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Joker (2019 film)

Joker is a 2019 American psychological thriller directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, a struggling clown and aspiring comedian who becomes the Joker.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Joker is a 2019 American psychological thriller directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, a struggling clown and aspiring comedian who becomes the Joker. The film presents an original standalone origin story for the character, separate from the DC Extended Universe. It was released by Warner Bros. Pictures and became widely discussed for its dark tone and Phoenix’s performance.

Plot and premise

The film follows Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill party clown and aspiring stand-up comedian living in Gotham City in 1981. As his life deteriorates, he increasingly adopts the Joker identity and becomes associated with a violent uprising.

Production and release

Joker was directed by Todd Phillips and co-written with Scott Silver. It premiered in 2019 and was released in theatres by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Cast and characters

Joaquin Phoenix stars as Arthur Fleck/Joker. The supporting cast includes Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, and others.

Reception and impact

The film drew major attention for its performance, style, and themes, and Phoenix’s portrayal received widespread critical acclaim. It also became a major box-office success and sparked extensive public debate.

Key facts

  • Joker is a standalone film based on DC Comics characters, not a direct adaptation of a specific comic storyline.
  • Joaquin Phoenix plays Arthur Fleck, whose decline into violence leads to the Joker persona.
  • The film was directed by Todd Phillips, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Silver.
  • It is set in a decaying Gotham City in 1981 and focuses on social alienation, mental illness, and inequality.
  • Warner Bros. Pictures distributed the film, and it later received a sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed in Canada by Warner Bros. Pictures and was widely released in Canadian theatres in 2019.

Frequently asked questions

Who plays the Joker in Joker (2019)?
Joaquin Phoenix plays Arthur Fleck, who becomes the Joker.
Is Joker (2019) part of the DC Extended Universe?
No. It is a standalone film based on DC Comics characters.
What is Joker (2019) about?
It follows Arthur Fleck, a struggling comedian and clown in Gotham City, as he descends into violence and becomes the Joker.
Who directed Joker (2019)?
Todd Phillips directed the film.
When was Joker (2019) released?
It was released in 2019, with a wide theatrical release in October 2019.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joker_(2019_film)
    Supports: Basic film details, plot premise, cast, and standalone status.
  2. DC — https://www.dc.com/movies/joker-2019
    Supports: Standalone story description, cast, director, and theatrical release information.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/joker_2019
    Supports: Genre, runtime, release date, and content rating.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7286456/
    Supports: Plot synopsis and general cast information.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joaquin_Phoenix_filmography
    Supports: Phoenix's role and award recognition for the film.