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31 ‘Joker’ Facts That Make The Movie Even More Interesting
Interview With Expert
This past week, the internet has done little else but talk about the new Joker movie that has hit silver screens worldwide. Some think it’s the movie of the decade. Some think it’s so insensitive it should be banned. And some embraced the spirit of Joker’s character, grabbed a bag of popcorn, and enjoyed the ensuing chaos and fights over the movie.
Whatever your opinion about the movie, you can’t deny that it’s certainly captured everybody’s attention and created a discussion about villains, society, violence, and freedom of speech in filmdom. We’ve collected the most interesting facts about the Joker movie, so scroll down, feast your eyes, and upvote your favorites. Share these facts with your friends and leave a comment with your thoughts and feelings about the film.
Be sure to read our previous article about the new Joker movie here. And scroll down for Bored Panda’s interview with film critic Declan Mckinney about the new Joker movie.
More info: IMDb
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Joker's Actor Joaquin Phoenix Based His Laugh On Videos Of People Suffering From Pathological Laughter
Phoenix also wanted to portray a character with which audiences could not identify with him.
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Chu Yue Ling 6 years ago
..with which audiences could not identify. Sorry, but I just had to...
RELATED:
#2
Before Filming, The Director Phillips Told Joaquin Phoenix That He Envisioned Joker's Laughter As Something That's Almost Painful
Joaquin Phoenix would practice many different kinds of laughs and "audition" them for the director at his own request.
KaPOW 6 years ago
You can see throughout the film he never looks like he is enjoying laughing and there is so much pain in his eyes. It really is an incredible piece of acting by Phoenix
varwenea 6 years ago
@KaPOW, His laughter is pure pain and painful to watch, too. Joaquin Phoenix really gets under your skin.
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#3
For The Role Of Joker, Actor Joaquin Phoenix Went On Grueling A Diet And Lost 52 Pounds (23.6 Kilograms)
According to Vanity Fair, the actor worked with the same doctor who helped him lose weight for The Master, and after filming gained back 25 pounds (11.3 kilograms).
wandile dludlu 6 years ago
And yet I've been trying to lose 3kgs for that past 2 months with no success
Greg Hoggarth 6 years ago
It's easy when you have a million dollar paycheck, professional assistance and it's basically your full time job.
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Dulce Torrentera 6 years ago
BUT..... did you guys see the interview with Jimmy Fallon??? lol. He says he only lost 15 lbs.
Film critic, YouTuber, and podcaster Mckinney from the United Kingdom agreed to talk to Bored Panda about Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of perhaps the most infamous supervillain — Joker.
Bored Panda asked Mckinney to share his opinion about what it is exactly that makes Joker an impactful, memorable, and powerful movie.
“I think what makes Joker such a powerful film is the idea that this is someone who exists in our society,” the British film critic exclaimed. “Everyday we see people who need help and guidance and yet we just ignore them, and it is that ignorance that can cause them to spiral.”
#4
The Bathroom Dance Was Improvised On The Spot By Joaquin Phoenix
#5
Joaquin Phoenix And The Late Heath Ledger Were Good Friends
Ledger won an Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight (2008).
Lisa 6 years ago
I had to remind myself that it wasn't Heath Ledger in some scenes in the latter half of the film. Their makeup was different, different color schemes to their costume and Joaquin's suit seemed less deranged than Heath's - but they definitely had the same aura/air about them for a double take.
2WheelTravlr 6 years ago
Heath was only 14 and still in school in Australia when River Phoenix died in 1993.
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LGtv2014 6 years ago
Yes, were because as it says, "late Heath Ledger". Meaning that he passed away.
Load More Replies... #6
The Movie Is Based In 1981 Which Was Done Deliberately
According to director Todd Phillips, this was done to keep the movie away from the current events in the DC Extended Universe.
Miss Cris 6 years ago
That means that all superheroes were "made" after the 70's? I mean, all those people coming from other planets, experimental spiders, etc.
Bill 6 years ago
What is special about 1981? Still a couple more years before Reagan closed the mental hospitals
Full Name 6 years ago
Thanks for injecting your politics into this. It's super helpful. (the caption clearly states why 1981)
Load More Replies...Furthermore, Mckinney shared his thoughts about why the film is seen by some as extremely controversial.
“I think Joker is being seen as controversial due to how mainstream it is. If this was a movie about just a random, original character, I don't think people would be talking about it,” Mckinney said.
#7
There Are At Least 3 Different Laughs The Joker Does: The 'Affliction' Laugh, The 'One Of The Guys Laugh, And The 'Authentic Joy' Laugh At The End
Pretty Pangolin 6 years ago
You know the expression, someone smiles with their eyes if it's genuine? He nailed it in the 3rd one, where the first two are more artificial - trying to fit in.
#8
Joker Cracked Imdb's 'Top 10 Highest-Rated Movies Of All Time' List
2019's 'Joker' is currently sitting in the No. 10 slot behind other classic titles such as 'The Shawshank Redemption,' 'Pulp Fiction,' and the first two 'The Godfather' movies.
Troux 6 years ago
This happens to many, many new movies. Once the hype dies down, it will go to its rightful place.
Huey89 6 years ago
I live by imdb ratings. They pretty much nail it on the head for me
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Saulo Frota 6 years ago
This information is not correct. Joker is actually in the top 5, tied with Godfather 2 and The Dark Knight. (these three got a 9,0).
Amy Jordan 5 years ago
Aka, "'The Emperor's New Clothes' is still as relevant today as ever before in human history."
#9
When Preparing For The Role, Phoenix Studied The Movements Of Iconic Silent Film Stars Like Buster Keaton And Ray Bolger
He continued: “Especially when we have had the Aurora cinema shooting in the US for The Dark Knight Rises, I think people feared a repeat of that scenario.” The film critic had in mind the 2012 shooting that left 12 people dead and another 70 injured, 58 of them from gunfire.
“To the critics of Joker, I'd have to say I agree mostly. While I think the film does lack in its script and sometimes has odd music choices, I think the film is extremely well made and wonderfully acted,” Mckinney exclaimed.
“I'd give Joker an 8.5/10,” he added. What about you, dear Readers? What score would you give Joker? What do you think about the controversies surrounding the movie? Let us know!
#10
Joker Stairs Is Now A Thing On Google Maps And Fans Put It Into The 'Religious Destination' Category
You can see the stairs by going here.
Greg Hoggarth 6 years ago
Clearly Google needs a "pop culture" destination type. Or even just "culture".
#11
Many Past Actors Went To Dark Places Irl To Play The Role Of The Joker, But Phoenix Says He Didn't Have That Experience
TheExtremeSmell 6 years ago
My parents said they saw on the new (fox) that this movie was promoting violence and was a part of the mass shooting problem. My dad loves John wick.
Katinka Min 6 years ago
try to stop your parents from brainwashing themselves via Fox 'news'. I haven't seen it, yet, but Michael moore has written a ver impressive review about the movie where he offers and explanation why people like Fox&Co don't like the film.
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#12
The Silent Film 'The Man Who Laughs' Was Also Another Major Influence On The New Joker Movie
Devin Robinson 6 years ago
Such a strange, weird, and horrific movie. Lookup the Wikipedia page for it.
Pretty Pangolin 6 years ago
Wow, that's an amazing effect, especially considering when the movie was made.
#13
The Movie Got An 8-Minute-Long Standing Ovation At Its Premiere At The Venice Film Festival
#14
Todd Phillips Became Increasingly Annoyed By The Paparazzi Taking Grainy Photos From Whatever Long-Distance Angle They Could
He decided to put out several high-quality photos himself
Orionpax75 6 years ago
Well don't I feel dumb as I scrolled down it actually says Bronx sorry guys should have scrolled down first...:/
Orionpax75 6 years ago
Staircase scene is in the Bronx....just some useless knowledge from someone who grew up in the Bronx.
#15
The Film's Storyline, Following A Failed Stand-Up Comedian, Came From The Famous 'Batman: The Killing Joke' Graphic Novel
Daria B 6 years ago
This one is a really good book. If you haven't read it already, I warmly suggest it. A little warning comes, though, since it may contain disturbing scenes, but that's to be expected.
Chris DiFonso 6 years ago
I liked the graphic novel, however I was disappointed with how short it was.
#16
The Way Joaquin Phoenix Runs In The Movie Was Also A Very Specific Way Of Character Building, It Was Even Called "Arthur's Run"
Pretty Pangolin 6 years ago
I haven't seen the movie yet, but...he looks joyous when he's running. Joaquin Phoenix spoke about the 'fluidity' that came with his extreme weight loss. He runs like a cartoon character.
hispanic! at the disco 6 years ago
Todd Phillips said that one can know a lot about a person from the way they run..
#17
Arthur's Clown Makeup Was Purposefully Made To Look "Antique" — His Lips Were Made A Reddish-Brown To Resemble Blood
According to the head of makeup, Nicki Ledermann, "even his slanted smile is a metaphor that everything is not perfect. Maybe it’s funny — maybe it’s not."
#18
The Script Often Changed Right Before Shooting And The Actors Would Have To Adapt And Even Improvise Their Characters' Dialogue
According to the film director, Todd Phillips, Zazie Beets' character Sophie got the most "messed" with between writing and actually shooting.
He complimented Beets, saying she was amazing and "so down for that kind of improvisation, it never phased her, she was enthusiastic about the changes, she helped with dialogue for her character, it was a beautiful collaboration."
#19
Arthur Fleck's, Aka Joker's, Role Was Made With Joaquin Phoenix In Mind
Phoenix Joaquin received the movie script in late 2017. Even his mother had a say in his decision of signing on with the massive project.
Cristina Speluzzi 6 years ago
Me too. Since..., I don't know... Long ago.
Load More Replies... Full Name 6 years ago
The script was written with him in mind? Didn't you just also post that it's based off an existing joker book?
Sophie Duval 4 years ago
Obviously a script needs to be written from a book.. you don’t just act straight from the book.
Load More Replies... #20
In Real Life, Arkham State Hospital Is The Brooklyn Army Terminal Annex Building
William Hannah 6 years ago
The size didnt throw me, but how it seemed to be within the city proper. I always thought of it way on the outskirts, like outcasts. Maybe I'm too influenced by the "Animated Series" version
Gabs D 6 years ago
Maybe the point being that they had a lot of people to house
Load More Replies... #21
Joaquin Phoenix Said That He Didn't Refer To Any Past Iterations Of Joker's Character When Developing His Role
He explained his decision at the Venice Film Festival press conference: "It was just something that felt like our creation, and that's what was really important for me."
Pretty Pangolin 6 years ago
I have no problem with it - there's room for two (or more) Jokers just like there is room for more than one Hamlet.
Thisleton Woodrow Amadeus Tunt 6 years ago
Heath Ledger was incredible as The Joker. But some part of me says that his Joker couldn't have had a stand alone film. His Joker was too far gone, you'd have needed a mini-series I think.
Daniel (ShadowDrakken) 6 years ago
I call BS on this one. He 100% was channeling Jack Nicholson's Joker at the end. He directly copied several of the flamboyant poses. I was beautifully done too, great callbacks but remained for this new Joker.
#22
Robert De Niro Is Phoenix's Favorite American Actor, However, The Two Hardly Talked On Set
This was partly because both actors have very similar acting methods.
#23
The Joker Staircase Is Located In The Bronx At W 167th St, Between Anderson And Shakespeare Ave
You can check out the staircase right here.
#24
Director Phillips Actually Asked Composer Hildur Guðnadóttir To Start Writing Music Off The Script, Which Is Not Normally Done In Movies
Hafsteinn Helgason 6 years ago
I'm usually not particularly proud of being from here, but she makes me proud of being Icelandic. We don't totally suck after all :P - she's a good apple for sure.
#25
In Fact, There Was A Little Awkward Tension Between The De Niro And Phoenix
This was because De Niro insisted the whole cast do a read-through before filming his scenes, while Phoenix did not want to do any read-throughs at all. Fortunately, despite their opposite positions, they finally came to a friendly agreement and worked it all out.
Mina Molnar 6 years ago
Why Deniro? It's De Niro. How can someone not know how to write the name of one of the best actors of our generation?
Full Name 6 years ago
Phoenix was the star of the film. Why did De Niro get his way? Yeah he was in Goodfellas. So what? It's not his film. I don't get why some people get put on a pedestal and get to make demands just because of who they are (as if Phoenix is some random noob). I also thought De Niro phoned his character in. Not convincing in the least. The Joker just admitted to killing men violently, then pulls out a gun, and De Niro goes all tough guy on him? Right.
#26
The Shot Of Arthur Fleck Being Beaten Down Was Intended, Planned And Made To Looked Like From A Graphic Novel
Daria B 6 years ago
Personally, I thought the whole film had a comicbook feel to it. Visually, storywise and performances as well. Not all comics are done for easy entertainment, and I liked what this film offered. It's a true "cinecomic" indeed.
Hafsteinn Helgason 6 years ago
It's not everyday we get a movie based on comic books that cares more about its quality, delivery, authenticity and art than, as you appropriately mention, easy entertainment. Joker is a genuine gem of a film.
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#28
The Joker Title Was Firstly Shot On Film And Then It Was 'Filmed Out And Put Back On The Digital Again', As The Movie's Director Says. It Was Done To Achieve Grainy And Oldschool Look
Cristina Sacchi 6 years ago
It means it was done on "REAL film", not with digital technology, in order to keep the imperfections of the "tape/film".
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#29
Pornhub Reveals That There Have Been 741,000 Searches For 'Joker' Since The Movie’s Release At The Start Of October 2019
ZombieGirl 6 years ago
Sometimes on porn sites..people post pirated movies on there, specifically ones still in theaters. Don't ask me how I know lol
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CrunChewy McSandybutt 6 years ago
I once saw a live-action pornographic adaption of Spongebob Squarepants and I still haven't recovered from that.
#30
After Watching The Behind-The-Scenes Footage, You Can Tell That Some Scenes Were Deleted From The Movie
You can see the full video with the deleted scenes right here.
#31
A Lot Of Late '70s And Early '80s "Character Study" Films Served As Major Influences On The Film And You Can See Many Visual Similarities
Saulo Frota 6 years ago
As we left the cinema talking the the movie, I told my wife that our children would one day talk about Joker the same way we talk today about Taxi Driver. Joker is a future classic.
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What do you think ?
Saulo Frota 6 years ago
There's a fact not that many people noticed. When Arthur is waiting to do his stand up, the guy doing it before him was the comedian Sam Morril. They used his real name, even though he's only in his 30s in real life and the movie is supposed to happen in 1970.
Esca Sav 6 years ago
I live near where they filmed some of the scenes in New Jersey. Was hell to get to my university on those days, but still awesome! They asked for background actors (like the individuals that only show up in the back, not necessarily acting, dont know the actual term), sadly they didn't want me :/
Pretty Pangolin 6 years ago
Now I wish they'd try Two-Face. In the original comic he was an actor, not the DA of Gotham. I don't think any actor has really nailed it yet.
kurisutofu 6 years ago
Usually, this would be a movie i'd like to watch (I don't mean superhero movie) but the more I read about it, the higher the hype the less willing I am to watch it.
Full Name 6 years ago
The higher the hype the less you want to see it. You're one of THOSE people, eh?
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Israel Bolinisr 5 years ago
They should make a Batman the killing joker and Batman who laughs movie
Lady Marmalade 6 years ago
8 minute standing ovation. Wowie! I couldn't imagine people standing and clapping for a movie for 8 minutes straight! Well, it deserved it AMAZING movie
Saulo Frota 6 years ago
There's a fact not that many people noticed. When Arthur is waiting to do his stand up, the guy doing it before him was the comedian Sam Morril. They used his real name, even though he's only in his 30s in real life and the movie is supposed to happen in 1970.
Esca Sav 6 years ago
I live near where they filmed some of the scenes in New Jersey. Was hell to get to my university on those days, but still awesome! They asked for background actors (like the individuals that only show up in the back, not necessarily acting, dont know the actual term), sadly they didn't want me :/
Pretty Pangolin 6 years ago
Now I wish they'd try Two-Face. In the original comic he was an actor, not the DA of Gotham. I don't think any actor has really nailed it yet.
kurisutofu 6 years ago
Usually, this would be a movie i'd like to watch (I don't mean superhero movie) but the more I read about it, the higher the hype the less willing I am to watch it.
Full Name 6 years ago
The higher the hype the less you want to see it. You're one of THOSE people, eh?
Load More Replies... Israel Bolinisr 5 years ago
They should make a Batman the killing joker and Batman who laughs movie
Lady Marmalade 6 years ago
8 minute standing ovation. Wowie! I couldn't imagine people standing and clapping for a movie for 8 minutes straight! Well, it deserved it AMAZING movie
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