The first trailer for Todd Phillips’ R-rated origin film about iconic DC villain The Joker has been unveiled. Joker, will see Joaquin Phoenix transform into the beloved villain. The film follows The Joker’s transformation from Arthur Fleck, a stand-up comedian who inevitably loses touch with reality and hope in the world.
The trailer is a stunning ode to the ’70s. Set to Jimmy Durante’s cover of Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 song ‘Smile’. It begins with a haunting voice-over from Phoenix. “My mother always tells me to smile and put on a happy face,” Phoenix is heard telling his therapist. “She told me I had a purpose… to bring laughter and joy to the world.”
As The New York Times reports, the film pays homage to Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy.
Check out the teaser trailer below.
Watch: Joker – Teaser Trailer
Phoenix will star alongside, Frances Conroy, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz and more. Joker is set to hit theatres October 4th.
Whilst you’re here, why don’t you check out our piece “Why won’t Marvel and DC movies finally give up and die?”
