The first trailer for DC Comics and Warner Bros.’ journey into the darkness of Gotham that produced the Joker has arrived. I had high hopes for this teaser, and now that I’ve seen it … let’s just say it exponentially exceeded expectations.
Joaquin Phoenix has completely transformed himself and it looks to be a performance that could find his name called as an Oscar nominee. I know, you’re saying, “whoa, hold on.” Sure, this sentiment is just from a couple of minutes of footage, but from what is shown in this first trailer for the Todd Phillips’ directed, Martin Scorsese produced and Robert DeNiro co-starring flick, this has serious Academy potential. Hey don’t laugh… Heath Ledger won an Oscar for playing the same character and judging by its release date (in the middle of awards season), clearly, I’m not the only one thinking this.
Joker is meant to be a stand-alone movie with no bearing on the current DC cinematic universe. It is a character study of the highest order and with an actor of Phoenix’s supreme talent, this should be one heck of a ride.
Phoenix is joined in the cast by Marc Maron, Zazie Beets, Frances Control, Shea Whigham, Bill Camp, Glenn Fleshler and Brian Tyree Henry. Look for Joker on October 4.