Joker (2019 film)

Joker

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	2019 (2019)
Founder	Todd Phillips, Scott Silver
Products	Psychological thriller film
Parent	Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Films, Village Roadshow Pictures, Bron Creative, Joint Effort

Joker is a 2019 American psychological thriller helmed by director Todd Phillips, who co-authored the screenplay alongside Scott Silver. Drawing from DC Comics lore, the film features Joaquin Phoenix portraying an alternative origin tale of the Joker. The narrative centers on Arthur Fleck, a struggling clown and hopeful comedian whose mental health deteriorates, igniting a violent revolt against Gotham City's affluent elite. The cast also includes Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, and Frances Conroy in key supporting roles. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, Joker was a collaborative production involving Warner Bros., DC Films, Village Roadshow Pictures, Bron Creative, and Joint Effort.

The concept for Joker originated in 2016 under Phillips’ vision, with the script developed in partnership with Silver throughout 2017. The film draws inspiration from character-driven dramas of the 1970s and the works of director Martin Scorsese, particularly Taxi Driver (1976) and The King of Comedy (1982), with Scorsese initially joining as a producer. While it loosely incorporates themes from Batman: The Killing Joke (1988) and The Dark Knight Returns (1986), it deliberately avoids direct links to previous comics or cinematic continuities. Phoenix was cast early in 2018, and principal photography took place between September and December 2018 across New York City, Jersey City, and Newark. Notably, Joker is the first live-action theatrical Batman installment to receive an R rating from the Motion Picture Association.

After debuting at the 76th Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2019, Joker opened in U.S. theaters on October 4. Although critical reception was mixed, it achieved remarkable commercial success, surpassing $1 billion globally—the first R-rated film to do so—and setting new records for an October release. It ranked as the sixth highest-grossing movie of 2019 and garnered numerous accolades. Its standing as the top-grossing R-rated film remained until eclipsed by Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024. The sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, released in 2024, received unfavorable reviews and underperformed financially.

Plot

Set in 1981 Gotham City amid economic downturn, Arthur Fleck works as a party clown while aspiring to be a stand-up comedian. He lives with his mother, Penny, and suffers from a neurological condition that triggers uncontrollable laughter episodes. Dependent on social services for medication, Arthur is given a revolver by a colleague for self-defense after an assault at work. He attempts to develop a romantic connection with his neighbor Sophie Dumond, a single mother, inviting her to one of his comedy shows.

After accidentally dropping his firearm during a performance at a children's hospital, Arthur is dismissed from his job. While still wearing clown makeup on the subway, he is attacked by three intoxicated businessmen linked to Wayne Investments; he fatally shoots two in self-defense and kills the third while escaping. Thomas Wayne, a billionaire running for mayor, publicly condemns the murders; however, supporters begin donning clown masks inspired by Arthur’s persona. Following cuts to social service funding, Arthur loses access to his medication.

Sophie attends one of Arthur’s struggling stand-up acts. Arthur intercepts a letter from Penny suggesting he is Thomas Wayne’s illegitimate child and confronts his mother about it. During a visit to Wayne Manor, he encounters Thomas’s son Bruce but flees after an altercation with their family butler Alfred. After detectives question Penny regarding the subway shootings, she suffers a stroke and is hospitalized. On television, late-night host Murray Franklin ridicules Arthur as a "joker," causing him distress.

Arthur confronts Thomas Wayne at a movie theater; Thomas denies paternity claims and asserts Penny is not Arthur’s biological mother. At Arkham State Hospital, Arthur discovers Penny’s file revealing she was a delusional narcissist who adopted him while employed by the Waynes and fabricated her relationship with Thomas. She raised Arthur alongside an abusive partner who contributed to his neurological disorder. Arthur visits Sophie unannounced; she reveals their relationship existed only in his imagination. The following day, Arthur suffocates Penny in the hospital.

Invited onto Murray Franklin’s show, Arthur is visited beforehand by former coworkers Randall and Gary. He kills Randall but spares Gary due to his kindness. Police chase Arthur onto a train filled with protesters wearing clown masks; after an officer kills one protester during a fight, others retaliate against the police while Arthur escapes.

On live television, Arthur requests to be introduced as "Joker," admits responsibility for the subway murders, condemns societal neglect, then shoots Murray Franklin in the head. Amid widespread riots across Gotham City, looters free Arthur by ramming an ambulance into his police transport vehicle. Meanwhile, rioters kill Thomas and Martha Wayne in front of their son Bruce. Arthur celebrates atop a police car amidst cheers while smearing blood into a smile.

Later at Arkham Asylum, Arthur silently laughs during therapy but refuses to share his joke. As he departs, he leaves behind bloodied footprints while being pursued by an orderly.

Cast

• Joaquin Phoenix portrays Arthur Fleck / Joker, a mentally unstable and destitute clown and comedian whose traumatic past drives him to adopt a nihilistic criminal identity marked by a clown persona. Phoenix approached the role as a low-budget "character study," highlighting the film’s distinct atmosphere. He underwent a significant physical transformation, shedding 52 pounds (23 kg) for authenticity.
• Robert De Niro plays Murray Franklin, a talk show host central to Arthur’s eventual downfall. De Niro acknowledged that his character pays tribute to Rupert Pupkin from his earlier film The King of Comedy (1982).
• Zazie Beetz is cast as Sophie Dumond, a single mother who becomes Arthur’s romantic interest. Beetz spoke highly of collaborating with Phoenix and the opportunity to learn from him.
• Frances Conroy takes on the role of Penny Fleck, Arthur’s mother who suffers from mental and physical illnesses and was once employed by Thomas Wayne.
  • Hannah Gross appears as the younger version of Penny.
• Brett Cullen embodies Thomas Wayne, Gotham’s billionaire running for mayor. The role was initially assigned to Alec Baldwin, who later exited due to scheduling issues.
• Carrie Louise Putrello plays Martha, Thomas Wayne’s wife, in a non-speaking part.
• Douglas Hodge portrays Alfred Pennyworth, the trusted butler and guardian of the Wayne family.
• Dante Pereira-Olson appears as Bruce Wayne, the son of Thomas and Martha.
• Glenn Fleshler and Leigh Gill fill the roles of Randall and Gary, respectively.
• Bill Camp and Shea Whigham act as detectives Garrity and Burke from the Gotham City Police Department.
• Marc Maron plays Gene Ufland, the producer of Franklin’s television program.
• Sharon Washington portrays Debra Kan, Arthur’s social worker.
• Josh Pais is cast as Hoyt Vaughn, Arthur’s employer.
• Brian Tyree Henry appears as Clark, an employee at Arkham State Hospital.
• Frank Wood acts as Dr. Benjamin Stoner, Penny Fleck’s former therapist.
• Ben Warheit, Michael Benz, and Carl Lundstedt portray employees at Wayne Investments who harass Arthur on the subway.
• Comedians Gary Gulman and Sam Morril perform at an open mic event where Arthur also appears.
• Bryan Callen plays Javier, a colleague of Arthur.
• Justin Theroux makes an uncredited appearance as Ethan Chase, a celebrity guest on Franklin’s show.

Development

Between 2014 and 2015, Joaquin Phoenix showed interest in starring in an intimate "character study" film centered on a comic book antagonist such as the Joker, prior to Todd Phillips presenting the Joker concept in 2016. Phoenix had previously turned down opportunities within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) because of the extensive commitment required for recurring roles. Initially skeptical about portraying the Joker—believing the character had been sufficiently explored—Phoenix declined preliminary discussions with Warner Bros.. Likewise, Phillips had avoided comic book adaptations before, finding them excessively "loud," but he became intrigued by crafting a grounded comic book narrative with creative liberties afforded by the Joker figure.

Phillips introduced Joker to Warner Bros. following his August 2016 release of War Dogs. Known predominantly for comedies like Road Trip and The Hangover, Phillips aimed to transition into darker storytelling. He envisioned distinguishing DC Films from Marvel Studios by developing modestly budgeted standalone projects that minimized CGI reliance. After Wonder Woman achieved success, DC Films pivoted away from emphasizing a shared universe within the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). In August 2017, Warner Bros. confirmed Phillips would direct and co-write Joker alongside Scott Silver, with Martin Scorsese attached as co-producer.

Industry reports indicated that Jared Leto, who played Joker in the DCEU, was unhappy about this separate project and allegedly tried to halt its production, causing friction that contributed to his exit from Creative Artists Agency; however, these claims have been contested by some sources.

Warner Bros. advocated for Leonardo DiCaprio to assume the Joker role due to his work history with Scorsese, but Phillips remained firm that Phoenix was his sole choice. The screenplay was tailored specifically for Phoenix, intending to incorporate comic book films into his distinctive acting repertoire rather than adapting his style to fit genre conventions. Although initially daunted by the part, Phoenix recognized its distinctiveness compared to typical studio productions.

Writing

Phillips and Silver dedicated much of 2017 to crafting the script for Joker, a process that spanned approximately one year. Producer Emma Tillinger Koskoff revealed that Warner Bros. postponed script approval partly because of concerns surrounding the film's content. Phillips highlighted several obstacles encountered during development, largely due to the character's high profile, stressing that the narrative centers on childhood trauma and mental health issues rather than political themes. The screenplay addresses the stigma faced by individuals disclosing mental illness, illustrated by the line: "The worst part of having a mental illness is that people expect you to behave as if you don't."

The script takes cues from Martin Scorsese’s works such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and The King of Comedy, alongside Phillips’ experience with the Hangover Trilogy. Further inspiration comes from 1970s character-driven films like Serpico and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the silent-era film The Man Who Laughs, and various musicals. The concept was influenced by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke, which portrays the Joker as a failed comedian, while the pivotal talk show sequence draws from Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns. Phillips clarified that instead of adapting specific comics, they selectively incorporated aspects from the Joker’s history to create an original narrative focused on his transformation.

Additionally, Phillips incorporated elements from early 1980s New York City; notably, the subway shooting scene was inspired by the 1984 New York City Subway shooting incident, with Arthur Fleck partially modeled after its assailant Bernhard Goetz.

Rejecting the typical origin involving acid disfigurement, Phillips and Silver crafted a more genuine storyline, benefiting from creative liberty given the Joker’s lack of a definitive comic origin. They preserved ambiguity by depicting Arthur as an unreliable narrator who may suffer from delusions and unspecified mental disorders, leaving his true nature open to interpretation.

When a draft of the screenplay leaked online in April 2018 before production began, Phillips acknowledged it was an outdated version and opted against legal measures, valuing its circulation within fan circles.

Pre-production

After the disappointing critical and box office reception of Justice League in 2017, Warner Bros. appointed Walter Hamada as head of DC film production in January 2018. Hamada canceled certain DC projects while moving others forward; among these was Joker, scheduled to start filming in late 2018 with a relatively modest budget of $55 million. Initially hesitant to fully support Joker, Warner Bros. assigned it a limited budget partly to discourage director Todd Phillips. Phillips remarked that Hamada did not fully grasp his creative vision. By June, Robert De Niro was being considered for a supporting role. Joaquin Phoenix's casting was confirmed in July 2018 after four months of negotiations, coinciding with Warner Bros. officially greenlighting the project under the title Joker and setting its release for October 4, 2019. The studio described the film as "an exploration of a man disregarded by society," blending an intense character study with a broader cautionary message.

Producer Emma Tillinger Koskoff, known for longtime collaboration with Martin Scorsese, joined the project; however, Scorsese himself stepped back due to commitments on The Irishman (2019). It was confirmed that this film would be separate from the DCEU continuity and unrelated to Jared Leto’s portrayal of Joker. In July, Zazie Beetz was cast in a supporting role, with De Niro entering negotiations in August. Frances McDormand declined the role of Arthur’s mother, which was subsequently given to Frances Conroy. By late July, Marc Maron and Bryan Callen were added to the cast. Alec Baldwin was initially cast as Thomas Wayne in August but withdrew two days later due to scheduling conflicts and objections over his character’s depiction as a "cheesy and tanned businessman" reminiscent of a 1980s Donald Trump.

Filming

Principal photography commenced in September 2018 in New York City, initially operating under the working title Romeo. Shortly thereafter, the cast expanded to include Robert De Niro, Brett Cullen (who replaced Alec Baldwin), Shea Whigham, Glenn Fleshler, Bill Camp, Josh Pais, and Douglas Hodge. Bradley Cooper joined the project as a producer, while longtime Todd Phillips collaborator Lawrence Sher took on the role of director of photography. On September 22, a scene depicting a violent protest was shot at the Church Avenue station in Kensington, Brooklyn, which was transformed to resemble the Bedford Park Boulevard station in the Bronx. Additional intense scenes were filmed on the disused lower platform of the Ninth Avenue station located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

Throughout production, Phillips made substantial script revisions due to Joaquin Phoenix’s notable weight loss, which limited opportunities for reshoots. Frequently, scenes were scripted and filmed within the same day. Reports indicated that Phoenix left the set briefly when feeling overwhelmed; however, he remained present during all scenes involving De Niro, who commended Phoenix’s profound dedication to his role.

Filming moved to Jersey City on September 30, necessitating the temporary closure of Newark Avenue; later in November, Kennedy Boulevard was also closed for shooting. Scenes along Newark Avenue were captured from October 13 to 16. A grievance was raised by SAG-AFTRA after extras were confined inside subway cars for over three hours during Brooklyn filming, but this issue was swiftly addressed. In October, Dante Pereira-Olson was cast as a young Bruce Wayne. By mid-November, production returned to New York City and concluded on December 3, 2018.

Producer Emma Tillinger Koskoff identified the "stair dance" sequence—filmed on what became known as the Joker Stairs—as the most challenging due to interruptions caused by paparazzi. The original plan was to shoot on the South Bronx stairs featured in American Gangster (2007), but renovations had altered their appearance, leading to a change of location. Although Phillips and Sher aimed to film using 65mm film for superior image quality, Warner Bros. declined this option due to budget constraints; consequently, Arri Alexa 65 digital cameras were employed. Warner Bros. later distributed Joker in limited theatrical runs using converted 70mm and 35mm formats.

Post-production

Phillips confirmed he was in the editing phase of Joker by March 2019. At CinemaCon the following month, he described the project as still evolving and stressed the importance of confidentiality. He refuted numerous rumors by emphasizing that it is "an origin story about a character that doesn't have a definitive origin." Brian Tyree Henry’s involvement was also announced during this period. Visual effects work was carried out by Scanline VFX and Shade VFX under the supervision of Matthew Giampa and Bryan Godwin, with Erwin Rivera overseeing all visual effects.

A scene featuring Sophie watching Arthur’s appearance on Franklin’s show was removed to maintain narrative focus strictly from Arthur’s viewpoint. Another deleted segment revealing Arthur’s criminal acts to a colleague was cut because it disclosed "too much information." The original script concluded with Arthur carving a Glasgow smile while surrounded by supporters; however, Warner Bros. executive Christopher Nolan rejected this ending, reserving that particular imagery for Heath Ledger’s Joker in The Dark Knight (2008).

The final production budget ranged between $55 million and $70 million—substantially less than typical comic book movies; for context, Suicide Squad (2016) had a $175 million budget. Funding sources included $25 million from Toronto-based Creative Wealth Media, with Village Roadshow Pictures and Bron Studios each contributing 25%. Joker marked the first live-action theatrical entry within the Batman film franchise to be assigned an R rating for its "strong bloody violence, disturbing behavior, language and brief sexual images." In the United Kingdom, the British Board of Film Classification classified it as a 15 rating due to "strong bloody violence [and] language."

Set

The film Joker is situated in a Gotham City modeled after 1980s New York, a choice made by Todd Phillips to set it apart from the larger DC universe. Production designer Mark Friedberg opted to shoot in Newark to authentically depict urban hardship. Drawing inspiration from Taxi Driver (1976), he pursued a raw and gritty visual style, meticulously crafting Gotham with named streets and buildings. The set included vibrant 1970s muscle cars to create visual contrast, while elements such as graffiti, trash, and cracked pavements conveyed urban decline. Visual effects augmented the skyline with imaginary structures, reinforcing the city’s oppressive nature as it influences the protagonist. Cinematographer Lawrence Sher utilized sodium-vapor lighting to represent Arthur’s loneliness and fleeting moments of optimism.

Arkham State Hospital, inspired by Arkham Asylum but renamed for realism, was portrayed through exterior shots at the Brooklyn Army Terminal and interior scenes filmed at Metropolitan Hospital Center in Harlem. Inside Arkham, two walls painted in different hues were designed to evoke uncertainty about Arthur's mental condition and his time within the institution.

Character design

Arthur’s mannerisms were heavily influenced by the Little Tramp character from Modern Times (1936), with his exaggerated movements drawing on Charlie Chaplin. His dance sequences were inspired by Ray Bolger, while the two-finger smile gesture referenced the Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz (1939). To prepare for the role, Phoenix subsisted on one minimal meal daily over eight months, resulting in a gaunt, "wolf-like" appearance. He also studied pathological laughter to develop his own distinctive laugh. Eschewing previous Joker interpretations, Phoenix researched political assassinations to gain insight into killers’ psyches. Todd Phillips described Arthur’s neutral expression as his "real mask," with the Joker persona representing his authentic self. The genuine laugh emerges only in the film’s closing scene. Phillips intentionally left ambiguous whether Arthur fully transforms into the classic Joker or inspires a different figure, although Phoenix personally views him as becoming the traditional Joker.

Make-up and costumes

Makeup artist Nicki Ledermann and hairstylist Kay Georgiou aimed for a "handmade and realistic" appearance for Arthur Fleck, including unkempt hair. Costume designer Mark Bridges developed Arthur’s clothing to look "aged, overdyed, and worn," utilizing inexpensive polyester trousers and an acrylic sweater. The color scheme reflected 1980s influences with shades of blue, maroon, brown, mauve, and gray. Bridges noted that Arthur’s wardrobe evolved from a "juvenile mode" to align with the film’s narrative tone. Early outfits highlight his childlike qualities through items like an ill-fitting hooded jacket and white socks, symbolizing his dependence on his mother Penny and nodding to inspirations such as Charlie Chaplin. His clothing subtly shifts during pivotal moments—for example, he wears a charcoal sweater during a social worker meeting and a "scab-colored knit top" while at Arkham State Hospital. A faded mustard vest combined with a patterned bottle-green shirt suggested an older suit.

When Arthur becomes Joker, his look undergoes significant changes: his hair is tinted "broccoli" green, and he dons a suit reminiscent of that worn in the original Batman television series but with distinct colors. Unlike earlier films featuring purple suits paired with green or yellow shirts, this version employs altered hues per director Phillips’ desire to avoid associations with previous Jokers. Initially scripted as terracotta, Bridges shifted the suit’s color to red to better express emotion. The contrasting palette of green, yellow, purple, and red stands out against antagonist Thomas Wayne’s grays and blues. The clown makeup adopts a vintage style with darker shades and intimidating eyebrows. Ledermann encountered difficulties due to copyright restrictions limiting similarity to existing clown designs.

Music

In August 2018, the film's score was entrusted to Hildur Guðnadóttir. Her work commenced after reviewing the screenplay and consulting with director Todd Phillips, who had a distinct vision for the soundtrack. While composing for Joker, Hildur simultaneously worked on the drama miniseries Chernobyl, noting the difficulty of balancing two vastly different projects.

The soundtrack also incorporates tracks such as "That's Life", "Send In the Clowns", "White Room", and "Rock and Roll Part 2". The inclusion of "Rock and Roll Part 2" generated controversy due to its original performer, convicted child sex offender Gary Glitter, who was initially reported to receive royalties. However, it was later clarified that Glitter would not profit from the film, as the rights had been sold; US rights are now held by Universal Music Publishing Group. The official score was released on October 2, 2019, through WaterTower Music.

Hildur’s composition earned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a Satellite Award, a Saturn Award, honors from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA), and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score, marking her as the first woman to win solo in that category.

Marketing

Todd Phillips promoted Joker by posting behind-the-scenes images on his Instagram account. On September 21, 2018, he released test footage featuring Joaquin Phoenix in character, set to "Laughing" by The Guess Who. At CinemaCon on April 2, 2019, Phillips debuted the initial trailer, which became available online the following day. The preview included Jimmy Durante’s "Smile" and was met with favorable responses, drawing comparisons to films like Taxi Driver and Requiem for a Dream, while lauding Phoenix’s portrayal. It was characterized as dark and intense, more akin to a psychological thriller than a standard comic book movie. Mark Hamill, famed for voicing the Joker in animated series, expressed excitement about the trailer on Twitter. Despite some criticism that it revealed little new footage and resembled previously released stills, it still showed promise. Within hours, the trailer amassed over eight million views.

On August 25, 2019, Phillips shared six short teasers teasing a second trailer set for release on August 28. Filmmaker Kevin Smith praised this trailer’s originality and its appeal beyond traditional DC Comics fans. Overall, Deadline Hollywood estimated Warner Bros.’ promotional and advertising expenses at $120 million.

After its theatrical debut, Warner Bros. notably incorporated negative critic reviews into marketing campaigns to generate audience curiosity.

Theatrical

Joker had its world premiere at the 76th Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2019, where it received an eight-minute standing ovation and secured the Golden Lion award. It subsequently screened at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2019. Warner Bros. Pictures officially released the movie in theaters on October 4, 2019, in the United States, with earlier launches in Australia and other international territories on October 3. On November 16, 2019, a screening took place at the White House for President Donald Trump, who reportedly appreciated the film. Select cinemas presented Joker in its original 70mm format as envisioned by Phillips. Following numerous award nominations, Joker saw a North American re-release beginning January 17, 2020.

Security issues

On September 18, 2019, the United States Army alerted service personnel to possible violent incidents at cinemas showing the film, highlighting the Joker character's appeal within the incel community. A memorandum disclosed that the Army had obtained "credible" intelligence from Texas law enforcement regarding a potential assault on an unspecified movie theater coinciding with the film's release. Given its R rating in the US, there were concerns that the movie might incite emulation of the criminal acts portrayed. Nevertheless, according to Deadline Hollywood, neither the FBI nor the United States Department of Homeland Security identified any credible threats linked to the film's debut.

Director Todd Phillips voiced astonishment at critiques targeting the film's somber atmosphere, suggesting such backlash stems from outrage being commodified and describing detractors as "far left". Lead actor Joaquin Phoenix momentarily exited an interview when questioned about whether the film could motivate mass shooters but returned shortly after without providing a response. Subsequently, Warner Bros. limited press interviews at the premiere, permitting only photographers to interact with the cast and filmmakers, explaining that "A lot has been said about Joker and we just feel it's time for people to see the film."

The movie was not shown at the Aurora, Colorado theater where a mass shooting took place during The Dark Knight Rises in 2012, honoring requests from victims' families. Furthermore, Landmark Theatres prohibited Joker costumes during its screening period, and law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles and New York enhanced security measures at theaters despite no direct threats.

In the end, despite these initial apprehensions, screenings occurred without any violent episodes reported. Both the FBI and Department of Homeland Security closely monitored developments but no incidents transpired during opening weekend. Much of the controversy appeared media-driven, as Joker achieved considerable commercial success.

Home media

Joker became available on Digital HD starting December 17, 2019, followed by releases on DVD, Blu-ray, and Ultra HD Blu-ray on January 7, 2020. The film premiered on HBO on May 16, 2020, and subsequently launched on HBO Max when the platform debuted on May 27, 2020.

Box office

Joker amassed $335.5 million domestically (United States and Canada) alongside $743.5 million internationally, culminating in a global total of $1.079 billion. This positioned it as the sixth highest-grossing film of 2019 and the second top-grossing R-rated movie ever produced. It became the first R-rated title to surpass one billion dollars worldwide until Deadpool & Wolverine achieved this feat in 2024. Thanks to its relatively low production budget combined with steady weekly earnings, Joker set a new benchmark for profitability among comic book adaptations based on budget-to-gross ratio, overtaking Deadpool. Deadline Hollywood estimated its net profit at $437 million after all costs were accounted for.

Industry experts initially predicted an opening domestic weekend between $60 million and $90 million; some forecasts later increased this range to $85–105 million, indicating potential for breaking October opening records. Despite skepticism related to its atypical comic-book style, advance ticket sales exceeded those of comparable titles such as Venom and It Chapter Two.

Launching in 4,374 theaters across North America, Joker generated $39.9 million on its first day—including $13.3 million from Thursday night previews—setting new records for October openings and surpassing figures from Venom and Halloween (2018 film). It concluded its domestic debut weekend with $96.2 million, marking career-best openings for Joaquin Phoenix, Todd Phillips, and Robert De Niro while ranking as the fourth largest R-rated debut ever recorded. The film sustained strong performance with a second weekend totaling $55.9 million (an October record), followed by $29.2 million and $19.2 million in subsequent weekends. Its U.S. theatrical run ended with $355.5 million domestically, placing it fourth among all-time R-rated releases in that market.

Internationally, Joker was expected to open near $155 million across 73 countries but outperformed projections with a global opening of $234 million—$140.5 million from overseas markets—setting a Warner Bros. record in South Korea ($16.3 million) and achieving robust results in the UK ($14.8 million), Mexico ($13.1 million), and Japan ($7 million). This marked the largest worldwide October debut ever recorded. The movie continued its strong international showing with $125.7 million during its second weekend and $77.9 million in its third abroad, prompting analysts to forecast it would become the highest-grossing R-rated film globally by surpassing $1 billion in total revenue. It reached this milestone approximately four weeks after release during its fourth weekend while adding another $47.8 million internationally.

Critical response

On the review platform Rotten Tomatoes, Joker holds an approval rating of 68% derived from 603 critiques, with an average score of 7.3 out of 10. The site's summary remarks that Joker delivers a chillingly credible origin story for its notorious protagonist, serving as an outstanding showcase for its lead actor and marking a darker turn for comic book-inspired cinema. Meanwhile, Metacritic assigned the movie a score of 59 out of 100 based on evaluations from 60 critics, reflecting "mixed or average" sentiments. Audience feedback collected by CinemaScore resulted in a "B+" grade, whereas PostTrak reported an 84% positive reception alongside a 60% rate of definite recommendation.

Mark Kermode from The Observer awarded the film four stars out of five, commending Joaquin Phoenix’s “mesmerizingly physical” embodiment of the character. Jim Vejvoda at IGN gave it a flawless rating, describing it as a compelling character study featuring an "Oscar-worthy" performance. Xan Brooks, also writing for The Observer, granted full marks, emphasizing Todd Phillips’ direction which draws on Scorsese’s influence to craft a distinctive narrative. Variety's Owen Gleiberman praised Phoenix as “astonishing” in this neo-Taxi Driver-inspired film that reflects contemporary social issues.

Brandon Davis from ComicBook.com hailed Joker as a pioneering adaptation within the comic genre, more terrifying than many horror releases of 2019, highlighting its cinematography and acting. Pete Hammond of Deadline Hollywood described it as "a bravura piece of filmmaking" resonating with modern societal themes. Peter Travers at Rolling Stone characterized Phoenix’s portrayal as “gut-wrenching” and labeled the film “simply stupendous.”

More ambivalent appraisals included David Ehrlich of IndieWire, who assigned a "C+" grade—acknowledging the film's boldness but criticizing its direction and originality. Glenn Kenny at RogerEbert.com gave two stars, considering the movie derivative and self-important despite strong performances. Sajesh Mohan from Onmanorama found the film laden with clichés except for Phoenix’s acting, crediting Phillips and Silver for adding depth to the character.

Negative assessments came from Stephanie Zacharek at Time, who deemed Phoenix’s performance exaggerated and the storyline shallow. NPR’s Glen Weldon regarded the sympathetic depiction as unconvincing and derivative of films like Taxi Driver. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian called it “the most disappointing film of the year,” praising Phoenix but criticizing its political subtext and Scorsese influences.

Industry response

The industry responded positively to Joker. DC Comics’ chief creative officer Jim Lee described it as "intense, raw and soulful," appreciating its faithfulness to the character despite departures from comic canon. Actor Mark Hamill, known for voicing the Joker, applauded the film’s “brilliant” reinvention of the character. Director Richard Donner praised it as "brilliant" and "well-written," highlighting Phoenix's "genius" portrayal. Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore called it a "cinematic masterpiece," encouraging viewers to watch it. Actor Josh Brolin regarded the film as powerful due to its emotional resonance.

Actors Vincent D'Onofrio and Jessica Chastain both lauded Phoenix’s performance; Chastain described it as “one of the greatest acting achievements” she had witnessed. Actress and writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge noted the film’s raw intensity and timely social relevance. Filmmaker David Fincher acknowledged its unexpected success but criticized its depiction of mental health issues.

Actor Brendan Gleeson labeled Phoenix’s role as “indelible,” citing this as motivation for joining the sequel Joker: Folie à Deux (2024). Filmmaker Ridley Scott, impressed by Phoenix’s work despite reservations about violent content, called him an “amazing asset” for his upcoming project Napoleon (2023), praising both its artistic merit and commercial potential.

Accolades

In September 2019, Joker secured the prestigious Golden Lion, awarded at the 76th Venice International Film Festival. At the 92nd Academy Awards, it won Best Actor for Phoenix and Best Original Score, earning eleven nominations overall—including Best Picture—surpassing the record previously held by The Dark Knight among comic book adaptations. Composer Hildur Guðnadóttir became the first woman in over twenty years to win an Oscar for original score.

During the 73rd British Academy Film Awards, Joker took home awards for Best Actor (Phoenix), Best Casting, and Best Original Music from eleven nominations that included Best Film. It received four nominations at the 77th Golden Globe Awards, winning Best Original Score and Best Actor (Phoenix). The film garnered seven nods at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards, winning Best Actor and Best Score, while also appearing in both American Film Institute and Cahiers du Cinéma's top ten films lists for 2019.

The movie earned a 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards accolade recognizing Phoenix's performance and received nominations from both the Writers Guild of America and Producers Guild of America. Additionally, it won recognition from the Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild for Best Period and/or Character Make-Up in a Feature-Length Motion Picture.

Themes and analysis

Joker delves into mental illness alongside its psychological and societal ramifications. Its depiction of the Joker has drawn comparisons to profiles of mass shooters and members within incel communities; however, some analysts argue that while not an incel himself, the character resonates with that demographic. Critics interpret the narrative as a warning about how societal neglect can foster individuals akin to Joker. Commentators emphasize how systemic failures contribute significantly to such tragic outcomes.

There have been concerns that Joker’’’s empathetic portrayal of a violent figure might incite real-world violence. Some argue it risks glamorizing perpetrators of serious crimes, whereas others propose it may deter violence by humanizing such individuals. Neurocriminologist Adrian Raine commended the film’s accurate psychological representation, viewing it as an educational resource. Psychiatrists have highlighted elements like childhood trauma, familial background, and societal abandonment in Arthur Fleck's deterioration, underscoring commentary on insufficient mental health care.

Conversely, certain experts critique the film for conflating mental illness with psychopathy, potentially perpetuating harmful stereotypes associating mental health conditions with danger. Political analysts read Joker as a critique targeting American austerity measures that underfund social programs, resulting in societal fragmentation and marginalization of vulnerable groups.

The political dimension of the film has been described as nuanced and paradoxical. Director Todd Phillips has asserted that Joker is "certainly not a political film," although he welcomes discourse surrounding its themes—including violence and political responses. Phillips has also observed that criticism revealed unexpected intersections between far-left and far-right rhetoric within public debate.

Cultural impact

The Joker persona has influenced political activism and social movements worldwide. In 2019, Italian politician Beppe Grillo appeared at a Five Star Movement gathering wearing Joker makeup. In 2021, Yusuke Kawai campaigned for governor of Chiba Prefecture dressed as Joker. The character’s imagery emerged prominently in various anti-government protests globally—including murals and face-paint stations in Beirut, slogans during Chilean demonstrations, mask-wearing acts in Hong Kong protests, and Joker-themed signs carried by French firefighters amid Yellow Vest protests. Argentine president Alberto Fernández compared images from George Floyd protests in 2020 to scenes from the movie.

One notable filming location—the Bronx staircase dubbed “Joker Stairs”—became both a tourist attraction and internet meme site where visitors reenact Fleck’s dance sequence. Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk wore a Joker-inspired suit during his pre-fight press conference against Anthony Joshua.

In 2020, Deadline Hollywood listed Joker among "21 Most Influential Films Of The 21st Century," recognizing its serious cultural commentary beyond typical comic book fare. Meanwhile, Empire ranked it 39th on their "100 Greatest Movies of The 21st Century," noting its mature take on comic book storytelling distinct from Marvel-style franchises.

Following the 2024 shooting involving UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, public discourse drew parallels between shooter Luigi Mangione’s public admiration resembling Arthur Fleck’s supporters in the film’s narrative. Similarly, in 2023 a Japanese man received a lengthy prison sentence after committing a train stabbing inspired by violent scenes depicted in Joker.

Sequel

Initially conceived as a standalone project, Warner Bros later approved a sequel to Joker. Titled Joker: Folie à Deux, it features Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role alongside Zazie Beetz; Lady Gaga joins portraying Harley Quinn. Released on October 4, 2024, despite an acclaimed cast lineup, this follow-up was met with unfavorable reviews and underwhelming box office results—opening with $37.8 million—falling short of commercial expectations.

External links

• Complete official screenplay
• Official Joker Instagram at Instagram