How Joaquin Phoenix Prepared to Play the Joker | Brut

Joaquin Phoenix told Brut about the physical and psychological tricks he used to embody the twisted horror of "Joker" — and how he came up with that unsettling laugh.

"Joker" explores how Phoenix’s character Arthur Fleck becomes the notorious villain, who eventually torments Gotham City and become Batman’s arch nemesis. To prepare for the role, Phoenix says he studied the side effects of the seven medications Fleck takes in the film.

"There are all these message boards filled with people talking about these extreme changes in weight — either they put on weight or they lost weight," he said.

Phoenix also explains how he studied videos that show people having uncontrollable fits of laughter, and how this changed his perceptions of Fleck.

"It also just challenged my own feelings about this character,” he said. “It challenged my empathy… It was a tough character. It was a tough movie. It didn't provide any easy answers or solutions."

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Brut is an international video content publisher covering politics, technology, social justice, culture, and more. #brut #brutamerica

[Missjunebugfreak]

He's my favourite actor working today. Just brilliant in almost every performance.

[mrfin]

Joaquin studies a disorder in order to know to laugh.

Leto studies a sqeakin door

[allanb]

You can clearly see that Phoenix had a real passion for acting. His portrayal of Joker was A1

[untiecries]

Joaquin Phoenix lives in a society for 45 years to prepare for his role as joker

[theoldsoul]

You know what hurts us the most. On some level every part of Jokers character was relatable to us. Some of us have been made fun of, not understood even when we had good intentions like the scene where he made that young boy laugh and the mother was mean to the joker, the loneliness of not being understood/ seen as important or a valued member of society, buttons pushed until the end even when we often have not done anything wrong, the freedom and sense of feeling home the ending scene as well as the chaos outside but some level of internal peace on thr inside. The way society creates monsters by their words, actions and behaviour and on some level we are the joker and that is what brings all these emotions.

[charlottesims]

His performance gives me goosebumps, absolutely impeccably done

[ishams]

Joaquin Phoenix is scary in Joker..
How he made his craft is just brilliant.Bravo👏

[andrewmiller]

This man is something else . He is never caught acting . Some of the really big names and really good actors, good as they are, are caught doing just that in many scenes Joaquin has you believing he IS the character . He is an incredible talent . You completely lose sight of the movie star in the role completely. So so happy he won the Oscar for the joker, it was long overdue in my opinion . Congrats Joaquin .

[olgaanisimova]

This was a brilliant performance. A heartbreaking story of a gentle soul that had to withdraw itself from the cruel reality and ultimately ended up in a sunken place with no return.

[Alegend]

As someone that has fought mental illness, this movie ironically taught me coping skills. I understand he isn't coping very well, in the movie.

But becomes very enlightening, when one can use their very own pain, to learn to make others smile.

Learning how to cope and grow, has made society safer. I'm not killing people and very thankful for that.

Never wanted to hurt anyone, but was just so close.

[W.]

1:45
"The scene in the movie where, um..." (What was his name again? *turns around to look* Oh yeah, Arthur!) Arthur is dancing in the bathroom..."

[Idokun]

That scene when Arthur is dancing in the bathroom (not shown here) is probably my favorite scene in the joker. I love the contrast between the filthy public bathroom and his gentle choreography, you can feel his insanity. That scene is really dark but so beautiful at the same time.

[VitomirMilosevic]

He played Joker so well, I couldn't watch!A masterpiece for sure.

[vmoonlight]

I am from the future, he won Best Actor at the Academy Awards, okay lol i am excited to watch the Oscar coming up because of this. He gave his 110% for this role. Absolutely shocking his performances.

[TheJempooh]

I think he is the perfect actor for this role. Good job Joaquim!

[zinussan]

There are only few perfectionists among us. He is one of them and his passion become legend for decades.

[Panta_rei]

I adore him and I have to say that Todd and Joaquin are great together. This Joker is my favorite ever! 💜

[cuauhtemocmorisco]

He takes his profession seriously and doesn't just assume everything will be alright. I love Joaquin Pheonix as the Joker as much as i love Heath Ledger. Absolute G.O.A.T!!!🤘🤘🤘

[parvatisnair]

It was really difficult to match heath Ledger who played joker in dark Knight mind Blowingly but this man done it.... Huge respect sir...

[kathloveeee]

This man eyes speaks everything ...even if doesnt say anything his eyes can do all the acting