Todd Phillips' JOKER has yet to make its wide-release in theaters, but already the psychological drama starring Joaquin Phoenix as the Clown Prince of Crime is one of the most talked about films of the year. The movie, which has been described as one of the most unconventional dramas of recent years, won the Golden Lion top prize after it premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on August 31st. With buzz about Phoenix being eyed for an Oscar thanks to his portrayal of Arthur Fleck / Joker, there's no question that JOKER is poised to make a killing at the worldwide box office.
According to analysts, JOKER is on track to debut to the tune of $76 to $88 million when it takes the stage in theaters on October 4th. That being said, some executives have posited that those numbers are inaccurate on account of the film's potential to divide audiences. Recently, Phillips described his JOKER film as a "slow burn," which as you know is a formula that doesn't always play well with general audiences.
“You’re not starting on 11,” said Phillips while talking with the LA Times about the movie. “You’ll get to 11 but we’re really starting on 2, and it goes from 2 to 3 to 4. It’s a slow burn.”
Chances are that ultra-positive reviews and curiosity about the film will win out when JOKER lands in theaters next month. When you consider those two factors, and the idea that this film was reportedly made using a $55 million dollar budget, it's easy to see how JOKER could laugh its way to the bank this fall.
To read Paul Shirey's review of JOKER click here!
In the upcoming film, Joaquin Phoenix stars as Arthur Fleck, a failed stand-up comedian who is driven insane and becomes the psychopathic criminal mastermind known as the Joker. Joining Phoenix for the criminal-led cautionary tale are Robert De Niro, Marc Maron, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brian Tyree Henry, Brett Cullen, Bill Camp, and Josh Pals, among others.
Recently our own Chris Bumbray attended a screening of JOKER at this year's TIFF event. After witnessing Phillips' TAXI DRIVER-like take on the classic Batman villain, Chris commented:
"Certainly, JOKER is the film to see this fall, and one that will no doubt become the water cooler event of the year, and the one everyone will have an opinion on. It’s probably the most provocative, uncompromising American movie to be made since FIRST REFORMED, the difference being more people will see this in a day than did during that film’s entire run."
You can read Chris Bumbray's full review of JOKER by clicking here!
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