How I Wrote Joker

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Todd Phillips breaks down his process for creating his controversial Joker origin story. The question is: was he successful? Was Joker a good film? Regardless of what you think, Todd Phillips wants you to know that it's good for all filmmakers.
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Joker is a 2019 American psychological thriller film directed and produced by Todd Phillips, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Silver. The film, based on DC Comics characters, stars Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker and provides a possible origin story for the character. Set in 1981, it follows Arthur Fleck, a failed stand-up comedian whose descent into insanity and nihilism inspires a violent counter-cultural revolution against the wealthy in a decaying Gotham City. Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Bill Camp, Shea Whigham, and Marc Maron appear in supporting roles.
ABOUT BEHIND THE CURTAIN
This channel is a way for me to share the best nuggets of knowledge for filmmakers I find. It's an attempt to take a look inside the greatest films and TV shows and learn from the creators themselves how they do what they do.
LEARN MORE
Joaquin Phoenix, Todd Phillips - JOKER Press Conference (English) - 76th Venice Film Festival 2019
• Video
Ep. 6: Everything Must Go (feat. Todd Phillips) ["RUMBLE with Michael Moore" podcast]
• Ep. 6: Everything Must...
Todd Phillips JOKER Interview | ReelBlend Podcast
• Todd Phillips JOKER In...
SBIFF Cinema Society - "Joker" Q&A with Todd Phillips
• SBIFF Cinema Society -...
Joaquin Phoenix, Todd Phillips & Crew on Joker, Realism, and Reimagining Gotham City | NYFF57
• Joaquin Phoenix, Todd ...
[SPOILERS] JOKER Director Q&A | TIFF 2019
• [SPOILERS] JOKER Direc...
Joker - What Todd Phillips Was Trying to Say
• How I Wrote Joker
#Joker #Oscars2020 #Screenwriting

[@BehindtheCurtain]

Talk about Joker and filmmaking on our official Discord server: discord.gg/xxTqXXd

[@brianban110]

Amazing movie

[@cine.te.philia3632]

It's a great movie because of the cinematography, dialogues and ACTING!

[@82dorrin]

I thought it was really good, but not quite great. Joaquin Phoenix elevated the movie several levels with his performance. Without him, it would've been a pretty by-the-numbers movie.

[@lordmegatron4789]

too derivative...

[@lordmegatron4789]

@@82dorrin well said

[@maloganson6481]

“Art comforts the disturbed and disturbs the comfortable “ such a good quote!

[@BlackMita]

I wish it weren't true, but...

[@johnpayne719]

*tips fedora*

[@adityarana2609]

Cesar A. Cruz

[@zombie769]

I'm saving it.

[@michaelotis223]

meh, a tad bit pretentious coming from Philips, imo

[@Slifer8521]

''i find that comic book movies are too easy'' he does have a point.

[@jackforbes1082]

Only if you've never actually read a comic and think "Marvel superheroes" are the entirety of comic book movies, as is clearly his case. For instance I doubt he would say History of Violence or Road to Perdition were, or My friend Jeffrey Dahmer were "too easy".

[@matthayes8631]

@@jackforbes1082 Well clearly he didn't think that "comic book" movies had no capacity to be more hard-edged, or he wouldn't have tried to make one himself

[@jackforbes1082]

​@@matthayes8631 That's the problem with a lot of his thinking. He seems to believe that he's the first person to have a lot of his ideas and they're actually quiet mundane. Like "Alot of comedy comes from a place of sadness" or "wearing a mask allows people to reveal their inner selves" or "Comic books can be for adults too". He mentions part of his inspiration was the film "The man who laughs" But seems entirely ignorant to the fact that The Man who laughs was the inspiration for the joker to begin with! I just find his entire mentality disrespectful to the artform and his willful ignorance and self congratulatory attitude infuriating.

[@motionshadow]

@@jackforbes1082 He was initially ignorant to the fact you mention, that the film, "The Man Who Laughs", served as inspiration for the original joker in the comics. He stated as such during the Q&A at the Venice Film Festival. I myself was ignorant to that fact until I watched that Q&A, despite having been introduced to the film as a child (my mother was a film buff). I first became a "fan" of joker when Batman: The Animated Series came out, but it hadn't occurred to me to look into the inspiration for the character because the comics themselves didn't interest me until I entered my 30's. I'm glad to be aware of the connection now. It's interesting how people can perceive one thing in so many different ways. Yes, that in itself is a mundane thought. But what I heard was a director talking excitedly about ideas that inspired him, ideas that I think many people tend to take for granted, and his general thoughts going in, as opposed to assuming a pedagogic role as though an authority on the concepts. I'm inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt here. But you are quite right to point out those other films. If only they'd reached as wide of an audience as "Joker" did. Keep spreading the good word. ;)

[@GellertTV]

@@jackforbes1082 "Disrespectful" ? wtf

[@PieroMinayaRojas]

I believe Todd Phillips is trying to explain that we're living in a society...

[@dimitrythomas4158]

Piero Minaya Rojas Lol, Awesome

[@wowb1965]

Rise up

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

Kill the rich!

[@nihilisticmonkeydancing9806]

@@BigBadJerryRogers kill the exploiters, not the rich. for someone out there, you are the rich. Do you want to get killed by them? i doubt it.

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

@@nihilisticmonkeydancing9806 KILL THE RICH

[@nomoreusernamesleft1]

"art comforts the disturbed, and disturbs the comfortable"

[@kimberlyhaines107]

nomoreusernamesleft1 True. I’m an artist, and have severe mental illnesses. At 16 had I not had health insurance and services to fall back on, I would have become Joker. And I don’t get disturbed easily. Even though I have PTSD this film didn’t disturb or trigger me. I loved every minute of the movie and what it was trying to say.

[@leavefollow1698]

@@aidan4337 If you want to talk about it, I would love to hear your views. Let me know.

[@7ngel]

Aidan Metzger Please do tell your Mom. The sooner the better and trust me you’ll be grateful you did!

[@AlastorTheNPDemon]

This movie, and quote, are going in my holy book.

[@Seekah_]

So good!

[@akesnov9329]

Todd Phillips was tryna say he thought his life was a tragedy but now he realizes it's a comedy

[@danielclaro6049]

*Hits the biggest blunt*

[@josephfish3353]

What will really blow your mind is those events didn't happen. He was making it up with clues around the psychiatrist's office.

[@danielclaro6049]

@@josephfish3353 "he said as he passed said blunt to whoever was next to him"

[@lukeGGlee]

akes nov Smothers peanut butter on his sandwich and suffocates it

[@KK-jt7ud]

This movie has been written by a schizophrenic. Ask him if he has schizophrenic. I doubt it. Ask who composed the music for the film.

[@M6nst6r6]

Fun thing is, "The Man Who Laughs" movie was inspiration for original comic book Joker as well.

[@juankgonzalez6230]

You mean the novel by Victor Hugo?

[@UltimateKyuubiFox]

JuanK Gonzalez The film, particularly the lead actor’s look in it.

[@justafanofnerdculture7602]

M6nst6r6 Yeah, I was thinking about that also.

[@0zoneTherapyW0rks]

I could picture Daniel Day-Lewis as the Joker, even at his age. He would deliver something extraordinary.

[@Wildduckpro]

We Do Not Consent If those method acting stories are true, he probably do the things joker did for real and might throw himself into acid to make him look more like joker!

[@edgarabramz]

"Use joker, let it be part of your arsenal to push ideas through" is probably one of the most inspiring things I have ever heard as a filmmaker who constantly feels discouraged by the lack of support for films with unique perspectives.

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

"We really just wanted to give everything real world reasons." And that right there is why I loved the movie so much. What Nolan started back with Batman Begins, with taking Batman in a more believable direction, Philips has taken to the max with Joker. It's the first superhero (or supervillain) movie that I've ever seen that required no suspension of disbelief whatsoever. Such a refreshing turn from the outlandishness of the Marvel and DCEU movies. One of the few films that perfectly straddle the line between blockbuster and flat-out art film. Loved every second of it!

[@1986jamesa]

The taxi scene?

[@javieremoya]

Take off your rose colored lens. You're mostly right but to say there werent any moments like that... Taxi^ Escape via riot Joker 47 in the theater Bringing a suspect into a TV show They didnt ruin it, but dont be dishonest either

[@counter-weightmedias2263]

@@javieremoya Fair point about all but the last... the Murray Franklin thing with him bringing Arthur into the show is a little far fetched, because I don't think they knew he was a suspect for the murders and all.

[@TechnoMinarchistBall]

@@javieremoya First, you're assuming that the studio even knew he was a suspect. Second, suspects of violent crime have frequently get on tv shows, especially pedophiles. It's just that it's always news studios doing interviews. If a talk show host could get these people to show up they would.

[@choronos]

I feel compelled to mention that an active rapist serial killer was on a dating game show in the 70s. Rodney Alcala was his name. He won the date with the woman, but she thankfully declined to actually go through with the date because he made her uncomfortable. The clip is on youtube.

[@oryanstudios2252]

The people on Facebook saying joker causes violence make me so angry. The message of the film isn't that murder is okay. The message is to be nice to people. It was the society filled with awful, cruel people that made him that way.

[@johnvincent1823]

Almost every portrayal of Joker to date has made him a crime lord type guy. I like how Todd did something different yet managed to still make him "scary" and "unsettling" as we know, perhaps even more.

[@swaroop7021]

*Be nice to others You don't know what they're going through*

[@paperchasindude6578]

I can't stop thinking about this movie

[@moomoo1200]

That’s because you stopped thinking after you watched this movie

[@paperchasindude6578]

@@moomoo1200 Wym

[@LuisSierra42]

It's because you live in a society

[@paperchasindude6578]

@@LuisSierra42 wym

[@StuartFuckingLittle]

@@paperchasindude6578 Its because you woke up..

[@robertwalton7565]

That was a lot more interesting than I thought it was going to be based on your title. Thumbs Up for you for letting the director speak instead of yourself.

[@jesmopera2685]

When joker is dancing on the steps there is a shot of him just feeling complete freedom. I felt it Too. He’s am amazing actor.

[@mansishukla6779]

That scene was amazing. It left you conflicted

[@earnthis1]

@@mansishukla6779 so much dancing. So silly. His freedom was killing people without consequence. Deep....?

[@aaronwilmoth2864]

Joaquin phoenix in this movie has honestly inspired me as an actor. Just how much emotion he puts in this movie and his other movies, it makes me want to be a better actor

[@juju-vl7oj]

Totally agree. What Joaquin strives for is complete authenticity. His characters may be very expressive but yet it's still not put on or fake. I think his striving for authenticity is why hes so socially awkward. He sees how fake the world is and cant bring himself to pretending , which seems ironic because most people think of acting as pretending, but that's not what he goes for. In the moment he wants to actually feel what his character is and be that person.

[@tylerdurden9748]

Being an onset fluffer in the gay porn industry is not exactly acting.

[@phoenixmodellingphotography]

​@@tylerdurden9748 But Tyler he unclogged the wad...HE UNCLOGGED THE WAD 😭

[@davidstevens3934]

I didn't watch this film right away because I thought the Joker story had been done to death. But I couldn't believe it when I saw it. Truly original and one of the best movies I've seen in...well, ever.

[@coldbattery]

it's not original. it's a rip-off of taxi driver and king of comedy. if you have seen those movies, I think your opinion will change

[@kdscool1536]

@@coldbattery ok, bot.

[@scottystcloud7086]

@@kdscool1536 The bot is not entirely wrong though in this instance. Its highly derivative of 70's Scorsese (namely Taxi Driver and KoC)

[@spicy8331]

I love that Todd was inspired by "The Man Who Laughs" because that movie is actually what inspired Bob Kane (The creator of the Joker) to make the Joker in 1935

[@clubedanarrativa5603]

1940**

[@greg.482]

Bob Kane stole credits from bill finger

[@connerdearing]

People are really attacking Phillips over the comic book movie hate. We all know that there are great comic book movies like the dark knight or spiderman 2 but it was a generalization. Jesus people he’s not saying ALL comic book movies are bad but we can all agree most nowadays are very shallow and have lost their substance.

[@BehindtheCurtain]

I was surprised he said it so publicly. Like, comic book fans are his target audience, right?

[@connerdearing]

Behind the Curtain I do think they were his main audience but I also think that it was more to get people in seats and once they were there and watching the film they’d realize this isn’t a generic “dark” comic book movie. We’ve had a lot of comic book movies that claim to be darker but I can only name a few that hit the mark for me personally.

[@playermartin286]

Conner Dearing i think we all know that he’s not talking about movies like the dark knight or logan but rather movies like ant-man, thor, captain marvel etc.

[@anthonykay1580]

@@playermartin286 he definitely is not talking about the masterpiece that is Dark Knight.

[@johnhorton5627]

@@playermartin286 Then obviously he should not say comic books are childish. Because that sounds an awful lot like an axiom. And it's really a stupid sentence. If he wasn't making stupid generalizations, he wouldn't be attacked for making stupid generalizations. Especially when its a generalizations that the fans of said medium hear all the time, one would expect people to tell him to go fuck himself for that generalization. It's akin to telling a professional wrestling fan that wrestling's fake. No it's scripted, it's no more fake than the ballet. Those sorts of statements are my made by jackasses with no appreciation for the way hearing that sort of bullshit one more time is going to strike the listener.

[@purplebug21]

"What does laughing look and sound like when it's coming from a place of pain" goosebumps. This movie was hands down a cinematic masterpiece, one of my favs for sure

[@gigglemug777]

purplebug21 - I feel the same way.

[@paolaguerrero8759]

"the movie's about making you love this guy until you can't love him anymore." damn.

[@oussamabr5851]

The movie also respects its audience and everyone's individuality by never preaching us when to stop loving him. To each their own set of morals.

[@cynicalidealist11]

I loved him from beginning to end tbh

[@billwheeler7496]

I never lost sympathy for him

[@earnthis1]

So shallow and childish. He was self absorbed and made stupid choices. Hard to even care.

[@Ray03595]

Didn’t know we were supposed to like him at any point honestly. Missed the part when the film was trying to convey this...

[@Fire-Wolf-The-Wolgan]

Funny when he mentioned he wasn't into comics at first. Tim Burton admits he was never a comic book fan, but he loves everything about Batman before he directed his movie version.

[@m0nte1ro]

Holy crap! I just noticed Todd Philips produced War Dogs... So he directed Joker, War Dogs and The Hangover movies? Never knew he directed some of my favourite movies!!!

[@TheNinnyfee]

"Art comforts the disturbed and disturbs the comfortable." I just love this sentence.

[@Hot18Shot]

Great film. I had a grin on my face during the last thirty minutes of it in the movie theater.

[@caseybledsoe770]

"Quote from the video we are all watching" -Guy Who Is Talking In The Video

[@kalakritistudios]

The You

[@YourPalHDee]

So deep!

[@mrs.featherbottom5901]

Wow

[@antoniabuffy]

This is so amazing. Arthur was masking Joker the entire time, and only when actually he puts on the “Joker mask” is he truly free. The irony and beauty in that realization. Bravo Todd, bravo!!!

[@pffilms2522]

Not that impressive.

[@GellertTV]

@@pffilms2522 Yeah, do it yourself. I'll wait

[@lagbait3076]

That's not really a new take though. Ironically in the comic books it's Batman that makes the realization that Bruce Wayne is the mask and he's always been Batman. Joker being his antithesis it's just become role reversal. Not saying it's a bad movie, but for a medium that seems to be easily dismissive of the source material, it's been done.

[@pffilms2522]

@@GellertTV what?

[@berifuso]

This is one of the BEST channels in KZbin.

[@BehindtheCurtain]

I appreciate the support!

[@MarshallWolfMiller]

One of the main things I liked about the end of the movie was tat they played the Frank Sinatra version of "That's Life". It's the perfect song to use a comparison to the movie as a whole, because everyone goes through the various stages of depression, sadness, happiness, anger, ect., and it all stems from the experiences we all have and what shapes us. Because all in all in the end, *that's life.*

[@sebastianalegria3401]

While seeing Joker at the cinema, I always knew that Joaquin was going to make history at the Oscars, and he made it. As a result, he won the Oscar, which he's waited for a long time. And beyond his terrific performance, I believe Joaquin made a homage towards another great star "Heath Ledger" who's a well-known actor by the same character in "Batman the dark knight".

[@dorisl6582]

Where is the mention of King of Comedy? That reference was so obvious, Todd put Bob De Niro as Murray Franklin

[@dimitrythomas4158]

Doris L and Taxi Driver

[@NorseGraphic]

Robert DeNiro didn't play Murray, he played himself....

[@JayAreAitch]

Dimitry Thomas Taxi Driver was mentioned though.

[@StanHowse]

@Nicholas Pearce Joker isn't supposed to be an "original" movie... It's an origin story for a fictional character in a "parallel, fictional" universe. You can't do anything but like if it connects to any other movie .. Even just for Movies sake

[@AnxietyMentor]

@Defectiveresistor Very true. I couldn't enjoy the movie because I knew it was too similar to King of Comedy, which is a much better film too.

[@ArthurMoore]

Great Job! Keep Going Nehemiah 👊

[@BehindtheCurtain]

Thanks, Arthur. You're in LA too, right?

[@ArthurMoore]

@@BehindtheCurtain I left LA about a month ago, currently in Israel

[@KK-jt7ud]

They aren't the real writers.

[@trowley7576]

It's only just hit me that the reason the press knew that it was a clown that killed the guys on the subway was because Arthur left his clown wig. That had been bothering me and I'd been writing it off as one of Arthur's fantasies. I'm sure some of you already figured it out but it's only just clicked for me

[@goodsuc81]

T Rowley I thought it was because someone saw him when he was running away?

[@fiend05able1]

I thought it was the woman in the subway!

[@1986jamesa]

It was just poorly thought out and written.

[@blehblehorama]

Also the shot from inside the other train carriages as it is pulling out of the station as he is walking towards the last guy pointing a gun implies that some of the other passengers witnessed him approaching the guy with a gun as the train was leaving the station.

[@banjarqueenee]

JOKER is a fabulous work of art in more ways than one. It hit a nerve with the public, who applaud it. The media made a whole lotta money by trashing it. Joachin Phoenix is a cultural national treasure. Todd Philips is a brave and mega talented American creative artist. JOKER is a cinematic masterpiece and those who made it deserve every award for which they were nominated.

[@Idk-fl2ed]

Joaquin*

[@aylo.mp3]

nice opinion

[@banjarqueenee]

@@aylo.mp3 Thank you.

[@banjarqueenee]

@Dana Davison 🎭🎵⭐💐🎥🎭🌠⭐

[@vinnycaprezzi4598]

@Mike Lopez , what? Do you just hate movies?

[@thelastneonstar829]

Now that Bojack Horseman is finished, would you be interested in making a video for that?

[@LAN2D]

YES PLEASE

[@BehindtheCurtain]

Oooooh good suggestion! I'll look into it!

[@thelastneonstar829]

@@BehindtheCurtain 👌 Appreciated

[@danielclaro6049]

Yes!!!

[@adir1598]

Should I start watching that? I saw the first episode and didnt really got hook on it...

[@Pengroves]

Man, you're channel is amazing. Thank you for your hard work putting these together

[@AliciaNyblade]

4:33-4:57--I love that Phillips mentioned "The Man Who Laughs". Not only does that film, which is based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo, deal with laughing through pain, but it also comments on the sadly common state of affairs where a child ends up inheriting emotional baggage from family and society. "The Man Who Laughs" tells the tale of Gwynplaine, a man disfigured with a Glasgow smile in boyhood as a punishment to his father, a nobleman who rebelliously spoke for the people. Gwynplaine grows up unaware of his aristocratic origins and instead becomes a clown, working alongside his sweetheart, a blind girl named Dea. Yet eventually, Gwynplaine's past, and the political corruption that caused it, is revealed and he quite literally has to come face-to-face with those who scarred him. As I was watching "Joker", the brilliantly subtle tie-ins to "The Man Who Laughs", from similar images to plot elements to even the backlash it received in some circles all pointed to the fact that now is the time for such timeless tales. Audiences are hungry for them and, though he may be perpetually grinning, the clown's face can say many things and what he has to say, be he Gwynplaine, the Joker, or some other figure, he will always "comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable".

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

"Art comforts the disturbed and disturbs the comfortable." That's DEEP.

[@cosmosgato]

I still loved him at the end. The real point is modern tastes and classic themes do not have to at odds. Yes a superhero film can be about something. A win win

[@FundingGym]

This is a great channel. Thanks for putting it together

[@Ken_9000]

I love and need these breakdowns to fully appreciate and understand these scenes thank you. 👻

[@user-fb9sm7nn2x]

All I have about this movie are positive thoughts

[@monokid2932]

Is there anyway we could get a video for Pain and Glory, The Lighthouse or for Portrait of a Lady on Fire?

[@BehindtheCurtain]

I've only seen The Lighthouse so far. Would you highly recommend the other two? Thanks for the suggestion!

[@monokid2932]

Behind the Curtain Yes, definitely. They’re both slower-paced than the other critically-acclaimed films released this year but I think it’s what makes them so rewarding. Both also have a strong directorial vision and it seems that both are culminations of all their respective directors’ works leading up to the films. Plus, both also have so much material for you to work with, with plenty of interviews, Q&A’s & discussions to dive into. In other words, I do highly recommend both films, not just for the channel but for you as well. Thanks for taking the time to ask and also for your amazing work on the channel!!

[@KW-ov2dv]

Another phenomenal video!

[@Marcelube]

Fantastic, man. Thank you for sharing.

[@OfentseMwaseFilms]

I still Love him!

[@SpaceGhostFan]

The man who laughs is a rad movie. Glad it’s gonna start getting more recognition now.

[@DonaldTurner]

very good! thanks for this!

[@batgurrl]

Enlightening video as always. Great editing Love this channel ❤️

[@BehindtheCurtain]

Thank you!

[@vingasoline5068]

I could already tell that this movie was heavily inspired by the Martin Scorsese masterpiece "Taxi Driver", because a lot of the plot points and even situations are very similar. Not complaining, though, they're both great films.

[@moldvox]

I live in a world where everything needs to be explained.

[@JarrodMedrano]

This movie seemed pretty self explanatory

[@soundwavevr6164]

@@JarrodMedrano People still didn't get it. A lot of people think it was just flavor of the month, when it actually has more meaning then most movies nowadays. It's really comparable to the Scorsese movies.

[@earnthis1]

This simplistic silliness makes simple people feel deep.

[@sakhumzimati2665]

Great explanation thanks

[@diegonascimento493]

This channel is perfect!

[@mr.phillips]

0:48 - I disagree with the sentiment “you couldn’t make movies like that now”. Uncut gems, Good time, Nightcrawler to name a few.

[@jf5447]

Daisyslayer Films yeah but, you know... this is coming from a guy who, besides the first film he made about G.G. Allen, has been going the Hollywood way. Everyone’s to busy grinding on this Joker’s dick to even realize that there’s another kind of cinema, which doesn’t get much attention and that explores these kind of topics (along others) in a more profound, human way

[@IDK-eu7dv]

@@jf5447 "oh look at me, I'm so sophisticated and cultured"

[@jf5447]

IDK 700 when having a different opinion gets u this but nobody knows a shit about u... 😁

[@swebble7556]

Yes, but those kind of movies are 9/10 times made by smaller studios with smaller budgets, and they don't get near the same publicity as superheroflicks and such

[@mr.phillips]

@@swebble7556 Good point.

[@sargentocapitao9668]

what Todd Phillips was trying to say is that joaquin phoenix is such a good actor you can just put him inside a template of the king of comedy along with a combo of personal tragedies in one day and voilá not complaining, I still hope it gets a few oscars

[@1986jamesa]

Its nominated for to many as it is.

[@hopelessent.1700]

It got two that’s what matters and deservingly so.

[@earnthis1]

This movie would have been terrible without him. The script is bush league nonsense.

[@jesmopera2685]

This was a beautiful explanation

[@JoinHolmes]

This was fantastic, thank you

[@merovech7]

It's just meant to be a visceral look at what a supervillian comes from. And it simultaneously humanises and dehumanises lonely angry crazy men. It's almost a statement to the world of family friendly, passable superhero movies

[@BehindtheCurtain]

What could've made that message stronger?

[@merovech7]

Behind the Curtain awesome question dude, I think the intensity and cinematography was great, it parted from the horrendous family-friendly superhero movies is every single way I need to watch it again to answer how he could made the message even stronger, the first time I watched it it was an experience, the second time I'll be more critically conscious so I'll get back to you on this Btw your channel is so awesome, no idea where you get such rare interview clips, thanks for the great content!

[@BlaBla-jj6sh]

It's a great movie, not as good as Taxi Driver, but a great one still. The most important thing about Joker is that it shows 'auteur' movies can still be succesful in this world of endless sequels, prequels and comic book superhero movies. Of course Jokers greatest joke is that it, too, is a prequel superhero movie in it's own kind - the kind that Martin Scorsese would have made if he'd appreciated Marvel more. So there's some poetic justice that it was actually D.C. that released this billion dollar movie. All in all, not a 10 like Taxi Driver, but definetely a big fat 8.

[@earnthis1]

Comparing this movie to Taxi Driver is like comparing Tropic Thunder to Apocalypse Now.

[@finitudeimperial8930]

It’s better than taxi driver It’s an incredible social document

[@stecalvert4858]

I could listen to these videos all day lol, seriously tho, great video man 👍

[@nathanherren6708]

I LOVED this!! When he explained the thought process behind it I immediately said out loud “I knew it!!!”

[@Ryan-hx6pm]

Hello! I love your videos, and feel they convey and give a new perspective in media very well.. Have you considered doing a video on Mr Robot? It had its final episode some time ago and is a really great Series!

[@BehindtheCurtain]

I really really want to to do a video on Mr. Robot. I'm trying to finish the show myself, so I'll definitely be doing that soon!

[@yomilalgro]

Every word, scene, shot, delivery, move, person, music, colors, costumes, cinematography, dances, hair, close up, far down, laughter, joke, lights, walls, furniture, meeting, trash, guns, lives, deaths, sadness, smiles, frowns, jokes, interactions, blood, paper, writing, stairs, subways, masks, male, female, white, black, mother, father, sister, brother, girlfriend, boyfriend, scream, silence, pill's, hospital, normal, mental, psycho, house, child, job, hair, bone's, love, hate, hurt, trauma, loss, lies, is perfection. This movie is a masterpiece of a masterpiece. I'm crazy obsessed with this movie.

[@hopelessent.1700]

It’s so weird I’ve seen it three times in theaters. Yet got it again for the 4K Blu-ray. I’ll watch again and hopefully by pausing I can see something more to appreciate.

[@paperchasindude6578]

Same it's one of the best movies of the decade bro it should've won Best Picture at the Oscars.

[@brickalmonds3531]

Dude chill

[@visualsforyou7120]

Every trash, bone's, pill's, paper, and black were exceptional.

[@shayan357]

Bland taxi driver king of comedy ripoff

[@Jejkobbb]

Awesome video as always

[@BehindtheCurtain]

Thank you!

[@ym2179]

Underrated channel. Keep it up

[@BehindtheCurtain]

Thanks!

[@bobafeet1234]

First thing I thought when watching Joker was, it really reminded me of Taxi Driver. Very brave movie to make, glad it's getting positive attention. Joaquin Phoenix is really talented and intense.

[@dbchoobie1924]

4:38 my man's paint is literally almost the same as joker from the movie.

[@Voidelle]

I love comic books, comic book movies/media and comic book campiness; and I REALLY love when an (for lack of a better term) outsider does a different take. I know that “dark and gritty reboots” are a bit of a meme to pop culture but GOD I am grateful that we live in a work where “non fans” make things like this. KOTOR 2 is my only other example that comes to mind, and I deeply love that take on StarWars too. Sure it can go wrong but, its so fucking cool when it goes right.

[@gtamediaproductions1]

Thank you Todd! 👍👍

[@edifiedreader]

How They Wrote Chernobyl next?

[@BehindtheCurtain]

Great suggestion! It was missing from my list.

[@edifiedreader]

Behind the Curtain Well now it’s on your list. 😉 In all seriousness, that’d be a great one especially because it’s about a more recent historical event. You could go into how and why people write historical dramas.

[@manuxx3543]

Beware of the fact that HBO Chernobyl is based on the book "the voice of chernobyl" Which just recount what the people that were there during the incident thought happened or will happen, not what really happened So there's a quite a bit of wrong stuff and information compared to reality

[@yt-sh]

@@BehindtheCurtain hello can you do one for coherence, triangle &/or mulholland drive here is entire list of twisted movies www.imdb.com/list/ls095421538/?ref_=rt_otl_1 Most of them are great movies...

[@laxmannate07]

Probably on a computer

[@JumboMcCloony]

Ive never been first before. Great content :)

[@BehindtheCurtain]

Nice! Thanks for watching!

[@annamariar.7415]

the only joker movie I feel like watching. will be hard to do another joker movie with different actor after this one. great job!

[@jbtechcon7434]

I finally saw Joker last night and could watch this one! The funny thing was I watched your latest vid first, in which a writer says don't think about where movies are going or what stories studios want, just write your story--and then seconds into this vid he's talking about realizing the studios want comics-based movies so... This is related to why I'm so interested in how screenwriters like Lawrence Kasdan manage to retrofit characters to drive a plot or premise the studio assigned to them. We don't hear enough about that!

[@mch1n118]

Joker is a masterpiece.

[@paperchasindude6578]

So true should've won Best Picture

[@augiebrightman9569]

Guilshad Joseph fact

[@Dimension50]

Great vid

[@Chronomatrix]

Fantastic video!

[@BehindtheCurtain]

Thanks!

[@RBdreams1961]

Interesting interview. I was wondering what Author was thinking when he told that joke on the Murray Franklin show about the drunk driver killing a mother's son. Did he really think that joke would win the audience or did he really think it was funny?

[@dimitrythomas4158]

Quick summary. Todd Phillips didn’t really have that much to say or anything type of original idea. But he wanted to make a move that a lot of people would go to see. So he snuck it in as a comic book movie to get fans in the the seats. Then he took the Taxi Driver script template, cut it up with King of Comedy, and replaced Travis with Joker. And cast an amazing actor in the role.

[@haydenschwab5313]

You must be SUUUUUPER fun at parties

[@Ryan-tu4gi]

Pretty accurate summary.

[@Ryan-tu4gi]

@@haydenschwab5313 The irony in your statement by attacking someone for saying a movie is unoriginal by coming at them with a super unoriginal comment. Unoriginal people are usually not that much as parties themselves.

[@haydenschwab5313]

@@Ryan-tu4gi 😮

[@JDP2104]

Travis: a man who saw himself as some badass who was better than everyone, and eventually found a purpose in life and saved a young girl. Arthur: a mentally ill person who took care of his mom and saw himself as just and innocent person, and desired for recognition and love. But the abuse suffered by everyone around him slowly changed his views on everything, and he no longer saw himself as that innocent boy. He didnt care about anything anymore. Please, tell me how they are the same. I'll wait

[@noopa5229]

I always appreciate your use of references and links but you should also include the reference for the artist who did the thumbnail. Unless you did it, then congrats, it’s beautiful.

[@thomaswayne1852]

@Behindthecurtain: Thank you. I got the last piece from the interview clip you played here.

[@BehindtheCurtain]

Thanks for watching.

[@ChubbyChecker182]

Joker is basically Mr Bean with Guns

[@applehazeva2739]

Now i want a Mr. Bean Joker Movie and a Bat-Teddy

[@groverkiinmuppetborn714]

Not at all but the idea of that is fantastic

[@coreywalton710]

More like Pee Wee Herman with a gun catapulted into a darker world.

[@That_Guy-]

@@coreywalton710 catapulted into a society*

[@coreywalton710]

@@That_Guy- even better ;)

[@JoshBakerVideos]

I could listen to Todd talk about this movie for days

[@colleenmcnally7400]

Really liked this movie. Awesome, just happy to see a movie with plot and meaning. Thank God.

[@deagledeagle-jb6pe]

this is so fucking underrated channel, it should have millions of subsubscribes

[@BehindtheCurtain]

I appreciate it! We'll get there.

[@brentloy131]

Bruh when Arthur points the gun at his head for a split second like "oh shit should pop myself here and now?" Lol I think it's great direction and even better actually

[@BehindtheCurtain]

I can't imagine what would go through my head if I did something like that.

[@brentloy131]

@@BehindtheCurtain Firstly, great video. Secondly, there's so many of those little details in this movie that really make The Joker next level. I just love the fact that Todd Phillips and company gave us a film that respects it's audience.

[@mikayelalikhanyan1587]

yesss we need more videoes like this, facts about the inspirations in the makeing of a film i like, not a hollow political rant by Looper

[@BehindtheCurtain]

Thanks!

[@mikayelalikhanyan1587]

@@BehindtheCurtain continue with your great work, I'll continue to watch it as long as you make em😄

[@NorseGraphic]

The pacing sets this movie apart from other films. And that's refreshing. Most movies travels from A - Z at light speed, and we never get to see character-development. With 'Joker' we can see the transformation evolving, culminating in the reveal of his innermost being.

[@craigcolahan]

wonderful video

[@BehindtheCurtain]

Many thanks

[@SheenaRea]

Phillips must have been inspired by Scorsese's "The King of Comedy." SO many similarities.

[@earnthis1]

Except the protagonist is portrayed as simpathitic. King of Comedy showed how crazy and sad the protagonist was. This is like a dumb dumb mirror image, to aggrandize nonsense anger and white male discontent. It wishes it was as interesting.

[@EvGriff42]

I'm not particularly crazy about this movie, I think the final product feels a little hollow and condtradicts the themes it sets itself up for. But I appreciate what Phillips was going for like what he has to say about what it means to him.

[@BehindtheCurtain]

It is interesting to compare the movie with what Todd Phillips says in this interview. I think my main critique (especially after listening to Todd talk) is that he had too many messages and it all got messy by the end. It wasn't a terrible movie, but definitely not a great one.

[@RyanSmith-qr7jg]

I think the movie is shallow and Todd does a surface level treatment of the themes that are in the movie. I dont know why the fuck Todd Phillips is nominated for an oscar

[@thoroughlyrustled6186]

@@RyanSmith-qr7jg how do you mean shallow, could you provide examples?

[@matteotonelli376]

It’s a different kind of joker than the truly chaotic heath ledger joker in dark knight, but it’s an interesting take on the character. I think Joaquin did an great job as the actor, and the cinematography adds to the dark tone of the film. That being said, it’s not a very complicated movie, which I feel is good because the main character is so complicated. The plot is simple enough, but it does say a lot about the current world where the bottom cohort is getting pushed down while the rich on top keep getting pushed up.

[@ludwigbeethoven3119]

"For those who feel, life is a tragedy for those who think it is a tragedy" That quote been around long before the Joker movie..."Hot" emotion and "Cool" Rational thinking...Logic vs. Irrationality...paradoxes and relationships between the two like the TaoTeChing says....

[@jonathans303]

Not a mention of King of Comedy by Scorsese?

[@DanielCarrapa]

He wasn't trying to say it. He said it. Great film.

[@redpup9985]

What did he say exactly?

[@pffilms2522]

It's an okay film

[@csajegyember6179]

@@pffilms2522 okay boomer

[@pffilms2522]

@@csajegyember6179 nah I'm just not an edgy 14 yr old who thinks edgy=great.

[@stipe9k]

@A J So what? Does being in minority make one's opinion wrong? Listen, we're talking about opinions here. It's tragic some people even try to mark opinions as right and wrong in the first place, let alone criticising them for being in minority.

[@albertpolk8510]

Thank you Todd Phillips

[@SuperHeliboy]

I really loved the movie. Seen it several times and pieced most of the underlining points together. It is one of those enjoyable movies that I don't really want everyone to watch. My son has mental illness and I know that the themes of this plot would play on his fragile mind"

[@BehindtheCurtain]

This isn't something I had considered before. It does make sense, though. Have you had an experience before with how your son interpreted media differently than you? If you don't mind me asking, how did you approach that situation?

[@SuperHeliboy]

He is schizophrenic and he uses drugs and alcohol to self medicate. Many of the scenes in the movie I felt I have lived through in some form. Communicating with someone whom you know is wearing a mask that hides their true erratic intentions is truly scary on many levels. You love them and want the very best for them but many times are clueless on how to proceed. I try and down play the themes and use rational thought to bring about a discussion on what the characters should've done to improve their position. Again I loved the Joker as a study of the human condition in today's complex world just feel that someone's brittle mind in the audience may see it as a siren's call to destructive behavior.

[@suicidesquid3581]

It obviously means we live in a society.

[@KowBoySpace]

If anyone has an NPD mother they know exactly what this film is about.

[@adarnjello]

this was phenomenal. Is the link to the past outdated? Would really dig heating the whole thing

[@adarnjello]

hearing

[@Starbat88]

"He comforts the disturbed, and disturbs the comfortable." I love that. :)