Find out why Joaquin Phoenix was almost the Joker in the iconic 'The Dark Knight' and Quentin Tarantino's unexpected praise for Joker 2!
In a twist of fate that could have changed cinematic history, Joaquin Phoenix recently revealed that he was in talks with director Christopher Nolan to play the Joker in the blockbuster film "The Dark Knight." Ultimately, the role went to the late Heath Ledger, who delivered a haunting performance that earned him a posthumous Oscar. Phoenix, who would later take on the role in the 2019 film "Joker," expressed his feelings about the opportunity, stating, “my feeling was I shouldn't do this.” It's a thought-provoking admission that leaves us pondering how different the character's portrayal might have been under Phoenix's watchful gaze.
Fast forward to Quentin Tarantino's unexpected praise of the much-maligned sequel, "Joker: Folie à Deux," which has baffled audiences and critics alike with its unconventional style. Despite its lackluster performance at the box office, Tarantino commended director Todd Phillips for crafting a film that pushed back against conventional expectations. He even likened Phillips to the Joker himself, suggesting that the filmmaker had a playful yet rebellious spirit throughout the project's evolution. Not many directors would dare to make a movie that both celebrates and critiques Hollywood, but it seems Todd Phillips did just that, winning over some unexpected fans in the process.
But what really ties Phoenix to the Joker legacy? Beyond the spilled tea on filmmaking, the actor has fully embraced the role in various ways. Since portraying the dark character that dives deep into themes of mental health and societal rejection, Phoenix has made headlines not just for his Oscar-winning performance but also for his visionary idea of intertwining musical elements in "Folie à Deux" alongside Lady Gaga. This mash-up of genres in the sequel is certainly a departure from what we would typically expect in a superhero film, proving that the Joker's influence is as broad as it is unpredictable.
However, the connection doesn't end there! Both Phoenix and Ledger's portrayals add rich layers to the complex character of the Joker. Ledger's dark, chaotic take won audiences' hearts, while Phoenix's journey emphasizes the backstory and emotional struggles of the character. Fans are constantly debating which interpretation reigns supreme. They both showcase the Joker in dramatically different lights, reinforcing the notion that this villain continues to evolve with each talented actor willing to don the clown makeup.
Did you know that Heath Ledger's performance was so intense that it led him to a state of insomnia? Meanwhile, Joaquin Phoenix reportedly lost over 50 pounds to embody his version of the character. Such dedication to their roles shows the lengths these actors will go to breathe life into the complex layers of the Joker!
In conclusion, the juxtaposition of these two films – "The Dark Knight" and its sequel, "Joker: Folie à Deux"– unveils a cinematic exploration of chaos and creativity. Both screen interpretations, despite their critical reviews and reception, enrich the narrative of one of comic book history's most captivating villains. Whether you're Team Ledger or Team Phoenix, one thing is for sure: the Joker is here to stay, constantly evolving and challenging our views on radicalism and rebellion in cinema.
Joaquin Phoenix says he spoke to Christopher Nolan about playing Joker in 'The Dark Knight.' The role ultimately went to Heath Ledger.
Joaquin Phoenix recently looked back at the time when Christopher Nolan offered him to play Joker in The Dark Knight.
In 2020, Phoenix bagged a best actor Oscar for playing the titular character in Todd Phillips' film 'Joker', an origin story of the DC antagonist that went ...
The Gladiator actor, 50, starred as the Batman villain in the 2019 origin movie Joker and reprised the role alongside Lady Gaga in the recent musical Joker: ...
Joaquin Phoenix said in a new interview that he was considered for the Joker in Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight,' which famously went to Heath Ledger.
Phoenix reveals “my feeling was I shouldn't do this” when it came to portraying the Clown Prince of Crime in Christopher Nolan's 2008 masterpiece.
The 50-year-old actor was approached by Christopher Nolan to play the Batman villain in the 2008 picture but turned the part – which went to the late Heath ...
Writer-director shows support for critically maligned and commercially disastrous musical follow-up to 2019 hit.
Quentin Tarantino praises Todd Phillips for using "Joker: Folie a Deux" to tell off comic book movie fans and Warner Bros.
Quentin Tarantino praises Joker: Folie à Deux, comparing director Todd Phillips to the Joker himself.
Joker: Folie à Deux has been a major bomb at the box office, earning scathing reviews from fans and critics alike. But it has at least one big fan in ...
Plus, he revealed is thoughts on director Todd Phillips. "Todd Phillips is the Joker. The Joker directed the movie. The entire concept, even him spending the ...
The veteran auteur told a podcast Todd Phillips' antihero musical starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga impressed him during a screening at the cinema.
The Kill Bill director gave his thoughts on the Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga-starring film and shared why he enjoyed the DC Comics-based movie. “I really, ...
Director Quentin Tarantino enjoyed Joker: Folie á Deux much more than he expected to after not loving the first film.
"It's one of the best performances I've ever seen in my life," he said of Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck. quentin tarantino joker 2 folie a deux ...
When watching Joker: Folie À Deux, I was struck by how much inspiration it seems to have found in classic Looney Tunes shorts.
Quentin Tarantino praised the "Joker" sequel, "Joker: Folie à Deux," as a "fuck you" to audiences and "comic book geeks."
'Pulp Fiction' director said Joaquin Phoenix gave 'one of the best performances I've ever seen in my life'
Yes, you can count Quentin Tarantino as a 'Folie à Deux' megafan. In fact, he praises Joaquin Phoenix for giving an all-timer performance and Todd Phillips ...
Quentin Tarantino calls the superhero flop a "f--- you to Hollywood," praises Joaquin Phoenix's performance and Todd Phillips' direction.
Quentin Tarantino has recently heaped praises for director Todd Phillips' Joker: Folie à Deux even though the movie bombed at the box office.
Quentin Tarantino loved the critically maligned 'Joker: Folie à Deux,' interpreting the controversial sequel as director Todd Phillips 'saying 'f--- you' to ...
Ledger's critically acclaimed performance as the Joker in “The Dark Knight” posthumously won him the Oscar for best supporting actor. Phoenix would finally be ...
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Despite having a global pop superstar, an Oscar-winning actor and a hefty $200 million budget, this movie isn't even worth watching at home.
Joker: Folie à Deux is now available to stream on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ less than a month after its theatrical release.
Joker 2 can be watched and skimmed through at home on digital, but this only showcases how the movie's best elements are few and far between.
Despite becoming a box office disappointment, Joker 2 did find a dedicated fanbase, with renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino now coming forward as one of ...
Quentin Tarantino appeared on 'The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast' to praise the 'Joker' sequel starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, 'Joker: Folie à Deux': 'I ...