

In an interesting new interview, Marc Maron (G.L.O.W.) has delved into why he decided to join the cast of Joker alongside Joaquin Phoenix, and sheds some light on what director Todd Phillips has planned.

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