As soon as Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker was announced, the wheels of excitement began to spin at breakneck speed, celebrating a cinematic experience that promised to dance on the line between classic wickedness & profound character exploration. With Todd Phillips at the helm, the flick was never just going to be another notch on the superhero genre’s belt; it was pegged to be a juggernaut of 2019—a dark character study set to the nostalgic backdrop of the ‘80s.
Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker, an aspiring comic whose dreams crumble into a harlequin of madness, not only enraptured audiences but also raised eyebrows when reports of on-set challenges and actual uproar in a Brooklyn subway reached the ears of the Screen Actors Guild. Sources on set claimed that although actors are usually guaranteed breaks during filming, the extras, stuck in the car, were not given this relief.
Indeed, walking the fine line between method acting and the rigors of relentless filming schedules is no joke—but does this off-screen drama detract from the masterpiece that the film is touted to be?
The Unseen Challenges of Filming Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker
Joaquin Phoenix’s phenomenally depicted Joker in Todd Phillips’ 2019 flick was certainly nothing short of electrifying. The movie delved deep into the psyche of the iconic villain, offering a dark and twisted character study like never before.
But, as they say, all that glitters is not gold. Behind the scenes, trouble lurked in the shadows. Reports (via TMZ) surfaced of extras being locked inside a subway car for hours on end, denied bathroom breaks, and forced to resort to desperate measures just to relieve themselves.
The situation escalated to the point where the Screen Actors Guild had to intervene, monitoring the set and ensuring that proper breaks were given (see Collider). It seems like playing the Joker comes with its own set of challenges and controversies; it has been a role that pushes actors to their limits.
But in Phoenix’s eyes, this is not just a comic book movie role, but an exceptional opportunity to explore intricate characters and real-life struggles. The actor told Collider:
I take a lot of time and consideration when making decisions and what I’m gonna work on always. So, in some ways, the process, which is obviously reading a script and meeting a filmmaker and then continuing to have meetings and discussions with Todd [Phillips].
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, and starring Robert De Niro and Zazie Beetz, Joker took home two Oscars in addition to other accolades.
Method Acting & Extreme Weight Loss: Joaquin Phoenix’s Commitment to Joker
You can’t miss out on the chaotic journey of Joaquin Phoenix’s physical transformation for the role of Joker. Just like his character Arthur Fleck’s transformation from a struggling stand-up comedian to a supervillain, Phoenix had to undergo a drastic weight change that left him feeling like a malnourished wolf on the prowl.
When director Todd Phillips suggested that Phoenix shed a whopping 52 pounds for the role, the actor was not exactly jumping with joy (see New York Times). In fact, the latter thought Fleck would be better suited as a heavier character. Phoenix described his transformation as:
It’s a horrible way to live.
It would take roughly 30 seconds to climb a flight of stairs, Phoenix claimed to Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2019. According to his statement to The Wrap, all of this was done to make Fleck appear “wolf-like, malnourished, and hungry”. But in the end, it makes sense as Phoenix, who told the LA Times that he had implicit faith in his director:
There are certain areas of the character that frankly still aren’t clear to me, and I’m fine with that. There’s something enjoyable about not having to answer a lot of those questions.
And as they say, the show must go on, and Phoenix begrudgingly embarked on a diet of fruits, vegetables, and…pretzels? Yes, you read that right. Phillips’ love for pretzels made it extra “difficult” for Phoenix to stick to his strict regimen (see Access Hollywood).
And while the physical toll may have been immense, Phoenix’s performance as Joker was nothing short of breathtaking. Joker: Folie à Deux, the follow-up, is scheduled for release on October 4, 2024. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, and Brendan Gleeson, among others.
Stream Joker on Max.
