By Lou Alpizar
If you thought you’ve seen all there is to see about Todd Phillips’ Joker, the new trailer has just proved we were all wrong. With just a couple weeks away from the new reincarnation of the iconic DC Comics’ villain, this trailer has given us two glorious minutes to find out where the prequel is gonna take us. Played by the great Joaquin Phoenix, this Joker shows us something we hadn’t seen before, the character’s humanity and his path to become one of the most fearsome villains of the Batman universe.
1. He tried to become part of society
Even though Arthur Fleck was raised in a loving environment and with specific moral values, Gotham City’s society keeps pushing him towards corruption by annihilating all his dreams and hopes. We get to see how even though he tries and tries, he constantly ends up rejected even by his own therapist. The only thing he ever wanted was making others smile.
2. He’s an unrecognized great performer
We can also see how both Joaquin Phoenix and Arthur Fleck have devoted their lives to art. Even with just a few minutes, one can tell that Phoenix’s performance is Oscar worthy. The gesticulation and emotion (not to mention the now iconic laughter) are just so intense that we can really empathize with the Joker.
3. Losing the two most important women will lead him to darkness
The Joker always says that having a bad day is all it takes to go mad. It’s hard to think how social pressure and rejection end up bringing Arthur Fleck’s darkest side. However, though the trailer hints he’ll experience a tragic family loss, it shows us something we hadn’t seen before with the character: a romantic interest.
4. He’ll start a social revolt
We know that the Joker isn’t following any specific comic book; it draws from some elements in the originals but writers have taken their own creative freedoms to create this foundation story. In the trailer we get to see something new regarding the character, and that is his qualities as a born leader. We still don’t know exactly what happens, but we can only guess after seeing the images that he’s going to start a civil anarchic revolution based.
5. We’ll get to see Batman’s dad
Fleck’s character counterpart is none other than Thomas Wayne, Bruce’s dad. However, unlike his son, Thomas isn’t exactly the peaceful philanthropist he appears to be. In the trailer, we can see Thomas punching someone for the first time (well, for the first time if we forget a bit the Flashpoint universe).
6. It’s all about the spotlight
Even though there are only a couple minutes, the trailer somehow shows the rhythm and structure the film will have, or at least that’s what it seems. There’s a harmonic crescendo that eventually will take us into chaos and finally unleashing all kinds of madness. Of course, all in parallel with Arthur’s own journey to madness while he tries to achieve his all-time goal… to shine under the spotlight. And there’s something sure about it, people will finally look at him.
This movie, already ‘R’ rated, has been described as the darkest and most violent of the DC film. In spite of that, the trailers have chosen not to show any of the violence, instead focusing on the story of the character. We’re sure Arthur Fleck still hides some impressive and shocking secrets we’ll have to find out for ourselves. Joker will be released in October, 4.
Translated by María Isabel Carrasco Cara Chards
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