Why so serious? Because “this one’s going straight to the Oscars”…
While it’s entirely possible for both pop culture films and more artistic cinema to co-exist and have equal merit, the eternal debate rages.
The more snobbish cinephiles might look down at this summer’s blockbusters and dismiss them as vacuous, while the multiplex patrons might regard arthouse films as pretentious and snobbish.
Can’t we all just get along?
Well, Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy is widely regarded as a piece of cinema that appealed to both crowds and it appears that Todd Phillips’ take on The Joker will be the exact same.
After the first trailer was released, it’s clear that the origin story will be far more character driven than previous incarnations with Joaquin Phoenix’s take on the character being more grounded and psychologically damaged.
In terms of the plot, Joker revolves around a failed comedian named Arthur Fleck.
After encountering violent thugs while wandering the streets of Gotham City dressed as a clown, Fleck begins a slow dissent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.
Granted, a major studio film appearing on the festival circuit isn’t always a sign of quality – Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was screened at Cannes out of competition – but the early indicators about Joker are extremely positive.
Warner Bros. gave their comic book tentpole its world premiere in competition at the Venice Film Festival and also screened it at the Toronto International Film Festival.
In an interview with Variety, Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera said that Todd Phillips was so confident about his film that he wanted it screened in competition.
“I have to say, Warners was convinced pretty rapidly, because it’s a really surprising film. It’s the most surprising film we’ve got this year.
“This one’s going straight to the Oscars even though it’s gritty, dark, violent. It has amazing ambition and scope,” said Barbera.
Last week, the artistic director of the Toronto Film Festival echoed these sentiments when he told IndieWire that the film features a “career-best performance by Joaquin Phoenix. I think all the awards bodies will be taking notice.”
Considering the standard of Phoenix’s performances in the likes of Gladiator, The Master, Her, and Buffalo Soldiers, that’s very high praise.
Joker is released in Irish cinemas on 4 October.
Clip via Warner Bros. Pictures
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
