If the Joker Wanted to Watch an Opus About Himself, He Would Want to Watch Joaquin Phoenix

Not Jack Nicholson. Not Cesar Romero. Not Jared Leto. And, yes, not even Heath Ledger. Perhaps the Joker of Batman mythology would've actually viewed THE DARK KNIGHT with fervor, but one screening of the most recent iteration and origin tale of DC's most infamous villain -- unheard of in comic book movies -- and we're willing to bet the true Clown Prince of Crime would undoubtedly cry (not laugh) with joy at the work Phoenix has done.

There's a Reason Why TIFF Awarded JOKER as the Definitive Standout in the 2019 Festival

Many can't even wait to see this happen. The film will hit theaters soon. And it will bring back an era of superheroes reminiscent of the likes of THE DARK KNIGHT and THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, but with more grounded, gritty and deep character study that sometimes you may forget you are watching something about "freaks dressed like clowns" (thanks, Ben).

There's even talk about an Oscar buzz for Joaquin Phoenix and his protrayal, arguably more human -- and maybe even a little more humane -- than Ledger's take on the World's Greatest Detective's foil. The fact is this: we're privy to the exact makings of a madman, totally centered around Arthur Fleck and his desire to change a world with a smile.

Only the world doesn't want to smile. And Fleck suddenly feels he's okay with that, from a certain point of view. It's a descent into madness, but not on account of revenge, hatred, fear, anger, displaced or misplaced by a man in black. Rather, the joke is on the JOKER and not on anyone else, and like Scorsese's TAXI DRIVER, this is the portrayal of a downward spiral.

We May Never Look at Superheroes the Same Way Ever Again

There's been talk of sequels and even crossovers with Matt Reeve's Robert Pattinson (as Batman), although sadly that's recently been a NO, having the JOKER stand alone in his own macabre madness -- as he should. Marvel wishes they could craft a film like this. Although, don't get me wrong -- assemble Avengers anytime. Just don't even think of assembling them against the likes of the true Joker, a man with nothing to lose and HELL to gain.