The Joker, directed by Todd Philips and starring Joaquin Phoenix, has taken the world by storm with its gritty and realistic portrayal of the iconic Batman villain. But amidst all the hype around the movie, one question that has been on everyone’s mind is – does Batman make an appearance in the Joker?
Before we delve into this question, let’s first understand the premise of the Joker. The movie follows Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian who turns to a life of crime and chaos after being constantly rejected by society. Set in Gotham City in the 1980s, the film is a standalone origin story that doesn’t connect to any previous Batman movies.
So, does Batman actually make an appearance in the Joker? The answer is no. Batman doesn’t appear physically in the movie at all.
However, his presence looms large over the narrative. The film explores how Batman’s absence allowed for corruption to thrive in Gotham City and how his eventual emergence as a hero was necessary to bring justice and order back to the city.
The Connection Between Joker and Batman
Although Batman isn’t shown on screen, several references are made throughout the movie that tie it to the broader Batman mythology. For instance, Thomas Wayne – Bruce Wayne’s father – plays a significant role in the story as a mayoral candidate who represents everything that Arthur hates about Gotham’s elite.
The Waynes
The Waynes’ murder also serves as a crucial plot point that motivates Arthur towards his ultimate transformation into Joker. Moreover, there are several other Easter eggs scattered throughout the film that reference characters from Batman’s universe such as Arkham Asylum.
The Director’s Take on Including Batman
Todd Phillips has been quite vocal about his decision not to include Batman in this film. In an interview with Variety Magazine, he said, “We wanted to separate it as much as possible.
That’s why it’s a standalone movie. We don’t follow anything from the comic books, which people are gonna be mad about.”
What This Means for Future Batman Movies
While it’s unclear whether this version of the Joker will appear in any future Batman movies, Phillips’ decision to keep it separate from the larger DC Universe allows for more creative freedom and exploration of characters outside of the typical superhero mold.
In conclusion, while Batman doesn’t make an appearance in the Joker, his presence is felt throughout the film. The absence of the Caped Crusader allows for a more grounded and realistic portrayal of Gotham City and its inhabitants. And while some fans may be disappointed by this decision, it ultimately allows for greater creative freedom and exploration of these iconic characters.