Joker's purpose

From the animated film Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.
The Joker, Batman's arch enemy has been catatonic in Arkham Asylum since Wayne's retirement, after hearing televised reports about Batman the Joker awakens from catatonic state.

[@tofuchopsticks2003]

I love how Joker literally can't function without Batman. It's an interesting concept.

[@omarcogle1965]

It's like Bruce, where he can't function without being Batman.

[@Deadpool-fh6ve]

They actually had a comic were joker thought batman died. In it, he literally forgot he was the joker and became a normal guy. He got a girlfriend, a nice apartment, and a good job.

[@PryGuyStudios]

What is a coin without its other half, or pb without J, two halves without the other is useless

[@alfze_]

@@Deadpool-fh6ve pls tell me what comic is it from

[@CarlosEduardo-mk9uo]

@@alfze_ it's a comic called Batman Going Sane

[@Sai4651]

Without Batman crime has no punchline.

[@ThanksIhateyoutoo]

Fucking brutal man. That funeral was a real eye opener about the relationship of Joker, and Batman.

[@littlen8279]

only Mark Hamill can express how much Joker cares about Batman

[@ThanksIhateyoutoo]

little N My favorite examples come from Arkham city. Joker trusts batman so much that he relies on him completely to find the cure. Also, int eh voicemails he points out how joker is pretty much how batman spends the majority of his time, so that makes them best friends. It's nice to know that joker thinks of bats as his best friend, even if he only says it to get under batman's skin.

[@littlen8279]

Kinda ironic caring about your friend but always trying to find a way to kill him

[@ThanksIhateyoutoo]

little N I think ideal he wants them to go out together. like in the under the red hood movie where they are about to die together, and he's just do happy about how perfect that is. His caring is in crazy way sure, but they're as good as married...just not in a gay way.

[@Aivottaja]

All the asylum had to do was keep the TV off and all those lives would have been saved..

[@michaelmordecai7889]

Destined Prod. the TV mentioning his obsession, Batman, releasing him from his state.

[@Lonewolfshh]

fictional evils? lol joker is my favorite superhero. with out him nothing would matter.

[@ComicalNerd-bp1et]

wolven outcast now you know damn well that ain't true.

[@blankethanket3073]

The people working at Arkham are already stupid enough, now this

[@InfernoBlade64]

@@blankethanket3073 well joker hadn't acted up for a decade so it isn't really their fault at the moment. It's only their fault retrospectively

[@jimmyelkordy3752]

"Why can't batman let things go, like we do?" -woman holding onto this for 30 years

[@nothing_1o_lose689]

typical realism in movie. sick but true, Just like in life

[@anotherrandomguy8871]

Ok then lady how about we let Batman take a vacation along with other hero’s in gothen then we we’ll see how that goes.

[@panthor109thabest7]

No name No comment he did and it's a mess. There were no heroes for about 10 yrs

[@Greendalewitch]

No Name No comment Ok, this might sound a little rude, but did you even see the movie? Superheroes have been outlawed in this universe. Wonder Woman went back to Amazon lily, The Green Arrow retired, Catwoman started a brothel (I at least think it is) and no one has been active for at least a decade. So to answer your question ... They did. There are no superheroes anymore in Gotham, or the world for that matter, except for Superman.

[@kompuglobalhypermega]

@@Greendalewitch Green Arrow was forced to retire, after they cut of his hand and Green Lantern went to space.

[@josephstalin9139]

I love this Joker, there's nothing likable about him, he's just an utter irredeemable monster.

[@drenchedinsyrupp6059]

Exactly. Joker isn't _supposed_ to be likeable. He's a violent sociopath who loves chaos.

[@AndrewDoom]

DrenchedInSyrupp What’d you think of the joker movie?

[@jeffaangel8935]

@@AndrewDoom i thought it was meh

[@New3DSLuigi364]

I Prefer the more LIKABLE Jokers such as: 1. The Tragic Arthur Fleck(A Realistic Deconstruction of the Joker; and What kind of ****ed-Up Life can make someone as twisted as HE is) 2. The Sane Jack Napier from Batman: White Knight(I Loved How for ONCE; The joker, or the Man who USED to be The Joker is trying to FIX gotham's Problems, and is Seeking a Way to Expose them, and Fix Gotham City; and Stop the Gatekeepers of Gotham who are Exploiting Batman for their own Monetary Gain)

[@josephstalin9139]

@@New3DSLuigi364 Travis Bickle (Arthur Fleck) was NOT the real Joker, pay attention to all the clocks in film, hence the final joke at the end, he made all that shit up in his head on the spot. Jack Nicholson was NOT Tim Burton's first choice for the Joker, Studio intervention was the main reason for that toned down version of J. Hopefully Matt Reeves will one day give us a COMIC ACCURATE R Rated no holds barred psychopathic UN MARTYRED Joker. Scott Snyder style if you will, one of many great writers to helm a solid portrayal of the Joker.

[@luxbledstone]

the jokers trigger is batman..

[@RamSingh-pf1ym]

Just like batffleck's is MARTHA

[@user-zi7kt6bx1v]

+Ram Singh WHY DID YOU SAY THAT NAME???

[@minuteman3317]

"Batman" "SAY THAT NAME AGAIN!"

[@minuteman3317]

What if Batmans parents to Batman, is what Batman is to the Joker. Batman dies, the Joker becomes a hero.

[@christianmccauley7340]

Ram Singh *WHY DID YOU SAY THAT NAME!?*

[@ryanstaiger1712]

I like this spin on the Joker. Some people may not like his lighter sounding voice but to me it’s pretty fitting and adds to the creepiness of his character. The way he says, “darling” gave me goosebumps

[@APAstronaut333]

Sorry Messieur

[@leafyishereisdumbnameakath4259]

Ryan Staiger I know right? It just sounds so perfect and empty, you get it, you understand the character of this movie. Also arthur Fleck had the softest voice imaginable, it was truly unique, yet no one cared there idk why people hate this, it's brilliant. It's just a fringe group that hates this version methinks.

[@hellnoodlerat4937]

I absolutely love the joker in this movie

[@xqu1c]

This is right behind John DiMaggio's Joker voice for me it's so sinister

[@zemxxi2765]

The actor, I remember saying, was going for a Paul Lynde type voice.

[@Xylarxcode]

You gotta love the immense complexity between Batman and Joker. That's some deep, dark and very twisted shit going on right there.

[@tylerinnes3178]

Top ten best superhero/ comic book movies of all time 1. Akira 2. Battle Royale 3. The Dark Knight 4. The Incredibles 5. The Iron Giant 6. Batman the Dark Knight Returns Part 1 and 2 7. Superman 2 Richard Donner Cut 8. Spiderman 2. 9. Logan 10. Civil War

[@cloroxbleachlimeflavoredwi179]

tyler innes why the FUCK is civil war the worst on your list

[@tylerinnes3178]

its a great movie thats my personal list all time. Ive seen hundreds of supehero movies.

[@cloroxbleachlimeflavoredwi179]

tyler innes yeah......disney ruins everything lol

[@cloroxbleachlimeflavoredwi179]

tyler innes bet you can't wait for infinity war

[@edwardfrench9368]

Joker "Darling." My reaction "OH SWEET JEZUZ"

[@manip1980]

i got chills when i first saw it. Specially since it was the end of the movie with that epic song finishing it all. I don't like this voice for joker, but honestly this one line couldn't have been better for me.

[@teragram38crows49]

D3LT4 same

[@EXRazeBurn]

TV: "The real villain here is Batman" Joker: "So according to the sheep, I'm just a victim of your irrational crusade, these gangs are extensions of your vigilante-ism, and this city would have been better off without you... ...still think they're worth saving, Bats?"

[@shadowfuture1378]

Tyme Twyster damn... that’s deep but so true at the same time

[@kshitij99951]

U dnt realize something until it's gone

[@jimmymarshallable]

Batman: "Yes".

[@19Ledor]

News:"Batman... batman... Sons of batman..." Joker:"B-b-b-b-b... BATMAN..(grins) Darling" Epic Moment

[@paperbackwriter1111]

I know Arkham's a shitty mental institution, but you'd think they'd want to keep the Joker from hearing anything about Batman, considering how this version is in love with him in some twisted way, which they undoubtedly figured out at some point. I mean, he went docile when Batman retired.

[@Pumapants1]

He's not in Arkham. He's in a more normal, realistic mental institution.

[@inspectorspinda]

+Dominic La Puma that sucks just as bad

[@schwarzerritter5724]

+paperbackwriter1111 The movie established Joker has a pretty crappy psychiatrist.

[@spasticpug5209]

+Schwarzer Ritter the "makes me sick looking at him" Come on that ain't healing

[@fangsabre]

i think in every version the joker is in love with batman in a weird twisted way

[@flanplan5903]

The guy who voices the joker...Michael Emerson. Talented dude. Knocked it out of the park with casting.

[@FazeFysix]

He was also Zepp in the Saw movie

[@FanofCrash25]

I'm not saying that this version of joker is one of the greatest, but his line in this scene IS one of the greatest when i comes to delivery. "Daarrling..." ooooooohhhhh the chills

[@30795William]

FanofCrash25 I agree and it was creepy too 😣😂

[@Cipher_Nine]

the guy who voiced the joker in th is is the closest thing we got to heath ledger

[@kowsikaraju]

Michael Emerson it is. The man who played Ben in Lost and Harold Finch in person of interest. He's a genius!

[@Zeriel00]

Not to mention Peter fucking Weller!!! Best movie ever!

[@Ziomaletto]

The only good moment of this Joker.

[@chaztonwahilani5367]

This was far from the Mark Hamil Joker we came to love, but you gotta admit that Emerson's depiction of The Joker was very creepy and brutal. I liked that he was able to bring something more than a laughing Joker with his usual antics.

[@lightningmonky7674]

Yes I love when actors try to do their own thing instead emulation, sometimes it works and sometimes not, but at least we get unique depictions, i.e. John dimmagio and heath ledger

[@CassiusColeman]

1:32 Oh, the chill that just went up my spine...

[@tremichaelursin9582]

"B-b-b... Batman. Darling." _shivers_

[@ttbby557]

A girl says "darling, no one bats an eye. The Joker says "darling" everyone loses their mind.

[@feynstein1004]

Lmao the irony

[@ablackbunny3149]

How many girls say it the same way joker did?

[@ricedanan]

Heh. *BATS* an eye.

[@unclepalo]

Batman is the Jokers one true love

[@livelife4928]

Because everyone knows that the Joker actually means it and that just spells doom for everyone there

[@wizzzer1337]

why is this Animated movie infinitely more sophisticated and nuanced than Batman V Superman's drivel plot? why can't people who make a 250 million dollar movie work off a good script?

[@skiiimsk]

Because Batman v superman was directed by Zack Snyder

[@josecarranza7555]

+Dope What's wrong with BvS?

[@josegomez6549]

+Dope but did he write the script?

[@DarkenedArc]

HE DID the movie's original cut was 4 HOURS long but then had to be cut down from that to 2 and a half hours long Snyder's releasing a 3 hour r-rated director's cut of the film show that HE at least had a good movie in mind but one that was neutered to oblivion by the producers or whoever made that decision

[@josegomez6549]

***** I think any other version that could have been made out of BvS would have been better than how it turned out.

[@josephstalin9139]

The Joker isn't attracted to women or men, he lost that privilege, all he knows is that The Batman gives him the last psychotic purpose in the world he will ever have.

[@sarahgooey]

Joseph Stalin yes

[@DivineXPotato]

thats debatable he acts very bisexual, he raped someone (forget who) and i believe its implied he raped catwomen as well then their is also the way he acts towards batman at certain times, though you could just say its the normal relationship thing at certain times it seems more sexual or romantic in nature. Though they likely left it ambiguous on purpose

[@ifeanyiozoh3097]

@@DivineXPotato he doesnt act bisexual he has an obsession with batman but it has nothing to do with being gay

[@Chrissy3480]

@@DivineXPotato I think that when he rapes someone it's less about pleasure and more about control. Even some rapists that aren't crazy murderers do it as a means to control someone. If it was just about pleasure they'd just hire someone

[@kobi7955]

He had sex for pleasure in All-Star Batman and Robin

[@K0ragg]

So damn creepy....Batman trully created his most cunning foe.

[@WuFuFilms]

Yeah it is creepy xD

[@Ironbat92]

For people who think Joker is gay, I want you to do something for me. Imagine a world were the one thing that made you... well you, went away. Never again to resurface. That's how the Joker feels about Batman. Joker could just go on and kill, murder, steal, and so on. But where's the fun in doing that without any effort. Here, the Joker just gave up... until he returned. and all he wanted was just one last play date with The Dark Knight. It's like he said in The Dark Knight: "You won't kill me because of some sense self-righteous and I won't kill you because you're too much fun."

[@SuperOverlord94]

"Without Batman, crime has no punchline,"

[@MsKisamefan]

exact reason why i find this so adorable!

[@jvparungao8382]

The hell are you talking about?

[@psalmskings5535]

Superman13195 Stupid as fuck

[@KokoroSan96]

Superman13195 pie

[@Romandy13]

2:10 Me when I watch a great movie.

[@mollex2100]

LMFAO XD

[@BATTttab]

Same

[@NevanSlone]

Batman means so much to joker , even though they are enemies

[@EyeOfTheMind86]

+Nevan Slone in this series, joker is homosexual by the way :)

[@jeweetzelf734]

+EyeOfTheMind86 good for him

[@shuu4899]

Harley?

[@hotrodthe1]

They're like Yin and Yang, one cannot exist without the other.

[@bergerloos5014]

+Hot Rod always considered that the truth. however the batman can survive without the joker

[@FunvoltGunvolt]

1:02 irrelevant hotdog is irrelevant

[@cristixncee8839]

*ding

[@Veed.l0]

Julian Birco What i got from it was that she was just there to represent a snipet of the people. The apathetic & docile middleman of the citizenry. 'Why can't he just let things go, like the rest of us" she had just given up one more than a few things and was filling the emptiness with excessive eating and outward hostilility and gluttony.

[@abloshow91]

Cinemasins

[@jonbragg5175]

@@Veed.l0 She's even a hypocrite for saying "let things go like the rest of us" when literally they can't let go of their hatred for Batman or other heroes even though all they did was save their sorry asses from mass genocide to even near extinction at times from villains such as Darkseid.

[@BruhBruh-fr2jy]

Joker: “I don’t wanna kill you! You complete me!”.

[@jstudios7203]

My favorite scene of the whole movie. Watching his true identity reignite with the eerie music backing it up just makes this scene. Like damn.

[@egeorgiades93]

I noticed a few people posting their thoughts on Jokers "Interests" saying he is a possibly homosexual, bisexual, or asexual. In my opinion he's Pansexual (In his own twisted way). His turnon isn't gender, race or any of those things at all. His turnon is more of an Ideal, or motivation. fThat motivation being The Corruption of Purity. Three examples are Harley who once was a normal individual who Joker corrupted into something her wanted her to be, Batman who is an unbreakable individual who The Joker wants to break to show that all men are as breakable as he is, and third Superman. Remember the game Injustice? Perfect example of how he was even able to corrupt someone as pure as Superman.

[@shinsolaire7099]

+Eric D. Incredible analysis!

[@Ghost1170]

+Eric D. This makes way more sense.

[@JackLT13]

+Eric D. Oh maybe Or i think is just he own way to speak u know cx Just messin with people

[@Nothing_serious]

I know. Joker is not gay. He just loves playing with Batman because he wants to break Batman

[@VladNorris]

This guy. Give this guy a beer.

[@guywhopaysrent]

That ending scene in part one when Joker snaps back into to his crazy self is so creepy and well done.

[@seva809]

Joker "What is my purpose?"Batman "You pass butter"

[@taylorslade8080]

seva809 Joker:... oh my god

[@kailevil3444]

And he would laugh like it's the funniest thing.

[@davis9502]

The idea that Batman created his own enemies was already tackled by the animated series. And in that show they have proven that Batman is created by the enemies.

[@leblanc3536]

And this is based on a comic that came out before that

[@inite1428]

@@leblanc3536 W

[@goth9ever]

batman and joker BOTH need each other, just like in death note with Light and L, both batman and the joker are on a higher level of existence than anyone else in gotham. not the robins or the other villians, batman and the joker understood each other in the worst way possible, a visible ying or yang to eachothers ying or yang for them both to always see. like an ugly truth, each one is a strong part of eachother, whenever either of them looks in the mirror, its the other one they see looking back at them, weather they love it like the joker or it haunts them to the point of near insanity like batman, both receive some sort of drug like return to one another consistently. Both of them lie on the complete opposite ends of the spectrum of morality, so far apart that the spectrum is bent so both ends face eachother back to back, so far yet closer than anyone else around them. Its amazing, probably the greatest fictional relationship since the creation of jeckle and hide

[@itzyaboi8477]

Wow

[@goth9ever]

khang mai what?

[@ultimateblaze23]

Like they sort of said in the film, Batman needs the Joker to for fill his "hero complex" Batman knows only he can defeat him and that gives him purpose in his life and validates what he does. Every time Joker breaks out it justifies the police are not good enough and they need him. It's so hard for Batman to just kill him because when he does, he won't be needed anymore. Joker cares about nothing except things that entertain him. He uses Batman as a play thing, even when Batman wins he still looses because he knows he should of killed him.

[@SkaterBoyProductions]

TeamTripleStar THANK YOU! I'm sick of people saying that "they both need each other" making it seem like batman is okay with joker being around because it "validates him". Da fk, are ya serious!? Batman even said it himself "there's nothing I hate more in this world than you joker". Also in the red hood movie, batman tells Jason Todd that it would be all to easy to allow himself to kill joker, but he doesn't because once he crosses that line he will never come back.

[@ultimateblaze23]

Why else keep him alive? like Jason said it's just one guy, just because he kills the joker doesn't mean "oh shit, I have to kill every mugger I meet now" no. I'm SURE people have slowly died or been permanently disabled from Batman beating them up over the years, so any "line" has already been crossed.

[@jonathanmercado963]

Is it me or does this Joker looks buffer then other Jokers?

[@Coyote0874]

Yeah he looks swole

[@emetanti]

see, Joker only needed a healthy dosis of Batman to recover.

[@exileddemonangel2240]

"Darling"

[@KryptonianChaos1]

Every time he says the name "Batman", Joker moves. This was really one of my favorite Dc animated movies.

[@noahsherwood2445]

This is one of the best Jokers, along with Ledger, Hamill, and Phoenix.

[@giagarex]

News: Two Face, Penguin, Darkseid, Killer Croc Joker: I sleep News: Batman Joker: *REAL SHIT?*

[@darthuchiha1418]

Joker might be older or around Batman’s age but it hasn’t hindered his tendency to be the irredeemable and remorseless monster that he is

[@Seasonal-Shadow_4674]

Exactly, I wish Red Hood could torture Joker

[@darthuchiha1418]

@@Seasonal-Shadow_4674 he kinda did in under the red hood

[@Seasonal-Shadow_4674]

@@darthuchiha1418 like Arkham Knight level

[@dungusglumbus9946]

A moment of silence for all of the people who bought/rented the special edition of the Dark Knight Returns where both parts of the story are awkwardly stitched together. Part 1 is supposed to end when the Joker says “Daaarling” and it’s such a good ending. It leaves you wanting more. But ironically, the special edition makes this moment so much less special

[@piplup2009]

So hes in a concious coma then when batman is mentioned he wakes up?

[@LexusFox]

piplup2009 It seems so.

[@frostybootyo]

No Batman = No Joker Ironic isn't it.

[@aickavon]

+piplup2009 He had nothing to live for without batman, so he just kinda breathed along. But when batman returned, so did the joker. It's funny how batman's life is complicated that way. Go away, and the city is overrun by gangs, return, and the gangs go away, but the villians? They return as well.

[@Lone_Wolf91]

Frosty Well if you think about it without Batman Joker doesn't have anything to do. Joker's main goal is to prove everyone has a breaking point and wants Batman to kill him to prove his point because he's the one person who apparently won't kill no matter how far he's pushed to the edge.

[@nathannate7264]

Ya......it's called a cartoon piplup2009.

[@dzalva1434]

I'm getting an Eddie Gluskin vibe when the Joker said 'Darling'

[@angelusvastator1297]

Same.

[@zuunpyi7120]

Nobody insults batman infront of the joker my friend .. Nobody...

[@willh.7284]

harley quinn just %100 friendzoned

[@typicaljokerguy7708]

The Joker has aged so well unlike Batman, but Bruce Wayne is still athletic trying to find his strength.

[@CRAZYKNIFER300HD]

when joker say "darling" is the best part of the movie. Of course the word batman is the only reason he awakes his slumber.

[@spongeyspikes09]

1:30 as he once said so long ago "Let the good times roll!!!"

[@kobi7955]

Is that a Jokers millions reference?

[@Aslan_sarsenbayev]

Best animated movie

[@HHHH-mb5hf]

@Jack Bat 1. The dark Knight Returns hands down.

[@KingDuken]

Even politics about Batman is stupid.

[@EmptyMan000]

Of course it is. It's a paradox doomed to failure since the law is against vigilantism but Batman is a vigilante who works outside the law but still manages to take down dangerous criminals that law enforcers cannot handle on their own. To support him is to allow illegal activity to stop other illegal activity, but to denounce him is to toss aside a crucial asset to stopping dangerous criminals.

[@mr.l8723]

“You complete.....me!”- The Joker to Batman

[@99jody]

I love this joker

[@malayshamorgan3918]

He just loves him so much

[@worlds1ep3enthusiast92]

Joker: *I'm gonna kill everyone in this room* Me: that is a steaming hot pile of nope *leaves*

[@holidaypunch6621]

*Yawns* "i think its time for lunch, cya mates!" *Nopes outta there*

[@stoneyreed8823]

I knew they needed each other now excuse me while I read 100 different fan fictions about them being together

[@prolifesinglemother]

Stoney Reed SAME

[@Aquaria-Amethyst]

I never seen the day coming where I would ship these two and here this movie came along and said yes you will..........Darling

[@prolifesinglemother]

Brena Lynn ;/ oh yasss that part got me right there. that's right. right in the heart. so it's basically canon anyways soooooooooooooo

[@Aquaria-Amethyst]

Daya Fow I ship Batman and Harley too

[@prolifesinglemother]

Brena Lynn >:O...

[@johnlucas2838]

When the Joker is a better psychologist than the damn psychologist.

[@gingdaninj3040]

This looks like the same animation style as the boondocks. I keep expecting Uncle Ruckus to show up.

[@benjaminkemer6428]

What's so interesting is the fact that Michael Emerson is even creepier as a live action guy. Such as on Lost as Ben.

[@zacharyhawley1693]

Batman has always given joker purpose. In a way joker is one of the few characters that truly loves batman. He has always been that insurmountable pillar of order to the chaos that is joker. It only makes sense that there would be a connection there. If it was written well and properly it could enhance the bat-verse well. I mean batman has already been used to talk about mature topics before. He's been raped and has a strange relationship with catwoman. Its not completely out of the question. Why not add a doomed relationship between him and the joker.

[@jollygoodfellow3957]

I always considered the Joker to be Asexual. He would use Harley to his advantage but didn't love her and would occasionally push sexual innuendos on Batman and others to get under their skin but sex is the 9001st thing on his mind.

[@gavinallerton3414]

That's...that's not what that word even remotely means

[@jollygoodfellow3957]

Gavin Allerton I was not saying that Asexual means someone is manipulative and intentionally creepy. That's what *The Joker* does. Personally I think Joker has no sexual interests.

[@jimshoe2385]

+Michael Nyholt It depends on the writer and/or one's interpretation. Some consider him straight, other think he's asexual, and a fair amount of people think he's Batman-sexual.

[@smeghead4158]

+SonyXBOXNintendo did you take thet frome ledgers joker yknow the dog +car bit

[@Serbianguy0]

+Michael Nyholt I completely agree, but i would say that 90% of comic book/cartoon villains (and a lot of heroes as well) are asexual, not just the Joker.

[@stylishmusic4012]

Never insult batman in front of joker. Never.

[@madsdahlc]

Its simple. Without batman the joker has purpose to what he does. Dc actully Explorer This further in a couple issues of legend of Dark knight( Pre new 52) in a story called going sane. Their batman disapears for six months . And with no batman around the joker has no Reason exisist . So he becomes normal. Takers medicine for skin condition and settles down in gotham under the name Joseph Carr ad gets married. He Then lives happy with his wife . But when batman returns later in the story . The joker becomes himself again and the story ends batman defeating the joker and sending him right back to arkham .

[@StarlasAiko]

madsdahlc the bat doesn't simply disappear in that story, he dies. In one interpretation of that story, Joker, having had an almost Deadpool level of awareness that he is just a comic figure, always believed his purpose was to be the antagonist to a fiction story, that all the death and misery he caused had no actual victims and only served the drama and entertainment of a story in which Batman is the hero. When Batman died, he came to the conclusion that no fiction franchise would ever kill off the hero, which meant that his life couldn't actually be fiction, it had to be real. Trying to reconcile with this discovery, he stopped being the evil antagonist of a story and tried to live a normal civic life, until the bat returned and the comic book reality reestablished itself. I don't remember if it was in the same story or in a different one, but there is a scene where Joker is talking to his shrink about his "imaginary fans" which the doctor initially believed to be a mis-spoken "imaginary friends". When asking the Joker if he was sure his imaginary fans were not just a figment of his imagination, the Joker replied with the counter question if the doctor is sure that he is not just a figment of theirs (his fans'). His certainty is shown to not be unshakable though, because the moment he is put back in his cell, he looks at the 4th wall and asked the readers for confirmation that they are real.

[@Unnatural09]

The darling line is the scariest line in cinematic history.

[@dillonmcintire6519]

The moment Joker said that, his insanity returned.

[@josephharris4974]

It's interesting to put the Joker in this perspective that makes you think that he had homicidal yet romantic feelings for the Batman. It would explain why the Joker was most jubilant when Batman is near him, why his life had no meaning when he thought Batman was gone forever, and then his choice of words in this film portrayal in particular.

[@AustinNGrayson]

Joseph Harris You know nothing about The Joker. I’m not saying this to be rude but to inform you about who The Joker really is. He’s not in love with Batman nor does he want to kill him. He is obsessed with Batman because he thinks of him as his equal and the only one that truly understands him. Neither of them can live without the other in The Joker’s eyes but not in a romantic way. He thinks that they are connected and intertwined. He doesn’t want to kill him because he truly believes that he can’t live without him because they are basically one in the same in his mind. In reality though they are complete opposites from each other. You can clearly see this in The Dark Knight movie and many other Batman stories. Another great example of The Joker’s obsession with the Batman is in Arkham Origins. When Joker is knocked off a building Batman jumps off the building and saved him. Batman did this for one reason. To be a symbol that there is always light in the dark. Batman doesn’t kill or let others die because he wants to set an example for the world. He looks dark and brooding to scare the criminals of Gotham but the real symbol is that there is always light in the dark. He looks terrifying but he is no killer because he is not one of the criminals. He is the light in the darkness. The darkness is his physical appearance but the light is what’s underneath. When he saves Joker Detective Bullock thinks that he is The Joker’s partner because he saved him even though he’s a homicidal maniac. Joker of course tells Detective Bullock that he’s not his partner and Bullock says, “Why else would he save your sorry ass?” And Joker looks out the window of the police car and whispers to himself, “I was wondering the same thing myself.” In the Arkhamverse that’s when his obsession with Batman began. The animated movies that the clip above is from is The Dark Knight Returns part 1 and part 2 which is an adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name, without the part 1 and 2, written by Frank Miller. When Batman retired after Joker killed the second Robin Jason Todd Joker went quiet because, like I said earlier, he can’t live without Batman. It’s not because he has romantic feelings for him but because he thinks that they are one in the same and one can’t live without the other. That is what the Joker thinks but of course that is insane. The difference is he’s barely insane. He’s just pure evil.

[@leafyishereisdumbnameakath4259]

Gotham Savior yeah everyone says this but isn't that what love is? Someone you can't live without? So idk if it's sexual or not I think it's both because the joker probably doesn't care about lines and blurs the line between familial love ("the brother I never had, my best friend" - Jeremiah valeska and I use this example because I feel it is relevant to the point I'm making not that Jeremiah is 100% accurate to comic joker) and passionate sexual love. I don't think he cares about boundaries or "incest". So it isn't rooted in sex, it's rooted it symbolism. That said, the joker may kiss Batman because he loves him and he ofc does taunt him by being flirty but that's as a joke. It really doesn't matter though

[@leafyishereisdumbnameakath4259]

Gotham Savior that was well written though and yes lmaooo he is insane.

[@mojojojoslyfoxharris]

@@AustinNGrayson OK Simple question why does he call him "Darling" in this universe? I'm not disagreeing in the other TV/Game universes, but it seems a bit more weirdly romantic in this movie with how the Joker talks about Batman and how clear it's set in this universe for how once Batman was gone, Joker was basically in a "vegetative" state.

[@jacobamick]

Michael Emmerson. Such a good choice for this Joker. Perfect for the story. I just don't envision Mark Hamill's Joker fitting into this film correctly. That being said, my favorite Joker will always be the one from the animated series.

[@kirkcannon4704]

Who can look at the joker smiling and think anything good can come from it?

[@flannerymonaghan-morrs4740]

Michael Emerson...jesus fucking christ. The part where Joker says "Darling"...always gives me chills.

[@wuffiousmaximus4808]

“I don’t wanna kill you. What would I do without you? Go back to ripping off mob dealers? No. No. You complete me.”

[@toybonnie2836]

1:35 did he say darling? OMG IS HE THAT CRAZY PSYCHO FROM OUTLAST

[@akauthewarrior7547]

This really puts things in perspective when you link all the Joker clips like you did.

[@alexandercastro-vera8641]

Something that has never made sense to me is how joker was so buff in this comic/movie. With batman I could understand but the joker hadn't been doing anything since batman retired yet he has the build of a goddamn steer on steroids.

[@NightmareproductionsOFFICIAL]

If you like the Dark Knight Returns, don’t watch BVS. Watch this movie!! Both parts are excellent and understand the book much better.

[@velociraptor4you3291]

There you have it: Joker's purpose in life is dear old BATS.

[@rexflamevermillion5527]

He found the joy he lost again after batman came back

[@velociraptor4you3291]

@@rexflamevermillion5527 Well put (👍).

[@mattriarchal]

Joaquin Phoenix as joker totally matches this animated version wtf

[@josephmack7427]

“The sons of batman don’t make speeches, we act” Then batman comes and makes a speech in front of them

[@scrombat]

Never humanize the joker.

[@lebatman790]

The movie did and he became thé Joker

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

@@lebatman790 And that movie was phenomenal!

[@connorduquette1432]

I always thought that one of the best parts of this movie was the balance of the public opinion. A lot of people hated Batman, but a lot of people loved him too.

[@PapagenoDispo]

Y'all know there's some deep "romantically" twisted shit happening between them and _I LOVE IT._

[@christopherballard1348]

I think it's less between them and more in joker's head. He was really pushing this whole romance thing in this movie and Batman just wanted Joker dead.

[@Go_go_gadget]

Joker sounds gay in this movie

[@thomasharrington1477]

as if Joker genuinely gives a fuck about love and romance. This dude just knows his reason to kill people is back, and that makes him ecstatic. One last chance to make the big bad batman kill him

[@WealthycashierVR]

Love how this depiction of the joker almost perfectly resembles the Lich from Adventure time in that not having a purpose causes them to cease to function almost completely.

[@Roge9]

1:05 Rick what are you doing there?

[@skreign]

1:19 Sasuke doesn't want to avenge the uchiha anymore?

[@MrMrannoying]

Woa it does sound like him haha

[@swiftboy2560]

There not similar at all

[@TheKaizokuman]

why don't they know it is him?

[@PSNragglefraggle1]

+Kaizokuman He's in a lot games too. Mostly as minor characters, but he played Sun Ce in dynasty warriors.

[@GigaChadh976]

Well, he probably took up smoking pot instead.

[@GoIdenbaum]

His mind is years out of commission for years, barely alive in a vegetative state. And the first thing he does seconds after regaining his senses is crack a one liner. And just like that, the gears inside his head start turning immediately to recognize everything that's happened and think up how to best exploit the situation for maximum chaos. That's how you know the Joker is absolute evil.

[@rahulmaharaj1997]

Quite an analysis there

[@rexflamevermillion5527]

He's been pent up for far too long that Pandora's box just cracked Open when Bruce came back

[@MichaelSunny]

If The Joker was in The Dark Knight Rises this is what I think would have happened.

[@sailordarty9032]

We all need a reason in our lives to go on...something that reminds us who we are, what we do, and why we do it.

[@afriendlyyoutubecommenter1229]

Joker is imprisoned and even mentally incapacitated. Why on earth would Gotham City decide to keep and even take care of him in mental hospital instead of executing him?! He killed like thousands in his villain career!

[@itsjustvin7630]

A Friendly KZbin Commenter cuz of people like that therapist

[@A2Ztigers]

I don't think executing the mentally disturbed is considered ethical, as it could be argued they are not totally in control of their own actions. This in mind, you get a bit Aryan executing those deemed imperfect and that's the last thing you'd want.

[@therollerlollerman]

Hellfire Heroes Joker is insane, but not legally insane (being unaware of right and wrong at the time of committing a crime), so 99 out of 100 courts would fry his ass. In real life, anyway.

[@velahtielredfang9417]

Year later, Hi. I just want you to know that I am pretty sure it is heavily illegal in SEVERAL countries for public executions.

[@tadstrange1465]

Because he's considered clinically insane. They can't execute someone who's considered legally insane.

[@vm141789]

You'd think the so-called educated people working there would've seen the connection of Joker moving again at the same time Batman came back.

[@joeygobs3309]

I believe Joker isn't gay he's just obsessed with batman and wants to tear him apart

[@yautja95]

+joey gobs it's like the Coyote and the Road Runner...

[@yautja95]

Lauren Storey XD lol

[@rottenmoth]

Lazy Lauren itd be cool if he was gay but him loving batman in his own twisted and sick way doesnt make him gay. hes a fucking human ( I think lol ) for christ sake. im gay and youre probably straight, cis. you sound very childish imo

[@yautja95]

-_- how many of you folks are actually into Yaoi?, raise your hands

[@harrymadferit7807]

+yautja95 How do you raise your hands on the Internet?

[@boiledcrap]

Joker's purpose: To troll! But that's putting it simply. He desires to prove that anyone can lose it. There is nothing pure in this world and the high and mighty can become weak and fall.

[@Terminatorfan-2016]

A straight man's version of an abusive relationship that neither partner will end. I love how multiple Batman and Joker fans have pointed that out. That's what their rivalry basically is. Neither one of them refused to kill each other for years. Even though Joker says he's won, Batman's the one who ended the abusive relationship. I definitely like the tunnel of Love touch combined with the brutality of the beatdown. I definitely hope they make a good Joker and Batman movie with not only good actors but with this rivalry.

[@leafyishereisdumbnameakath4259]

or you could have just said abusive relationship

[@Terminatorfan-2016]

@@leafyishereisdumbnameakath4259 not to be negative, but I think most people know what I mean by it and I don't need the language police after me. The last thing I need is somebody trolling me because I'm a heterosexual male who used the wrong words that aren't even wrong to begin with.

[@67alora]

@@Terminatorfan-2016 it's okay to be a fudanshi g

[@doubledamn2599]

This version of Joker was always one of my favourites. It took the campiness from Adam West's Batman Series, and turned it up to the max then added in some of more violent aspects from the comics.

[@leafyishereisdumbnameakath4259]

How is he campy in any way? I guess maybe the flying kids and their dad

[@rachelgraebner915]

I swear when he calls batman 'darling' my mind went straight to Eddie Gluskin from outlast. They are both creepy psychopaths in an insane asylum.

[@jojoflap]

You'd think the doc would've had more common sense and noticed that the dude who went docile after Batman disappeared suddenly sprung back to life as soon as the news began mentioning his name again. If that's not a red flag, I don't know what is.

[@charliegriffin2867]

The first time I heard the "Batman... Darling" line, it gave me chills.

[@frogglen6350]

Joker: "A reason to go on" "Exactly" That psychologist has no idea what kind of monster just awakened. 😅

[@TheParanormalist0601]

If anyone has ever seen the TV show Lost, a fun fact is that Benjamin Linus voices the Joker here. :)

[@TadpolesTV]

While I'm not exactly a fan of Michael Emerson's vocal portrayal of the Joker, that 'darling' line was one of the creepiest deliveries I've ever heard.

[@Kera4112]

0:56 when he started to move slowly i was slowly getting more scared and the background music wasn't making it better

[@Italianboy225]

1:30 is how I want Gotham season 5 to end.

[@eotwkdp]

I imagine a universe where Gotham splits into two sides. One who wants Batman and the other that doesn’t.

[@TheNecrotimer]

Ok, I'm not the only one who thought that Joker sounded like an evil Mister Rogers in this movie, right?