The Making of Joker with Cinematographer Lawrence Sher, ASC

Joker cinematographer Lawrence Sher, ASC visits the historic ASC Clubhouse in Hollywood to discuss his work on the critically acclaimed psychological thriller.
Listen to the extended interview: ascmag.com/podcasts
Shotdeck: shotdeck.com
Producer / Editor: Samantha Dillard
Producer: David E. Williams
Interviewer: Jim Hemphill
Cinematographer: Dennis Flippin
Location Sound Recordist: Ricardo Mejia
Special Thanks: Lawrence Sher, ASC; Warner Bros. Pictures; Rachel Aberly; Gabriella Belzer; Brian Golding
Shot on location at the ASC Clubhouse in Los Angeles, CA
Joker
Footage property and courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Score Composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir
Unit Photography by Niko Tavernise
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
The Hangover
Footage Property of Warner Bros. Pictures
Old School
Footage property of DreamWorks Pictures
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Footage Property of NBC Studios
Additional Music
"Rock and Roll"
Property of Bell
"Live! with Murray Franklin Theme"
Ellis Drane and his Jazz Orchestra
"Algorithms ", "The Chorus Ceases", "Elipsis", "Illustrated Novel", "Moonrise", "Negentropy"
Podington Bear
soundofpicture.com

[@ethanjen1]

This movie is such a masterpiece. I literally could not speak for an hour after seeing it in the theater.

[@greebo7857]

me too. And hen i went again. And then I pre-ordered it on iTunes, which I never do.

[@lonewalkerproductions]

This perfectly describes how good the film is

[@puurrrr]

Wow OK. Guess I'll watch it tomorrow. Wish me luck

[@banjarqueenee]

I was speechless after I watched it too.

[@luv1yLynn]

My buddy and I actually stood up and clapped in the theatre when the movie was over and instead of getting weird looks for everyone, they all joined in.

[@Oswald_Thatendswald]

This is one of those classic masterpiece movies that I really don't want them to make a sequel for but I really really want to see a sequel for.

[@greebo7857]

Hard, isn't it? How do you let it go? But how do you improve on perfection?

[@Oswald_Thatendswald]

@@greebo7857 Exactly. Its so hard to make a successful sequel that doesnt feel cheap and cash grabby. But damnit do I wanna see more Joaquin as joker. He was too good.

[@bigboyrambo2009]

@@Oswald_Thatendswald I agree

[@aishahussain7116]

thay will make one right?! :"(

[@KK-vi7jq]

Just make him meet new batman. (I mean a suitable actor amd director) I really want to see them together. 🥺

[@angellacanfora]

At the end of the film, I sat there in the theater, stunned and speechless. I felt like I'd witnessed something truly special. I've since seen it 3 more times and that feeling has only gotten stronger. It's more than just a genius movie - it's an experience!

[@saulmartin8335]

Watch any stanley kubrick movie . Masterpieces all of them .

[@blue23song31]

I agree. Watching this movie was a unique experience. I've never felt like that after watching a film. Simply amazing. It's my all time favorite movie.

[@danielkhan7991]

noeasano ( jokar. ) sanie sanie logs moe sanoe nI ma ie is aam voe daniel miey feiz maoe ik maoe can't ki.

[@S.A.N.503]

This film really is a masterpiece. Thank you Larry, Todd, and Joaquin! This is easy the best movie of the year, and one of my favorite films period! It actually might be my favorite.

[@BPBrutalPenguin]

Retro Active 23 I’m curious if you’ve seen Taxi Driver and what you think of it in comparison?

[@nataliemunoz8600]

@@BPBrutalPenguin I haven't seen Taxi Driver. I know is inspired in it, but also took from other movies and comics. I think they acomplished something unique.

[@BPBrutalPenguin]

Natalie Muñoz I hadn’t seen it when I saw Joker but watched it about a month later and it’s fucking amazing but it is extremely similar

[@nataliemunoz8600]

@aljanat5 I've seen your comment all over KZbin. Do you have any evidence of that? Or you are just a crazy person writting random stuff 🤔

[@ralph1269]

It's absolutely overwhelming when you see how much technical and artistic input goes into making a movie.

[@si0054]

I’ve never watched a movie that I can’t stop thinking about to this level. It was really something special. I’ve watched it 4 times, still want to watch it again and I’ve watched lots of videos like this. And I still don’t know why

[@gloriacasey9947]

Yes I kept watching was upsesed with the movie was even looking up Joaquin Phoenix

[@OpheliaDarkling]

It's been over 3 months since I saw this movie the the theater & I'm still obsessed with every single aspect of it. Great interview with so much technical info to soak in. Such a fantastic job Mr. Sher did on this. Looking forward to his future works. Hope he rakes in many awards..fingers crossed for an Oscar or at the very least, the nomination.

[@entretemaximoschile7032]

curious fact Guess Who Will be the director of photography of black Adam starring by the rock 😁

[@xinastella4867]

I understand this is too much info but I humbly wanted to share this. Before my older brother’s passing he said “let’s watch the joker, you’ll understand how I feel” & my heart aches in so many ways I wish I could take away his pain sucks knowing that you can put in so much work & effort into someone to be happy & have faith that there is good people out here just for another human being to ruin it for you within seconds. Amazing movie with a powerful message & I’m just glad he came to me to speak out 💚 if you guys ever feel that way I promise someone out there is listening! Amazing movie, amazing piece & I can seriously watch this history behind it all day everyday!

[@lilith-mm9hu]

❤

[@carlos66965]

Not to much info, you're expressing yourself and it could very well help someone which is cool.

[@davids736]

It's shit like this that makes me love the internet - being able to just see how things are done at the click of a button. Awesome video, thanks for the upload.....

[@koninginvictoria]

Thanks for this beautiful film. Just saw it for the 4th time in Amsterdam. The theater was sold out, and it’s been out for 3 months. Joker is still getting lots of love in Europe.

[@jesmopera2685]

Victoria J wow that’s iincrdible

[@sign543]

What’s so great about these filmmakers is that they care for the craft, using cinematic techniques and giving a lot of care to the filming even when it’s a comedy like The Hangover. They care about the process, the product they are delivering...they can be trusted to handle your film or script with care. True artists.

[@Channel9Productions]

This was a really good interview. Deserves more views for sure.

[@camdinner789]

literally

[@banjarqueenee]

I was speechless after I watched this film. It is a magnificent work of art.

[@hectorcastro2133]

So much value in this interview. Could watch a full hour of this and would never lose focus

[@jv8studios]

Very true ! So much to be learnt !

[@forevermetal2464]

The artist is everywhere...in front of the camera, behind and everywhere surrounding. The artist in ALL these people participating in their own capacity, is what creates, and ultimately, the final product is over the top Beautiful and indeed something to be extremely proud of. Thank ALL OF YOU for this amazing movie.🤘

[@SouthernSkeptic]

This movie is beautiful to watch. Stunning.

[@jv8studios]

I agree! What was your favourite scene?

[@bigyote]

A true masterpiece... deserves Best Picture and Best Actor at a minimum, but I don't think the Academy has the balls to vote it in as Best Picture. Greatest movie in 10+ years!

[@bauhaus1961]

The balls? the only reason it's getting nominated for anything else then Joaquin performance and cinematography is because the mainstream loves this movie. It's the 2019 version of black panther/bohemian rhapsody.

[@GellertTV]

@@bauhaus1961 AGhh not these movies And I feel bad for The Lighthouse

[@vanillabuzz]

Literally a masterpiece. A film that left me breathless and with goosebumps. Amazing.

[@AyeAyeRon11]

The cinematography was amazing. The dancing in the bathroom after the three murders because he’s transforming into Joker. One of my favorite parts will always be after he kills Murray he laughs for the first time with no pain. Absolute genius acting by Joaquin all the way through.

[@uneedtherapy42]

Not sure what he is talking about in all the "lingo" of film making but man his love and passion about movies is infectious here.

[@aztecproductions4470]

This was this mans year. The cinematography in Joker and Godzilla: King Of The Monsters was amazing and beautiful. He did such a fantastic job!

[@AdAstra78]

Don't agree about Godzilla, I didnt think it was consistently well shot. The first big fight in the snow blizzard was a typical example - very difficult to see what was going on. His work on Joker was fantastic, totally in agreement there...

[@entretemaximoschile7032]

curious fact Guess Who Will be the director of photography of black Adam starring by the rock 😁

[@santiagofernandezdecastrog7994]

These series of videos are really great!! Hope you keep 'em coming!! THANK YOU!!

[@11sdownie]

He did a fantastic job.

[@onewheee]

Thank you for great insight into this great movie. Interesting to learn few things from Mr.Sher...

[@JonathanEBoyd]

A Brilliant Interview of a Spectacular Movie after watching joker it takes some processing to digest it I need to watch it again now

[@MarkArandjus]

King of the Monsters and Joker were some of my very fav 2019 films, great year for Sher!

[@alienlentil]

the best film since the 70s i'd say

[@arahul4045]

One of the best for me... I just can't let go of Silence, inception, The Last Samurai, Rush and many more... For me, this one stands with them head on.

[@ASKpq]

Great questions, great interview. Thanks.

[@lifewithahmed81]

this is a gem of a channel i hope movie amazing videos will come specially on joker.

[@andrewherrera7735]

some of the shots are very beautiful (and give a dream quality) as if it were something more than what it is.

[@floydforthought9998]

Thank you for this film. Just a great surprise from DC. Don’t think people were really sure it’d be any good. But it helped end the decade of cinema with a bang.

[@InsomniaPictureWorks]

I've seen scores of films since Joker, yet this one randomly pops in my mind out of the blue. Great film, Larry's a genius.

[@ThePlaceForThings]

was a great interview. learned a ton of valuable filmmaking techniques. signed up for a beta account on shotdeck as well! such a cool concept.

[@shady4life1991]

This movie inspired me to go to film school! I’ve always loved cinema, but this was the one that made me decide I wanted to be involved in making films. A true masterpiece from beginning to end! Thank you to everyone who made this movie!

[@jesmopera2685]

Daaaaaamn i don’t get tired of these great scenes

[@TimScottSuiGeneris]

Respect due to paying attention to the small details and reality that 99.987% of us normies would never notice otherwise, enjoy the success of your work.

[@milunapardo]

This movie was amazing! JP was amazing! lots of spoiler scenes in this interview

[@sol20006]

"....so he could use Greig Fraser?" Everyone wants Greig.

[@ZoomFilmTV]

BEST EVER. Lawerence, Well done, I applaud you,

[@anjak.2397]

Masterpiece!

[@Satsusss]

Beautifully shot movie 😍

[@KK-qc5ct]

Pat yourself on the back for recognizing that lighting was a major third of this movie. You are on your way.

[@TheCollekterMoviesMusic]

That’s my friends uncle! Lawrence Sher is amazing!!

[@entretemaximoschile7032]

curious fact Guess Who Will be the director of photography of black Adam starring by the rock 😁

[@KalleBlomqvist]

Maybe I look very happy on my profile picture, and I often is, but just after 15 seconds into the movie I knew I felt exactly like Joker when he was crying at the subway. I've been just as mistreated by society (mostly criminals and government officials) like Joker. And I would like to start a revolution just like him.

[@halli7326]

Me too

[@Daniel1965able]

One of very few movies made me going back and forth in my life experiences and how human beings are so sophisticated to truely understand

[@shealupkes]

easily the best shot comic book film this year, and tied with captain thunder as the best written

[@johnta17]

Great insight

[@greebo7857]

Great insights. Thank you. Joker is top of my list of great movies. Ever. I'm 66 and have seen a few. Now, let's see if the snowflakes can bring themselves to give it the rewards it so richly deserves. Sure, it has some competition for Best Picture, but who can beat phoenix for Best Actor? His performance was mesmerising, and shattering. To think that it was largely unrehearsed is mind blowing. Like the movie itself. Joker is genius.

[@alexandermcdonald1767]

Shot Deck is incredible

[@buzby303]

Remarkable man 👍🏼

[@AnunnakiMind]

In my opinion, this movie is a stand alone masterpiece

[@g.lenses]

Amazing interview! Lawrence Sher, Todd Phillips, Joaquin Phoenix and the entire crew that worked on this film made a real masterpiece. On every level.

[@entretemaximoschile7032]

curious fact Guess Who Will be the director of photography of black Adam starring by the rock 😁

[@paveltarget]

Awesome pictures

[@alcatraz3603]

Is it this Larry who pissed Joaquìn?.

[@darkseid856]

It was fake

[@davidwilliams5749]

@@darkseid856 Correct. Totally a stunt.

[@FrenchToast663]

We made this one up.

[@christopherbuckenhamphotog368]

I am just amazed bt the cinematography of joker and have been hunting for the behind the scenes this film is going to stick with me both as a filmmaker and as a story.

[@Houstnwehavuhoh]

Would be amazing if this Kodak print LUT was available! Curious if they approached the whole coloring process of film by applying a negative as well for these digital shots.

[@Jefsamaroon]

Great movie ever!

[@sparky10142]

IL defo be using shotdeck

[@edwardkumarkenway1875]

I was hesitant honestly to watch this after the Heath Ledger performance. But I watched it last week..and I just finished watching thrice now. I think the last time I was so engrossed in an out and out character-driven story was during The taxidriver.

[@pillandatti5043]

15:03 he sounded like joker when he said " wallstreet guys"

[@parinamanpadalgal1691]

Great movie.Great cinematography.

[@entretemaximoschile7032]

curious fact Guess Who Will be the director of photography of black Adam starring by the rock 😁

[@wingflanagan]

Love this. Used to subscribe to American Cinematrographer magazine and I'm so GLAD to see a KZbin channel, now. With all the budding filmmakers out there, this is really needed.

[@Dad2Kids]

So, he's one of the genius behind the screen.

[@charoleawood]

17:52 These shots are evocative of 1983's "Angst" which was shot by a man named Zbigniew Rybczynski

[@lexipau]

Please do the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

[@exceptionalchris]

I was excepted

[@stumccreadie1287]

No cigarettes were harmed in the making of this movie

[@PopGunEnt]

Dude... where do I find that lut?????

[@ShinobiEngineer]

Congratulations! You did an excellent job! 🤡👍

[@laatu1234]

All tars after the movie! Master piece of the decade! 11 Oscars 👍

[@kbjagadeesh]

I will stop analyzing camera work if Lawrence doesn't win Oscar.

[@aleksikulmala6397]

Roger Deakins with 1917 will win it, sorry mate. Guess you will have to find a new hobby.

[@entretemaximoschile7032]

curious fact Guess Who Will be the director of photography of black Adam starring by the rock 😁

[@DUNGSI27]

The cinematography of this movie is amazing,but dam I do wish that they could have found someway to add that make-up test shot into the movie

[@andytrevino4077]

I'm very curious as to how they could've implemented that into the movie. Maybe as his mugshot?

[@DUNGSI27]

@@andytrevino4077 I have no idea myself.Its just such a beautiful shot

[@darkseid856]

@George Adept and also the part where he does a funeral for his mother .

[@justaguy3825]

Apurva Nayak and when he cuts a smile with a broken glass instead of drawing it with his blood

[@sharknado623]

@@justaguy3825 that wasn't shot at all, but there was a bathtub scene deemed too insane even for a R15+ filn, and Phillips cancelled it. Such a shame.

[@badhabit714]

Imagine what a Batman origin from Todd and crew will be like.

[@merikey3736]

The best joker is ‘’Old Joker’’ !!

[@DyslexicGod]

Lets not forget, Godzilla KoM had gorgeous cinematography.

[@AdAstra78]

Hmm...debatable.

[@entretemaximoschile7032]

curious fact Guess Who Will be the director of photography of black Adam starring by the rock 😁

[@diamondeyes1559]

Joaquin Phoenix is the masterpiece....He made this movie ...with his spontaneity full devotion to improvising his grace.......losing weight ...He has made his brother proud

[@peanutbutterrobot]

great movie, just wish they chose a different song for the stairs scene

[@grahamjarman]

i like the song. funny and bizarre

[@peanutbutterrobot]

@@grahamjarman the only thing that seemed bizarre was the song choice

[@PrisonerofChrist81]

Funny... That song wasnt pedophilia til the artist was found out. How many songs out do we know and love are written or produce by pedophiles?? Dont blame the music and label it pedophilic because of its creator.

[@stephenperera7382]

masterpiece.....would have been epic on film though....65mm film wow

[@stephenperera7382]

@Xavier Mireles but you know what I mean right....its what they WANTED to do.....they were not allowed....ironic considering the money they made

[@sharknado623]

What is a 65 mm? I would like to know.

[@Rough1678]

The Best after The Dark Knight💯! #TheJokerGalaxy

[@patmorgan1267]

I have never laughed as hard as i did when Joker shot murray? Is something ok with me?

[@johnayalachef]

Who jumped to ShotDeck immediately?

[@ryansvend8647]

What’s the word he says at 6:32? See them all as a pestigue?

[@MaximLuchinin]

pastiche

[@ryansvend8647]

LuchininPLAY thank you. 🙏🏼

[@polotov7]

The only part I really dislike is when Arthur says “ all I Have is negative thoughts” for some reason Arthur just shows His pain and doesn’t need to verbalize it

[@vargheesejoseph6729]

From that point following dialogue s I don't even know I existed, where Arthur dies joker emerges, I believe that s pivotal scene in the film lot of subtexts

[@nataliemunoz8600]

I would say, this is like saying "I love you". It shouldn't be necessary, but sometimes, is needed to say it/hear it.

[@polotov7]

Natalie Muñoz not even the same thing it’s obvious he is talking to a therapist and that’s one question therapist may ask to get you to talk about what you are feeling she knows he has negative thoughts we know he does it just make it sound cheesy

[@markroberts868]

I don't know what you, the commenter think, but I feel there is a serious message behind this movie, maybe it's just me.

[@PrisonerofChrist81]

F Remember...the more realistic...the more relatable the story is.

[@harrypothead4575]

He was also the cinematographer for Godzilla kotm?🤔

[@entretemaximoschile7032]

yeah he did 😁

[@entretemaximoschile7032]

curious fact Guess Who Will be the director of photography of black Adam

[@justintrayah9109]

It really is too bad Pattisons Batman won’t see this Joker.

[@relicman]

I'm sure they'll find a good one. There are rumors of Johnny Depp but might just be crazy rumors.

[@justintrayah9109]

Well hope the rumors are true. He was going to be the Riddler in the last Christian bale movie but backed out. Would’ve been good.

[@Metadataone]

If they believed that he would give technical details, it is not the right place ... well they never say it ... you know company policies

[@10allesandro]

what is it with the New-York Subway photo shoot policy? Are they for real? its not like its the corridors of the Pentagon... let the Genius guys do their thing and film the god damn MASTERPIECE.

[@marcelbmusik]

For my Mother, the movie is too brutal. But I love the movie :p

[@TylerMann7148]

Interviews an amazing DP, shoots the interview on the key light side and not the fill side....LOL

[@UnicornsForSupper]

Tyler Mann they were shooting from the fill side tho

[@TylerMann7148]

@@UnicornsForSupper Uhhhh not at all.

[@TylerMann7148]

@@UnicornsForSupper Let me show you i.imgur.com/h0LvJp7.png

[@TylerMann7148]

@@UnicornsForSupper It's the exact opposite of how to shoot an interview.

[@Houstnwehavuhoh]

Looks like their INTENT was the key is coming from the right.. but their fill/edge, which is the windows plus whatever.. is brighter than their “key”. Soft coming from the right, hard edge/fill/hair coming from the left.. if the soft on the right were more balanced with the left (in terms of brightness/balance between the two), it’d be more appropriate.. shooting in to shadow side.. but the fill/edge/hair is substantially brighter for whatever reason

[@ngobrylsmania7078]

Joker 2019: 1. Naskah yang hampir sempurna. 2. Joaquin Phoenix menyatu dengan karakter Joker. 3. Scoring musik yang diluar dugaan memuaskan dan "baru".

[@andycarr5876]

Great film Great video on the making of the film but I was disappointed with the opening music used.

[@muwuny]

It's a shame it wasn't shot on 65mm, the box office more than enough made up for the budget cots of it.

[@charoleawood]

Digital enabled them to be spontaneous, it was the right move given Phoenix's impromptu acting style

[@marleneg7794]

Bradley Cooper circa the Hangover....yummy!

[@grahamjarman]

take a cold shower or ill help you out lol

[@AdAstra78]

One of the very few female commentators on this thread...and it's a "Mmm he's hot!" message..(!) Quite amusing...

[@balkee42]

Lmao. She horny

[@KK-qc5ct]

We do we love this film? We identify with the Joker. We want to justify our failure, our sense of cunfusion. For that turning point of justification to become so strong and feel so right, we find ourselves rooting for madness. Hitler. Think of it.

[@andrewjarvis7777]

not the worst movie I've ever seen

[@vincentgatekeeper1421]

Look Ill say it again and again. both phoenix and the writers stole the character from a great film called Bronson. Only difference is phoenix played a less physical Bronson. Watch the movie and you will see every aspect of where they stole the story.

[@bliglum]

What a fantastic movie.. Such a shame the liberal media slammed it because it didn't meet with their expectation of far-left wokeness.

[@charoleawood]

Speaking as a person on the Left, I loved this movie

[@bliglum]

@@charoleawood It's such a shame the powers that be have created such a divisive, and overly politicized climate these days.. Racism this, sexism that. And the left and right have become so extremist! It's far-left vs alt-right apparently. Don't know what their motive is, but they're doing plenty of damage along their way. Can't we all just get along!?

[@charoleawood]

@@bliglum I think the problem is that websites want visibility. The other problem is algorithms that push ever more polarizing content. People also lack nuance in their thinking. So when Karen Han of Polygon reviewed Joker polygon [dot] com/reviews/2019/10/3/20893138/joker-review-joaquin-phoenix-robert-de-niro-todd-phillips calling it "All show no substance", it then is seen as the opinion of every editor at Polygon (instead of just Karen Han's opinion) and is further extrapolated to mean every Leftist has this opinion. When a person wants to know whether a movie is good or bad, they don't go to see it and form their own opinion, first they check Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic. If a movie is above a certain aggregate it is said to objectively be "good"; and bellow some arbitrary number it is said to objectively be "bad". I don't believe Right Wing voters are immune to this kind of group think, whether Left or Right, most people have been incentivized throughout their careers as students, spiritual participants, and workers to NOT think critically and instead default to somebody else's perceived expertise. The dream is that someday they, too, will be seen as experts and that people will listen to them, but until then they believe they have to practice having the right opinions and so they sacrifice independent thought believing that to think independently means adopting the thoughts of those they believe are independent thinkers who themselves never learned independent thought and instead worry about what their peers and mentors think --- it's a damned ouroboros

[@captainmario197]

*The Joker>>>>>>Shazam and Black Panther*