Joaquin Phoenix stars as Batman’s archnemesis in Todd Phillips’s upcoming film, Joker, out Friday. One of the most anticipated movies of the year, Joker already scooped up a Golden Lion prize at the Venice Film Festival in September, and has stirred up fierce criticism around the glamorization of its violence along the way. It may make you laugh, cry, tremble in fear, or all the above simultaneously. Check out our coverage of Joker below—and don’t forget to put a smile on that face.
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October 28, 2019
Now I’m Always Smiling: ‘Joker’ Is the Highest-Grossing R-Rated Film Ever
Todd Phillips’s experiment is already more successful than Warner Bros. could ever have imagined
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October 15, 2019
‘The Hottest Take’: Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker Wouldn’t Have This Problem
Amanda Dobbins begs to differ with a key part of ‘Joker’
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October 8, 2019
The Familiar, Empty Provocations of ‘Joker’
From a key song choice to Scorsese-indebted bleakness, Todd Phillips’s new movie is designed to trigger a wide range of disturbing emotions. But it’s not a failure.
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October 7, 2019
Did We Need a Character Study of the Joker?
Todd Phillips’s new movie goes deep into the past of Arthur Fleck, but there may not be much to get about this antihero
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October 7, 2019
The ‘Joker’ Exit Survey
The Ringer staff tries to parse the message of the movie, talks about the future of superhero movies, and breaks down Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar chances
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October 4, 2019
The History of Joker Explained
With the release of Todd Phillips’s new movie, we break down the Joker’s role within the Batman universe
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October 4, 2019
‘Joker’ Is Both a Superhero Movie and Oscar Bait
Todd Phillips’s film isn’t a masterpiece, but it could win awards and change the midbudget-film landscape into another superhero playground
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October 3, 2019
A ‘Joker’ Deep Dive (SPOILERS)
Plus, writer-director Noah Hawley discusses his feature film debut, ‘Lucy in the Sky’
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October 3, 2019
The ‘Joker’ Syllabus
A primer before you see Todd Phillips’s controversial take on the iconic Batman villain
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October 3, 2019
He’s Still Here: On Joaquin Phoenix, Serious Actor
The ‘Joker’ star may be the perfect person to play the titular role right at this terrible second
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October 3, 2019
Todd Phillips Was Destined to Make a Movie Like ‘Joker’
Even though he may be known as the ‘Hangover’ guy, Phillips has a long history of focusing on characters who feel hemmed in or oppressed by the norms of society
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October 2, 2019
The Enduring Threat of the Joker
As debate rages over whether Todd Phillips’s upcoming ‘Joker’ valorizes a type of violence that plagues American society, it’s helpful to look back on the character’s origins (or lack thereof) to understand what he represents
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October 2, 2019
‘Joker,’ Fear on the Internet, ‘Friends,’ Metallica, and President Don Jr. (?) With Chuck Klosterman
Plus, Bill and Chuck discuss the 2020 presidential election and more
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September 11, 2019
‘Joker’ Is Getting Serious Buzz. Should You Take It Seriously?
Joaquin Phoenix does justice to the lineage of A-listers that have played the titular character. But how does Todd Phillips’s film fare?
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September 5, 2019
Let’s Put a Smile on That Face: The Evolution of Clowns in Hollywood
From the early days of silent film to Jack Nicholson’s and Heath Ledger’s Jokers to, most recently, Pennywise in ‘It Chapter Two,’ makeup artists have honed the look of cinematic jesters, repeatedly finding new ways to amplify tragedy, humanity, and horror
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August 28, 2019
For Your Consideration: Joaquin Phoenix in the ‘Joker’ Trailer
The latest preview of Todd Phillips’s hyperreal take on the iconic Batman villain is drumming up Oscar buzz—but can it actually win?