At the end of Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s 1988 one-shot Batman: The Killing Joke, the Joker lays out his worldview in plain terms. After testing his theory that “one bad day” could make even the most decent person into a madman like himself, the Joker tells his nemesis, “It’s all a joke! Everything anybody ever valued or struggled for… it’s all a monstrous, demented gag!”
Even more than the grisly sights of The Killing Joke—in which the Clown Prince of Crime sets out to prove his theory by brutalizing Batgirl Barbara Gordon and tormenting her father Commissioner Gordon—that line has set the course of Joker stories of the past several decades. Fans and creators alike try to push the Joker to edgier extremes, forgetting how Batman answers when his nemesis asks why he isn’t laughing. “Because I’ve heard it before,” he responds. “And...
Even more than the grisly sights of The Killing Joke—in which the Clown Prince of Crime sets out to prove his theory by brutalizing Batgirl Barbara Gordon and tormenting her father Commissioner Gordon—that line has set the course of Joker stories of the past several decades. Fans and creators alike try to push the Joker to edgier extremes, forgetting how Batman answers when his nemesis asks why he isn’t laughing. “Because I’ve heard it before,” he responds. “And...
- 1/4/2024
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
In movie history, there are a rare few directors whose style has coined an adjective: Felliniesque, Hitchcockian, Chaplinesque. The modern filmmaker most likely to join that class is Yorgos Lanthimos, the Greek auteur famed for “The Lobster” and “The Favourite,” whose newest, wildest project, “Poor Things,” is his most colorful and phantasmagorical to date.
The look of the film – set in a fairy tale 19th century world unlike any you’ve ever seen – is singular, even if the moniker Lanthimosian doesn’t quite roll off the tongue.
“That’s a really hard word to say,” said cinematographer Robbie Ryan with a laugh. The Irish camera maestro earned an Oscar nomination for “The Favourite,” his previous collaboration with Lanthimos.
“Maybe Lanthimosesque is better – or is it even worse? I do totally agree, though: His filmmaking is signature, for sure. It’s inventive in a way that’s undefinable. I can describe...
The look of the film – set in a fairy tale 19th century world unlike any you’ve ever seen – is singular, even if the moniker Lanthimosian doesn’t quite roll off the tongue.
“That’s a really hard word to say,” said cinematographer Robbie Ryan with a laugh. The Irish camera maestro earned an Oscar nomination for “The Favourite,” his previous collaboration with Lanthimos.
“Maybe Lanthimosesque is better – or is it even worse? I do totally agree, though: His filmmaking is signature, for sure. It’s inventive in a way that’s undefinable. I can describe...
- 12/19/2023
- by Joe McGovern
- The Wrap
Tim Burton loves to make things spooky and morbid, but his favorite holiday might well be Christmas. Look at how many of his films take place during the Yuletide season: "Batman Returns," "Edward Scissorhands," etc. He also conceived of "The Nightmare Before Christmas," which is all about Halloween Town's top ghoul, Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon), getting Christmas fever. While Burton handed off directing duties of the stop-motion picture to Henry Selick, it's easy to see his fingerprints and why he would empathize with Jack.
David A. Bossert's "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Visual Companion" was released this year for the film's 30th anniversary. The book features interviews with the film's crew, from Selick to Art Director Kelly Asbury, where they describe forming the film's distinct visual style — since there were multiple holiday-themed dimensions, they couldn't stick to just one aesthetic.
For Halloween Town, though, they took after Burton's...
David A. Bossert's "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Visual Companion" was released this year for the film's 30th anniversary. The book features interviews with the film's crew, from Selick to Art Director Kelly Asbury, where they describe forming the film's distinct visual style — since there were multiple holiday-themed dimensions, they couldn't stick to just one aesthetic.
For Halloween Town, though, they took after Burton's...
- 11/27/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
There are so many iconic horror monsters that have graced film screens over the years, striking fear in the hearts of audiences of all ages. Vampires, werewolves, ghosts, witches, zombies, and…circus clowns?
Ostensibly, a clown is a comedic performance, making fools out of themselves for the laughter and happiness of their audience. But as anyone who’s had to counsel a crying kid after they interacted with a birthday party clown will know, they often provoke the opposite response instead. A 2016 survey by the Morning Consult found that 42 percent of Americans were, to some degree, afraid of clowns: admittedly, this survey occurred after a minor mass hysteria over a series of alleged evil clown sightings across America, but the fact that “evil clown sightings” were even a thing indicates there’s some deeper hangups involving the make-up clad fools.
Perversions of clowns or jesters and their sunny, goofy demeanor...
Ostensibly, a clown is a comedic performance, making fools out of themselves for the laughter and happiness of their audience. But as anyone who’s had to counsel a crying kid after they interacted with a birthday party clown will know, they often provoke the opposite response instead. A 2016 survey by the Morning Consult found that 42 percent of Americans were, to some degree, afraid of clowns: admittedly, this survey occurred after a minor mass hysteria over a series of alleged evil clown sightings across America, but the fact that “evil clown sightings” were even a thing indicates there’s some deeper hangups involving the make-up clad fools.
Perversions of clowns or jesters and their sunny, goofy demeanor...
- 10/31/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The Joker has basically become as iconic as Batman himself in modern culture. These days, we're seeing just as much of The Clown Prince of Crime as we are of the Dark Knight, with "Joker 2" recently wrapping production and a fresh approach to the character from Barry Keoghan, who showed up in a scene from Matt Reeves' "The Batman" and could likely return in "The Batman: Part II."
Since Jack Nicholson's Jack Napier transformed into the iconic Batman villain in Tim Burton's "Batman" back in 1989, there have been several cinematic versions of The Joker, helping propel the character further into the public consciousness and raising his profile as an enduring pop culture figure. Of course, The Joker's history stretches much further back than the late-'80s. The infamous rogue has been a mainstay in the comics for more than 80 years, where he's been the focus of countless...
Since Jack Nicholson's Jack Napier transformed into the iconic Batman villain in Tim Burton's "Batman" back in 1989, there have been several cinematic versions of The Joker, helping propel the character further into the public consciousness and raising his profile as an enduring pop culture figure. Of course, The Joker's history stretches much further back than the late-'80s. The infamous rogue has been a mainstay in the comics for more than 80 years, where he's been the focus of countless...
- 8/21/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
In Christopher Nolan's 2008 film "The Dark Knight," actor Heath Ledger plays a nameless anarchist who commits multiple acts of murder and arson for the express purpose of sowing chaos in the world. The Ledger character is nicknamed the Joker, as he likes to wear clown makeup and green hair coloring while committing crimes. In a scary aesthetic decision, Nolan made Ledger's clown makeup look like it had been on the character's face for three or four days, leaving it smeared, cracked, and partially wiped off. Additionally, Ledger's face was emblazoned with a pair of scars that stretched outward across his cheeks from the corners of his mouth. His clown smile was literally carved into his face. Because the character is a liar, the audience never knows how he got the scars or why.
Ledger died of a drug overdose in January of 2008 and was not able to see what...
Ledger died of a drug overdose in January of 2008 and was not able to see what...
- 7/22/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Our friends at FrightFest have revealed the poster art for this year's edition, happening at Cineworld Leicester Square from Thursday August 24th through Monday August 28th, 2023. Created once again by frequent collaborator Graham Humphreys the poster sticks with this year's theme of Mad Doctors. From top left then counter clockwise you got Cesare (Conrad Veidt) from The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Peter Cushing as Dr. Frankenstein, Frederic March as Mr. Hyde, Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter, Charles Laughton as Dr Moreau, Vincent Price as Dr Phibes, and Warner Oland as Dr Fu Manchu. Front and center is Humphreys' own creation, Monster. Graham Humphreys’ stunning poster art for FrightFest 2023 – inspired by the genre’s most celebrated mad doctors! FrightFest is proud to...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 6/22/2023
- Screen Anarchy
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a 1920 German silent horror film that is widely regarded as a pioneering work of expressionist cinema. Directed by Robert Wiene and written by Hans Janowitz and Carl Mayer, the movie is notable for its innovative visual style, intricate plot, and the enduring influence it has had on the development of the horror genre. This article will delve into the history of the film, its unique visual aesthetic, and its lasting impact on the world of cinema.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari I. The Making of a Masterpiece
The film’s origins can be traced back to the experiences of its writers, Janowitz and Mayer, who were both deeply affected by the horrors of World War I. Inspired by their shared distrust of authority and their fascination with the subconscious mind, they crafted a story that aimed to depict the dark side of human nature...
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari I. The Making of a Masterpiece
The film’s origins can be traced back to the experiences of its writers, Janowitz and Mayer, who were both deeply affected by the horrors of World War I. Inspired by their shared distrust of authority and their fascination with the subconscious mind, they crafted a story that aimed to depict the dark side of human nature...
- 5/1/2023
- by Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the creation of Batman. For many years, sole creative credit for the character was given to artist Bob Kane, who often spoke eloquently about his character. It wasn't until years later that a co-creator, Bill Finger, entered the conversation. Kane and Finger's relationship with Batman and each other is detailed in a Hulu documentary film called "Batman and Bill," and a 2012 book called "Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman." It seems that Finger had a lot more to do with how audiences know Batman than Kane ever did, and only ever operated as a ghostwriter for DC Comics. Finger died in poverty in 1974. It wouldn't be until the 1980s that Kane would admit, only passingly, that Finger contributed as much as he did to the character. Eventually, Finger would be given posthumous credit. Kane himself passed in 1998 as a celebrated millionaire.
- 4/2/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Boris Karloff: The Man Behind The Monster director Thomas Hamilton on his upcoming series Horror Icons on interviewing Roger Corman: “He not only worked with Vincent Price, he worked with Peter Lorre, Basil Rathbone, Lon Chaney.” Photo: Thomas Hamilton
Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Basil Rathbone, Conrad Veidt, Maria Ouspenskaya, George Zukor, Paul Wegener, Emil Jannings, Brigitte Helm, Gale Sondergaard, Gloria Holden, Claude Rains, Fay Wray, Duane Jones, Max Schreck, Boris Karloff, Colin Clive, Lon Chaney Sr., Lon Chaney Jr, Fw Murnau’s Faust and Nosferatu, Arthur Lubin’s Phantom of the Opera, Rowland V. Lee’s Son of Frankenstein, George Waggner’s The Wolf Man, James Whale’s The Invisible Man, Lambert Hillyer’s Dracula’s Daughter, Robert Wiene’s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Paul Wegener and Henrik Galeen’s The Golem, Hanns Heinz Ewers and Stellan Rye’s The Student Of Prague, and George Romero’s Night Of The Living Dead...
Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Basil Rathbone, Conrad Veidt, Maria Ouspenskaya, George Zukor, Paul Wegener, Emil Jannings, Brigitte Helm, Gale Sondergaard, Gloria Holden, Claude Rains, Fay Wray, Duane Jones, Max Schreck, Boris Karloff, Colin Clive, Lon Chaney Sr., Lon Chaney Jr, Fw Murnau’s Faust and Nosferatu, Arthur Lubin’s Phantom of the Opera, Rowland V. Lee’s Son of Frankenstein, George Waggner’s The Wolf Man, James Whale’s The Invisible Man, Lambert Hillyer’s Dracula’s Daughter, Robert Wiene’s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Paul Wegener and Henrik Galeen’s The Golem, Hanns Heinz Ewers and Stellan Rye’s The Student Of Prague, and George Romero’s Night Of The Living Dead...
- 4/1/2023
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Based on Victor Hugo’s 19th century novel, Paul Leni’s The Man Who Laughs is one of the most influential achievements in film history, if for no other reason than as the inspiration for The Joker. A soulful Conrad Veidt stars as Gwynplaine, a circus clown whose permanent grimace is a mocking reminder of his miserable fate. Mary Philbin plays his beloved Dea, a blind girl with the ability to “see” the real Gwynplaine. Olga Baclanova, villainess of 1932’s Freaks, co-stars, and Jack Pierce, the make-up genius behind Frankenstein’s monster and The Mummy, created Veidt’s nightmare smile.
A high quality print of Leni’s film can be seen here: The Man Who Laughs.
The post The Man Who Laughs appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
A high quality print of Leni’s film can be seen here: The Man Who Laughs.
The post The Man Who Laughs appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
- 12/20/2022
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Warner Brothers released “Casablanca” in New York on Nov. 26, 1942, which just happened to be Thanksgiving. But the romantic World War II drama starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid was anything but a turkey. To say the New York Times review was effusive is something of an understatement: “Warners here have a picture which makes the spine tingle and the heart take a leap….And they have so combined sentiment, humor and pathos with taut melodrama and bristling intrigue that the result is a highly entertaining and even inspiring film.”
And critical praise and audiences’ adoration continued when it opened in Los Angeles and nationwide in January 1943. It went on to win three Oscars for Best Picture, director for Michael Curtiz and adapted screenplay for Julius J. and Philip Epstein and Howard Koch. Let’s take a look back on the occasion of the 80th anniversary.
As time has gone by,...
And critical praise and audiences’ adoration continued when it opened in Los Angeles and nationwide in January 1943. It went on to win three Oscars for Best Picture, director for Michael Curtiz and adapted screenplay for Julius J. and Philip Epstein and Howard Koch. Let’s take a look back on the occasion of the 80th anniversary.
As time has gone by,...
- 11/28/2022
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
A few decades after the first experiments with the new technology of film, cinema in the 1920s was beginning to come of age. Filmmakers mastered the essentials and embarked on ambitious storytelling projects with increased flair and sophistication, turning movies from novelty to art in just a few short years. The film industry began operating at full capacity in the 1920s, churning out feature-length productions on a scale and frequency that would have been unthinkable a decade earlier.
Filmmakers of the 1920s start to diversify, some becoming experts in the large-scale epics that were the earliest versions of blockbusters, while others honed a unique style as auteurs that would define the period as part of a larger artistic movement. Our first movie stars come from this era, both silent comedians whose death-defying pratfalls rival any stunts performed today as well as romantic matinee idols who had audiences eating out of the palm of their hands.
Filmmakers of the 1920s start to diversify, some becoming experts in the large-scale epics that were the earliest versions of blockbusters, while others honed a unique style as auteurs that would define the period as part of a larger artistic movement. Our first movie stars come from this era, both silent comedians whose death-defying pratfalls rival any stunts performed today as well as romantic matinee idols who had audiences eating out of the palm of their hands.
- 11/8/2022
- by Audrey Fox
- Slash Film
Riddle me this: what do the Joker and "Casablanca" have in common? If you answered, "Conrad Veidt," then you've survived the first deathtrap, much like the Dynamic Duo coming out of a cliffhanger ending into the next episode of the 1966 "Batman" TV series.
80 years ago, Veidt received fifth billing in "Casablanca" after Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, and Claude Rains. His movie career, however, dates back even further than that to the silent era. In "The Man Who Laughs," the 1928 silent film helmed by German Expressionist director Paul Leni, Veidt shared top billing with Mary Philbin, and the indelible image of his grinning face left a mark on both movie history and comic book history.
The creation of Batman's greatest nemesis, the Joker, is attributed to writer Bill Finger and artists Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson. Over the years, conflicting accounts arose over who really originated the first idea for the character.
80 years ago, Veidt received fifth billing in "Casablanca" after Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, and Claude Rains. His movie career, however, dates back even further than that to the silent era. In "The Man Who Laughs," the 1928 silent film helmed by German Expressionist director Paul Leni, Veidt shared top billing with Mary Philbin, and the indelible image of his grinning face left a mark on both movie history and comic book history.
The creation of Batman's greatest nemesis, the Joker, is attributed to writer Bill Finger and artists Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson. Over the years, conflicting accounts arose over who really originated the first idea for the character.
- 10/15/2022
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
Paramount’s Smile, in theaters Sept. 30, is the latest fright flick to benefit from a sinister grin. But the granddaddy of all scary smile films dates back to 1928, when Universal Pictures released The Man Who Laughs, an adaptation of the 1869 Victor Hugo novel.
The studio had success with another Hugo novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which it had adapted into a Lon Chaney showcase in 1923. Chaney would physically transform once again into a deformed gothic antihero — this time, Gwynplaine, a nobleman’s son who is hideously disfigured when the king orders a permanent smile carved into his face. But the project was sidelined because of a rights issue, and Chaney instead made 1925’s The Phantom of the Opera, based on the 1910 Gaston Leroux novel. That film was a hit, too, so Universal chief Carl Laemmle resurrected Laughs for its next “super-production.”
To direct,...
Paramount’s Smile, in theaters Sept. 30, is the latest fright flick to benefit from a sinister grin. But the granddaddy of all scary smile films dates back to 1928, when Universal Pictures released The Man Who Laughs, an adaptation of the 1869 Victor Hugo novel.
The studio had success with another Hugo novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which it had adapted into a Lon Chaney showcase in 1923. Chaney would physically transform once again into a deformed gothic antihero — this time, Gwynplaine, a nobleman’s son who is hideously disfigured when the king orders a permanent smile carved into his face. But the project was sidelined because of a rights issue, and Chaney instead made 1925’s The Phantom of the Opera, based on the 1910 Gaston Leroux novel. That film was a hit, too, so Universal chief Carl Laemmle resurrected Laughs for its next “super-production.”
To direct,...
- 9/30/2022
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
You have to admire a commitment to a bit, especially if you’re a film like Smile and in the possession of a simple, genius, creepier-than-thou conceit. Let’s cut to the chase: Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) is a therapist working in the psychiatric wing of a hospital. A patient comes in and says that, even since she witnessed her college professor take his own life, she’s been seeing…something only she can see. “It’s not a person,” the young woman says, though whatever “it” is, the...
- 9/29/2022
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
(Welcome to The Daily Stream, an ongoing series in which the /Film team shares what they've been watching, why it's worth checking out, and where you can stream it.)
The Movie: "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari"
Where You Can Stream It: Shudder/AMC+
The Pitch: A man recounts the story of how a sleepwalker controlled by a mad doctor carried out murders in his village in this creepy 1920 classic.
German silent films: they've stood the test of time. Written by Hans Janowitz and Carl Mayer and directed by Robert Weine, "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" predates "Nosferatu" by two years and is one of the earliest works of German Expressionist cinema. Film critic Roger Ebert, spotlighting it as one of his "Great Movie" picks in 2009, wrote, "A case can be made that 'Caligari' was the first true horror film."
Told mostly in flashback, this 77-minute story unfolds like a demented dream,...
The Movie: "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari"
Where You Can Stream It: Shudder/AMC+
The Pitch: A man recounts the story of how a sleepwalker controlled by a mad doctor carried out murders in his village in this creepy 1920 classic.
German silent films: they've stood the test of time. Written by Hans Janowitz and Carl Mayer and directed by Robert Weine, "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" predates "Nosferatu" by two years and is one of the earliest works of German Expressionist cinema. Film critic Roger Ebert, spotlighting it as one of his "Great Movie" picks in 2009, wrote, "A case can be made that 'Caligari' was the first true horror film."
Told mostly in flashback, this 77-minute story unfolds like a demented dream,...
- 9/27/2022
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Burbank, Calif., September 13, 2022 – Celebrating the 80th anniversary of its 1942 release, the legendary Warner Bros. film Casablanca will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital on November 8, it was announced today by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Starring Academy Award winners Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, critic Leonard Maltin calls Casablanca “the best Hollywood movie of all time.”
The winner of three Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, Casablanca was directed by Michael Curtiz from a screenplay by Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch. The screenplay is based on “Everybody Comes to Rick’s”, an unproduced stage play by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison. The film was produced by Hal B. Wallis.
The cast also features Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, and Dooley Wilson.
Casablanca was voted the screen’s greatest love story and the #3 film of...
The winner of three Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, Casablanca was directed by Michael Curtiz from a screenplay by Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch. The screenplay is based on “Everybody Comes to Rick’s”, an unproduced stage play by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison. The film was produced by Hal B. Wallis.
The cast also features Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, and Dooley Wilson.
Casablanca was voted the screen’s greatest love story and the #3 film of...
- 9/14/2022
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
This article contains The Batman spoilers.
Matt Reeves’ The Batman does not have a post-credits scene—technically speaking. When the credits roll on the final shot of a sad yet determined Batman riding into Gotham’s twilight, the show is over and you’re free to leave your seat (or hit “stop” if you’re now watching it at home courtesy of HBO Max). Unlike most modern superhero movies, there is no teaser or easter egg after the credits begin.
In theory, this is refreshing. It’s been nearly 10 years since Christopher Nolan allegedly told Zack Snyder not to include a post-credits scene in Man of Steel because “a real movie wouldn’t do that.” And while that was the opinion then, there sure as hell were post-credits scenes in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. It’s become expected as the price of doing business.
Hence why it should be...
Matt Reeves’ The Batman does not have a post-credits scene—technically speaking. When the credits roll on the final shot of a sad yet determined Batman riding into Gotham’s twilight, the show is over and you’re free to leave your seat (or hit “stop” if you’re now watching it at home courtesy of HBO Max). Unlike most modern superhero movies, there is no teaser or easter egg after the credits begin.
In theory, this is refreshing. It’s been nearly 10 years since Christopher Nolan allegedly told Zack Snyder not to include a post-credits scene in Man of Steel because “a real movie wouldn’t do that.” And while that was the opinion then, there sure as hell were post-credits scenes in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. It’s become expected as the price of doing business.
Hence why it should be...
- 4/22/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
This article contains The Batman spoilers. We have a spoiler-free review here.
As far as teases go, it’s not exactly a subtle one. The final scene in The Batman gives us a look at the Riddler, alone in his cell at Arkham Asylum, although not truly alone. In the cell next to his sits a shadowy, scarred figure, one barely glimpsed through the tiny, reinforced window on the door, who is trying to comfort the agitated and defeated villain.
And yes, it’s exactly who you think it is…
The Joker
It’s probably no surprise to anyone that The Batman found a way to introduce the Joker into its version of the Dark Knight’s early career. The Joker is arguably the most commercially viable villain this side of Darth Vader, and arguably the most recognizable comic book and pop culture supervillain of all time. A Batman-free, R-rated...
As far as teases go, it’s not exactly a subtle one. The final scene in The Batman gives us a look at the Riddler, alone in his cell at Arkham Asylum, although not truly alone. In the cell next to his sits a shadowy, scarred figure, one barely glimpsed through the tiny, reinforced window on the door, who is trying to comfort the agitated and defeated villain.
And yes, it’s exactly who you think it is…
The Joker
It’s probably no surprise to anyone that The Batman found a way to introduce the Joker into its version of the Dark Knight’s early career. The Joker is arguably the most commercially viable villain this side of Darth Vader, and arguably the most recognizable comic book and pop culture supervillain of all time. A Batman-free, R-rated...
- 3/5/2022
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
This article contains spoilers of The Batman. You can read our spoiler-free review here.
While The Batman largely avoids the gimmicks of modern interconnected superhero universes on the big screen, even this noir film can’t help but pack in tons of easter eggs and at least one cameo into its almost three-hour runtime. But don’t expect Superman or Wonder Woman to show up to help Robert Pattinson save the day here. There’s no Dick Grayson or Barbara Gordon, either. Instead, we get a brief introduction to director Matt Reeves‘ version of Batman’s most dastardly villain.
The Batman doesn’t actually have the kind of post-credit scene that has become a staple of other cinematic universes. Unlike the MCU or even the Dceu, The Batman exists in its own bubble, so it doesn’t need an end credits stinger to set up the next movie. That said,...
While The Batman largely avoids the gimmicks of modern interconnected superhero universes on the big screen, even this noir film can’t help but pack in tons of easter eggs and at least one cameo into its almost three-hour runtime. But don’t expect Superman or Wonder Woman to show up to help Robert Pattinson save the day here. There’s no Dick Grayson or Barbara Gordon, either. Instead, we get a brief introduction to director Matt Reeves‘ version of Batman’s most dastardly villain.
The Batman doesn’t actually have the kind of post-credit scene that has become a staple of other cinematic universes. Unlike the MCU or even the Dceu, The Batman exists in its own bubble, so it doesn’t need an end credits stinger to set up the next movie. That said,...
- 3/4/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
“What a lucky clown you are! You don’t have to wipe off your laugh.”
The Arkadin Cinema, a local independent theater scheduled to open soon, is hosting an film series that takes place in the back lot at The Heavy Anchor (5226 Gravois Ave in St. Louis). Conrad Veidt in The Man Who Laughs (1928) screens Wednesday March 9th. Showtime is 8:00. The Man Who Laughs is presented by Silents, Please Stl, a local group that aims to promote and preserve the art of silent filmmaking from the early 20th Century through community programming and education. Enter through the front of The Heavy Anchor. Admission is $10 and can be purchased in advance Here. Bring your own chair. First come, first served. Seating is limited. Food and drinks and available there at The Heavy Anchor. This is a 21+ event, so leave the kids home. A Facebook invite for the event can be found Here.
The Arkadin Cinema, a local independent theater scheduled to open soon, is hosting an film series that takes place in the back lot at The Heavy Anchor (5226 Gravois Ave in St. Louis). Conrad Veidt in The Man Who Laughs (1928) screens Wednesday March 9th. Showtime is 8:00. The Man Who Laughs is presented by Silents, Please Stl, a local group that aims to promote and preserve the art of silent filmmaking from the early 20th Century through community programming and education. Enter through the front of The Heavy Anchor. Admission is $10 and can be purchased in advance Here. Bring your own chair. First come, first served. Seating is limited. Food and drinks and available there at The Heavy Anchor. This is a 21+ event, so leave the kids home. A Facebook invite for the event can be found Here.
- 3/3/2022
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It was 60 years ago this month that American International Pictures (Aip) released The Fall of the House of Usher (also known as just House of Usher), a film based on the classic 1839 short story by Edgar Allan Poe, produced and directed by a low-budget B-movie specialist named Roger Corman.
Corman recruited horror and sci-fi writer Richard Matheson (I Am Legend) to adapt the Poe tale, while also hiring Vincent Price — already established as a horror star in films like The Fly and House on Haunted Hill — for the lead role (just one of four in the film) as the tormented, doomed Roderick Usher.
“This film was a gamble for all of us and yet I was prepared to take a gamble because I believed in the works of Edgar Allan Poe,” Price told film historian David Del Valle (in the liner notes for the Shout Factory Blu-ray set The Vincent...
Corman recruited horror and sci-fi writer Richard Matheson (I Am Legend) to adapt the Poe tale, while also hiring Vincent Price — already established as a horror star in films like The Fly and House on Haunted Hill — for the lead role (just one of four in the film) as the tormented, doomed Roderick Usher.
“This film was a gamble for all of us and yet I was prepared to take a gamble because I believed in the works of Edgar Allan Poe,” Price told film historian David Del Valle (in the liner notes for the Shout Factory Blu-ray set The Vincent...
- 6/25/2020
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
Farewell to the great Florian Schneider, co-founder of Kraftwerk, the German electronic duo who changed everything about the way music sounds. “Kraftwerk is not a band,” Schneider told Rolling Stone in 1975. “It’s a concept. We call it ‘Die Menschmaschine,’ which means ‘the human machine.’ We are not the band. I am me. Ralf is Ralf. And Kraftwerk is a vehicle for our ideas.” As his longtime collaborator Ralf Hütter once said, Schneider was the “sound fetishist” of the group — the machine in the mensch-machine.
Kraftwerk always reveled in their reputation as cerebral technocrats.
Kraftwerk always reveled in their reputation as cerebral technocrats.
- 5/7/2020
- by Rob Sheffield
- Rollingstone.com
A collection of 55 still photos from the 1919-1920 production of “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” are now up for auction, courtesy of Sotheby’s. Robert Wiene’s silent horror film is widely considered the defining work of German Expressionist cinema and went on to inspire the look of such film classics as F. W. Murnau’s “Nosferatu” and Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis.” Bids for the collection can be made through Friday, April 3 at 12pm Et. Sotheby’s estimates the photographs will sell between the $20,000 and $30,000 mark. The starting bid is $13,000.
The catalogue note reads: “This remarkable group of 55 photographs documents many of the psychologically and visually twisted scenes from the 1920 silent film ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,’ generally recognized as the first true horror film. Robert Wiene directed this tale of an insane, diabolical hypnotist who manipulates a somnambulist to execute a series of murders. Considered the first German Expressionist film,...
The catalogue note reads: “This remarkable group of 55 photographs documents many of the psychologically and visually twisted scenes from the 1920 silent film ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,’ generally recognized as the first true horror film. Robert Wiene directed this tale of an insane, diabolical hypnotist who manipulates a somnambulist to execute a series of murders. Considered the first German Expressionist film,...
- 3/31/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
“You fools, this man is plotting our doom! We die at dawn! He is Caligari!”
The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari will screen at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium (470 East Lockwood) Thursday October 25th at 7:30pm. Austin, Texas’ most adventurous band, The Invincible Czars, will provide live music.The band encourages fans and attendees to dress for the Halloween season at these shows. Tickets are $12. A Facebook invite for the event can be found Here
Considered by some to be the first horror film, The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari is thought by many film buffs to be the most influential of all silent films. With the Grandfather of all Twist-Endings, the film is the most brilliant example of that dark and twisted film movement known as German Expressionism, The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari is a plunge into the mind of insanity that severs all ties with the rational world. Director...
The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari will screen at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium (470 East Lockwood) Thursday October 25th at 7:30pm. Austin, Texas’ most adventurous band, The Invincible Czars, will provide live music.The band encourages fans and attendees to dress for the Halloween season at these shows. Tickets are $12. A Facebook invite for the event can be found Here
Considered by some to be the first horror film, The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari is thought by many film buffs to be the most influential of all silent films. With the Grandfather of all Twist-Endings, the film is the most brilliant example of that dark and twisted film movement known as German Expressionism, The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari is a plunge into the mind of insanity that severs all ties with the rational world. Director...
- 10/16/2019
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Jim Dandy Oct 4, 2019
The Joker has had many different versions of his origin told over the years, including in the new movie.
This article contains some spoilers for the Joker movie. We have a completely spoiler free review right here.
The Joker is probably the most recognizable supervillain in the world. Loosely ased on famed German actor Conrad Veidt in The Man Who Laughs, the Clown Prince of Crime’s unique look and penchant for elaborate, themed murder has left a giant mark in the public consciousness. His real world origins are in dispute - Bob Kane claims the Joker was his creation, but Kane was so full of it that Jim Steranko, the legendary artist behind the groundbreaking Nick Fury: Agent of Shield, once went upside Kane’s head because Kane patted his face like some nobody kid. The general scholarly consensus is the Joker was created by...
The Joker has had many different versions of his origin told over the years, including in the new movie.
This article contains some spoilers for the Joker movie. We have a completely spoiler free review right here.
The Joker is probably the most recognizable supervillain in the world. Loosely ased on famed German actor Conrad Veidt in The Man Who Laughs, the Clown Prince of Crime’s unique look and penchant for elaborate, themed murder has left a giant mark in the public consciousness. His real world origins are in dispute - Bob Kane claims the Joker was his creation, but Kane was so full of it that Jim Steranko, the legendary artist behind the groundbreaking Nick Fury: Agent of Shield, once went upside Kane’s head because Kane patted his face like some nobody kid. The general scholarly consensus is the Joker was created by...
- 10/4/2019
- Den of Geek
Laugh it up, film fans! Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker is almost upon us, ready to unleash a wave of crime — and think pieces — the likes of which Hollywood hasn’t seen since Heath Ledger terrorized Gotham City in The Dark Knight over a decade ago. But the story of the most infamous villain in Batman’s rogues gallery is itself as interesting as any of the character’s adventures either on screen or the printed page. Here’s a quick guide to the madcap history of the...
- 10/1/2019
- by Sean T. Collins
- Rollingstone.com
Sneak Peek more new footage from writer/director Todd Phillips' stand-alone "Joker" feature film, starring Joaquin Phoenix ("Gladiator") opening October 4, 2019:
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman"...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs" based on the novel by author Victor Hugo.
Actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose face is permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after offending 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, selling his disfigurement for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind, with a warped, sadistic sense of humor.
He evolved into a 'goofy prankster' in the late 1950's in response to regulations by the 'Comics Code Authority'...
...before returning to his darker roots.
The most common origin story sees him...
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman"...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs" based on the novel by author Victor Hugo.
Actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose face is permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after offending 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, selling his disfigurement for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind, with a warped, sadistic sense of humor.
He evolved into a 'goofy prankster' in the late 1950's in response to regulations by the 'Comics Code Authority'...
...before returning to his darker roots.
The most common origin story sees him...
- 8/29/2019
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Take another look at footage of actor Joaquin Phoenix, on the run from the police in writer/director Todd Phillips' stand-alone "Joker" feature film, opening October 2019:
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman"...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs" based on the novel by author Victor Hugo.
Actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose face is permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after offending 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, selling his disfigurement for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind, with a warped, sadistic sense of humor.
He evolved into a 'goofy prankster' in the late 1950's in response to regulations by the 'Comics Code Authority'...
...before returning to his darker roots.
The...
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman"...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs" based on the novel by author Victor Hugo.
Actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose face is permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after offending 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, selling his disfigurement for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind, with a warped, sadistic sense of humor.
He evolved into a 'goofy prankster' in the late 1950's in response to regulations by the 'Comics Code Authority'...
...before returning to his darker roots.
The...
- 8/15/2019
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
A Look Back: Murnau’s ‘Faust’A fun evening with friends including my friend Christa Lang Fuller, who introduced me to the 96 year old former actress Noreen Nash, (see blog) not too long ago. Christa hosted an evening with Justin from the Academy Museum, from next door and French American producer Martine Melloul and me to watch the vintage film ‘Faust’.
Christa is my age, German born, and was a young actress in Paris when she met the director Sam Fuller. At 23 she married him and eventually they left Paris for the U.S. They had a daughter, Samantha and she has a daughter, Samia. Sam died in 1997 and so the three women live in a beautiful warm and welcoming home on Woodrow Wilson Drive.
Christa has a sort of salon and along with her stories she feeds us food in abundance. This time Justin from the Academy Museum brought...
Christa is my age, German born, and was a young actress in Paris when she met the director Sam Fuller. At 23 she married him and eventually they left Paris for the U.S. They had a daughter, Samantha and she has a daughter, Samia. Sam died in 1997 and so the three women live in a beautiful warm and welcoming home on Woodrow Wilson Drive.
Christa has a sort of salon and along with her stories she feeds us food in abundance. This time Justin from the Academy Museum brought...
- 7/30/2019
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Red Skelton Whistling Collection
DVD
Warner Archive
1941, 42, 43 / 1:33:1 / 78, 74, 87 Min.
Starring Red Skelton, Ann Rutherford
Written by Robert MacGunigle, Nat Perrin
Cinematography by Sidney Wagner, Clyde De Vinnam, Lester White
Directed by S. Sylvan Simon
One night in 1950 during an especially frenetic episode of The Colgate Comedy Hour, Jerry Lewis stepped away from Dean Martin to address the camera point blank – “You get the idea – I’m supposed to be a 9-year-old kid.” Hardly a revelation – especially to Red Skelton, the reigning king of prepubescent horseplay.
That reign was begun in 1923 and fueled by broadly played gags that were both leering and infantile – like a burlesque version of The Bad Seed. One of Skelton’s most grating characters was a wisecracking brat called the “mean widdle kid” – wearing short pants and lace collar while delivering grown-up one-liners in baby talk he was a less feral version of Joe Besser’s...
DVD
Warner Archive
1941, 42, 43 / 1:33:1 / 78, 74, 87 Min.
Starring Red Skelton, Ann Rutherford
Written by Robert MacGunigle, Nat Perrin
Cinematography by Sidney Wagner, Clyde De Vinnam, Lester White
Directed by S. Sylvan Simon
One night in 1950 during an especially frenetic episode of The Colgate Comedy Hour, Jerry Lewis stepped away from Dean Martin to address the camera point blank – “You get the idea – I’m supposed to be a 9-year-old kid.” Hardly a revelation – especially to Red Skelton, the reigning king of prepubescent horseplay.
That reign was begun in 1923 and fueled by broadly played gags that were both leering and infantile – like a burlesque version of The Bad Seed. One of Skelton’s most grating characters was a wisecracking brat called the “mean widdle kid” – wearing short pants and lace collar while delivering grown-up one-liners in baby talk he was a less feral version of Joe Besser’s...
- 4/27/2019
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Sneak Peek the new official trailer, plus leaked set footage of actor Joaquin Phoenix, on the run from the police in writer/director Todd Phillips' stand-alone "Joker" feature film, opening October 4, 2019:
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman"...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs" based on the novel by author Victor Hugo.
Actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose face is permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after offending 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, selling his disfigurement for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind, with a warped, sadistic sense of humor.
He evolved into a 'goofy prankster' in the late 1950's in response to regulations by the 'Comics Code Authority'...
...before returning to his darker roots.
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman"...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs" based on the novel by author Victor Hugo.
Actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose face is permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after offending 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, selling his disfigurement for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind, with a warped, sadistic sense of humor.
He evolved into a 'goofy prankster' in the late 1950's in response to regulations by the 'Comics Code Authority'...
...before returning to his darker roots.
- 4/3/2019
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Warner Bros. has released the first poster for Joker and there’s something delightfully haunting about it — which is more than appropriate for the Batman villain. This is merely a taste of the teaser trailer which will be released tomorrow.
The standalone film directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix is set to open Oct. 4. The poster (as seen below) features Phoenix in the title role leaning back and looking to the heavens in full, smeared Joker makeup and what seems to be blood with the tagline “Put on a happy face.”
This isn’t the first time we have seen Phoenix in Joker mode. Phillips shared a screen test of a made up Phoenix last September. Phoenix will be joined by Robert De Niro,...
The standalone film directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix is set to open Oct. 4. The poster (as seen below) features Phoenix in the title role leaning back and looking to the heavens in full, smeared Joker makeup and what seems to be blood with the tagline “Put on a happy face.”
This isn’t the first time we have seen Phoenix in Joker mode. Phillips shared a screen test of a made up Phoenix last September. Phoenix will be joined by Robert De Niro,...
- 4/2/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos and Geoff Boucher
- Deadline Film + TV
“You fools, this man is plotting our doom! We die at dawn! He is Caligari!”
The ‘Grave Tales’ Horror film series kicks off at Webster University Thursday January 17th with a screening of the groundbreaking silent classic The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari (1920). The screening will be at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium (470 East Lockwood). The movie starts at 7:30. A Facebook invite for the event can be found Here. Look for more coverage of the ‘Grave Tales’ Horror film series here at We Are Movie Geeks in the coming weeks.
Considered by some to be the first horror film, The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari is thought by many film buffs to be the most influential of all silent films. With the Grandfather of all Twist-Endings, the film is the most brilliant example of that dark and twisted film movement known as German Expressionism, The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari is a...
The ‘Grave Tales’ Horror film series kicks off at Webster University Thursday January 17th with a screening of the groundbreaking silent classic The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari (1920). The screening will be at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium (470 East Lockwood). The movie starts at 7:30. A Facebook invite for the event can be found Here. Look for more coverage of the ‘Grave Tales’ Horror film series here at We Are Movie Geeks in the coming weeks.
Considered by some to be the first horror film, The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari is thought by many film buffs to be the most influential of all silent films. With the Grandfather of all Twist-Endings, the film is the most brilliant example of that dark and twisted film movement known as German Expressionism, The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari is a...
- 1/12/2019
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Sneak Peek extended, leaked footage of actor Joaquin Phoenix, on the run from the police in writer/director Todd Phillips' stand-alone "Joker" feature film, recently wrapped in New York City:
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman"...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs", based on the novel by author Victor Hugo. Actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose face is permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after offending 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, selling his disfigurement for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind, with a warped, sadistic sense of humor.
He evolved into a 'goofy prankster' in the late 1950's in response to regulations by the 'Comics Code Authority'...
...before returning to his darker roots.
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman"...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs", based on the novel by author Victor Hugo. Actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose face is permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after offending 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, selling his disfigurement for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind, with a warped, sadistic sense of humor.
He evolved into a 'goofy prankster' in the late 1950's in response to regulations by the 'Comics Code Authority'...
...before returning to his darker roots.
- 12/24/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Sneak Peek more leaked set images, revealing the different looks of Joaquin Phoenix in writer/director Todd Phillips' stand-alone "Joker" feature film, currently shooting in New York:
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman"...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs", based on the novel by author Victor Hugo.
In "The Man Who Laughs", actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose face is permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after offending 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, selling his disfigurement for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind, with a warped, sadistic sense of humor.
He evolved into a 'goofy prankster' in the late 1950's in response to regulations by the 'Comics Code Authority'...
...before returning to his darker roots.
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman"...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs", based on the novel by author Victor Hugo.
In "The Man Who Laughs", actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose face is permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after offending 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, selling his disfigurement for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind, with a warped, sadistic sense of humor.
He evolved into a 'goofy prankster' in the late 1950's in response to regulations by the 'Comics Code Authority'...
...before returning to his darker roots.
- 11/29/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Sneak Peek new footage from the set of writer/director Todd Phillips' stand-alone "Joker" feature film, starring Joaquin Phoenix as the DC Comics character:
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman"...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs", based on the novel by author Victor Hugo.
In "The Man Who Laughs", actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose face is permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after offending 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, selling his disfigurement for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind, with a warped, sadistic sense of humor.
He evolved into a 'goofy prankster' in the late 1950's in response to regulations by the 'Comics Code Authority'...
...before returning to his darker roots.
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman"...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs", based on the novel by author Victor Hugo.
In "The Man Who Laughs", actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose face is permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after offending 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, selling his disfigurement for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind, with a warped, sadistic sense of humor.
He evolved into a 'goofy prankster' in the late 1950's in response to regulations by the 'Comics Code Authority'...
...before returning to his darker roots.
- 11/27/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Though it originally ran for just six episodes in 2004, the U.K. TV series “Garth Merenghi’s Darkplace” — an inspired spoof of supernatural anthology shows, among other things — has acquired a still-growing cult following. Its principal collaborators have all forged interesting careers since, with two recently making their feature writing-directing debuts. Released last year, cast member Alice Lowe’s “Prevenge” was a macabre piece about a unbalanced woman who starts believing her unborn child is ordering her to kill. “Darkplace” co-creator/star Matthew Holness’ new “Possum” is also about madness, being a psychological horror in which nearly all the terrors (both seen and unseen) may simply be figments of a severely withdrawn protagonist’s haunted imagination.
In script terms, Holness straddles the line between “minimalist” and “underdeveloped.” There are times when it feels like “Possum” (named after a creepy children’s rhyme much recited here) would have had its slender...
In script terms, Holness straddles the line between “minimalist” and “underdeveloped.” There are times when it feels like “Possum” (named after a creepy children’s rhyme much recited here) would have had its slender...
- 11/2/2018
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
Sneak Peek more leaked set footage, including Joaquin Phoenix as the 'Joker', crying in a phone booth, from the currently shooting "Batman" spin-off feature "Joker", written and directed by Todd Philips:
"...principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures' 'Joker', starring Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix in the title role...
"...directed, produced and co-written by Oscar nominee Todd Phillips.
"Joker” centers around the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen.
"Phillips' exploration of 'Arthur Fleck' (Phoenix), a man disregarded by society...
"...is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.
"The film also stars Zazie Beetz, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais and Shea Whigham.
"Phillips directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with writer Scott Silver based on characters from DC.
"The film is being produced...
"...principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures' 'Joker', starring Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix in the title role...
"...directed, produced and co-written by Oscar nominee Todd Phillips.
"Joker” centers around the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen.
"Phillips' exploration of 'Arthur Fleck' (Phoenix), a man disregarded by society...
"...is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.
"The film also stars Zazie Beetz, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais and Shea Whigham.
"Phillips directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with writer Scott Silver based on characters from DC.
"The film is being produced...
- 10/2/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Sneak Peek new leaked 'train station' set footage, plus images from the currently shooting "Batman" spin-off feature "Joker", written and directed by Todd Philips, starring Joaquin Phoenix as a struggling comic entertainer, who becomes 'The Clown Prince of Crime':
"...principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures' 'Joker', starring Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix in the title role...
"...directed, produced and co-written by Oscar nominee Todd Phillips.
"Joker” centers around the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen.
"Phillips' exploration of 'Arthur Fleck' (Phoenix), a man disregarded by society...
"...is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.
"The film also stars Zazie Beetz, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais and Shea Whigham.
"Phillips directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with writer Scott Silver based on characters from DC.
"...principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures' 'Joker', starring Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix in the title role...
"...directed, produced and co-written by Oscar nominee Todd Phillips.
"Joker” centers around the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen.
"Phillips' exploration of 'Arthur Fleck' (Phoenix), a man disregarded by society...
"...is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.
"The film also stars Zazie Beetz, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais and Shea Whigham.
"Phillips directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with writer Scott Silver based on characters from DC.
- 9/25/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Sneak Peek more leaked images from the Harlem, New York set of the currently shooting "Joker" stand-alone feature film, written and directed by Todd Philips, starring Joaquin Phoenix as a struggling comic entertainer, who becomes 'The Clown Prince of Crime':
Phoenix plays 'Arthur Fleck' aka the future 'Joker' in the 'Batman' spin-off stand alone feature opening October 4, 2019:
"...'Arthur Fleck' returns home to care for his aging mother 'Penny'...
"...before meeting single mother and love interest 'Sophie Dumond' .
"Fleck's mother was very attractive in her youth, still obsessed with her former employer, 'Thomas Wayne...
"...father of 'Bruce, making Fleck, Thomas Wayne's bastard son and half-brother to the future 'Batman'..."
"I take a lot of time and consideration when making decisions and what I'm gonna' work on," said Phoenix.
"It feels unique, it is its own world in some ways, and maybe, mostly...
"...it scares the shit out of me or something.
Phoenix plays 'Arthur Fleck' aka the future 'Joker' in the 'Batman' spin-off stand alone feature opening October 4, 2019:
"...'Arthur Fleck' returns home to care for his aging mother 'Penny'...
"...before meeting single mother and love interest 'Sophie Dumond' .
"Fleck's mother was very attractive in her youth, still obsessed with her former employer, 'Thomas Wayne...
"...father of 'Bruce, making Fleck, Thomas Wayne's bastard son and half-brother to the future 'Batman'..."
"I take a lot of time and consideration when making decisions and what I'm gonna' work on," said Phoenix.
"It feels unique, it is its own world in some ways, and maybe, mostly...
"...it scares the shit out of me or something.
- 9/20/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Sadly, citing "...scheduling issues" actor Alec Baldwin ("Mini's First Time") will no longer be appearing in writer/director Todd Philips' "Joker" movie, playing arrogant a-hole 'Thomas Wayne', the father of both 'Bruce Wayne' and 'Arthur Fleck' aka the future 'Joker':
Actor Joaquin Phoenix ("To Die For") will play Fleck aka 'Joker' in the 'Batman' spin-off stand alone feature opening October 4, 2019:
"...'Arthur Fleck' returns home to care for his aging mother 'Penny' before meeting single mother and love interest 'Sophie Dumond' .
"Fleck's mother was very attractive in her youth, still obsessed with her former employer, 'Thomas Wayne, the father of 'Bruce', making Fleck, Thomas Wayne's bastard son and half-brother to the future 'Batman'..."
"I take a lot of time and consideration when making decisions and what I'm gonna' work on," said Phoenix.
"It feels unique, it is its own world in some ways, and maybe, mostly, it scares...
Actor Joaquin Phoenix ("To Die For") will play Fleck aka 'Joker' in the 'Batman' spin-off stand alone feature opening October 4, 2019:
"...'Arthur Fleck' returns home to care for his aging mother 'Penny' before meeting single mother and love interest 'Sophie Dumond' .
"Fleck's mother was very attractive in her youth, still obsessed with her former employer, 'Thomas Wayne, the father of 'Bruce', making Fleck, Thomas Wayne's bastard son and half-brother to the future 'Batman'..."
"I take a lot of time and consideration when making decisions and what I'm gonna' work on," said Phoenix.
"It feels unique, it is its own world in some ways, and maybe, mostly, it scares...
- 8/30/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Actor Robert De Niro ("Mary Shelley's Frankenstein") is reportedly in talks to join director Todd Philips' "Joker" movie, to play an arrogant, blustering talk show host, who makes a fatal mistake by dismissing a struggling, psychotic entertainer (Joaquin Phoenix):
Phoenix will play 'Arthur Fleck' aka 'Joker' in the 'Batman' spin-off stand alone feature opening October 4, 2019:
"...'Arthur Fleck' returns home to care for his aging mother 'Penny' before meeting single mother and love interest 'Sophie Dumond' .
"Fleck's mother was very attractive in her youth, still obsessed with her former employer, 'Thomas Wayne, the father of 'Bruce, making Fleck, Thomas Wayne's bastard son and half-brother to the future 'Batman'..."
"I take a lot of time and consideration when making decisions and what I'm gonna' work on," said Phoenix.
"It feels unique, it is its own world in some ways, and maybe, mostly, it scares the shit out of me or something.
Phoenix will play 'Arthur Fleck' aka 'Joker' in the 'Batman' spin-off stand alone feature opening October 4, 2019:
"...'Arthur Fleck' returns home to care for his aging mother 'Penny' before meeting single mother and love interest 'Sophie Dumond' .
"Fleck's mother was very attractive in her youth, still obsessed with her former employer, 'Thomas Wayne, the father of 'Bruce, making Fleck, Thomas Wayne's bastard son and half-brother to the future 'Batman'..."
"I take a lot of time and consideration when making decisions and what I'm gonna' work on," said Phoenix.
"It feels unique, it is its own world in some ways, and maybe, mostly, it scares the shit out of me or something.
- 7/24/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Actor Joaquin Phoenix has now confirmed he Will play DC Comics' 'Clown Prince of Crime' in director Todd Philips' "The Joker" movie, that will include a connection to "The Dark Knight" and 'Thomas Wayne', the father of 'Bruce Wayne'/'Batman':
"I take a lot of time and consideration when making decisions and what I'm gonna' work on," said Phoenix.
"It feels unique, it is its own world in some ways, and maybe, mostly, it scares the shit out of me or something. It might as well be the thing that scares you the most.
"I think, underneath the excitement of these films, and the size of them, there are these incredible characters that are dealing with real life struggles.
"And sometimes that is uncovered and exposed, and sometimes it isn’t, and so I always felt, like, there were characters in comics that were really interesting and...
"I take a lot of time and consideration when making decisions and what I'm gonna' work on," said Phoenix.
"It feels unique, it is its own world in some ways, and maybe, mostly, it scares the shit out of me or something. It might as well be the thing that scares you the most.
"I think, underneath the excitement of these films, and the size of them, there are these incredible characters that are dealing with real life struggles.
"And sometimes that is uncovered and exposed, and sometimes it isn’t, and so I always felt, like, there were characters in comics that were really interesting and...
- 7/14/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Oscar winner Jared Leto will executive produce and star in a stand-alone feature for Warners as 'The Joker', reprising his role spinning off from director David Ayer's "Suicide Squad":
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman"...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs", based on the novel by author Victor Hugo.
Actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose father is sentenced to death and that Gwynplaine's face be permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after they offend 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, showcasing his disfigurement for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind, with a warped, sadistic sense of humor.
He evolved into a 'goofy prankster' in the late 1950's in response to regulations by the 'Comics Code Authority'.
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman"...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs", based on the novel by author Victor Hugo.
Actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose father is sentenced to death and that Gwynplaine's face be permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after they offend 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, showcasing his disfigurement for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind, with a warped, sadistic sense of humor.
He evolved into a 'goofy prankster' in the late 1950's in response to regulations by the 'Comics Code Authority'.
- 6/6/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
The 23rd Nantucket Film Festival will open June 20 with Sony Pictures Classics’ Boundaries, which is written and directed by Shana Feste and stars Christopher Plummer and Vera Farmiga in the lead father-daughter roles. Bobby Cannavale, Peter Fonda, Christopher Lloyd and Kristen Schaal also star.
Organizers said the festival will close June 25 with Love, Gilda, the CNN Films documentary about Gilda Radner that just had its world premiere last week at the Tribeca Film Festival. The centerpiece presentation will be Morgan Neville’s Fred Rogers documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor.
For a ninth straight year, Nff will also screen a Pixar film on opening day. This year’s is Incredibles 2, which opens commercially June 15. Also continuing a tradition, the Berklee Silent Film Orchestra will accompany a screening of Universal’s 1928 film The Man Who Laughs. One of its notable features is Conrad Veidt’s character, which has been...
Organizers said the festival will close June 25 with Love, Gilda, the CNN Films documentary about Gilda Radner that just had its world premiere last week at the Tribeca Film Festival. The centerpiece presentation will be Morgan Neville’s Fred Rogers documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor.
For a ninth straight year, Nff will also screen a Pixar film on opening day. This year’s is Incredibles 2, which opens commercially June 15. Also continuing a tradition, the Berklee Silent Film Orchestra will accompany a screening of Universal’s 1928 film The Man Who Laughs. One of its notable features is Conrad Veidt’s character, which has been...
- 4/24/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Some of the most famous and popular science fiction characters in modern times were visually inspired by earlier creations or even real people. Cinelinx takes a look at five well-known sci-fi characters and what motivated their appearances.
While these five characters had various inspirations for their personalities and purpose, their specific looks have a clear precedent.
The Joker was based on Gwynplaine from The Man Who Laughs: When Bob Kane needed to come up with the iconic look of the Batman’s soon-to-be arch nemesis, he took inspiration from the 1928 silent film The Man Who Laughs, starring Conrad Veidt. For those unfamiliar with Veidt, he played the first-ever film zombie in the silent classic The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (1920), and was also Jaffar in the live-action adaptation of Aladdin, called The Thief of Bagdad (1940). The film tells the story of Gwynplaine, the son of an executed 17th century nobleman,...
While these five characters had various inspirations for their personalities and purpose, their specific looks have a clear precedent.
The Joker was based on Gwynplaine from The Man Who Laughs: When Bob Kane needed to come up with the iconic look of the Batman’s soon-to-be arch nemesis, he took inspiration from the 1928 silent film The Man Who Laughs, starring Conrad Veidt. For those unfamiliar with Veidt, he played the first-ever film zombie in the silent classic The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (1920), and was also Jaffar in the live-action adaptation of Aladdin, called The Thief of Bagdad (1940). The film tells the story of Gwynplaine, the son of an executed 17th century nobleman,...
- 12/23/2017
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Rob Young)
- Cinelinx
Jim Knipfel Sep 18, 2017
One of the earliest scary clown movies, The Man Who Laughs was also an influence on the creation of Batman villain, The Joker...
Clowns, both creepy and, well, slightly less creepy, were lurking about in the shadows for thousands of years before Stephen King’s evil clown Pennywise shambled along with those sinister red balloons of his. The Egyptians had them, the Greeks had them, the Romans had them. But in the 17th and 18th centuries, an interesting and telling thing happened.
See related The Croods 2 has been cancelled
During the Middle Ages, the clown and the performing freak were essentially one and the same. The jesters and fools who entertained in the royal courts of Europe were usually attired in flamboyant and garish costumes and makeup, and were often physically deformed in some way. After that, however, the two began to tear themselves apart, with the...
One of the earliest scary clown movies, The Man Who Laughs was also an influence on the creation of Batman villain, The Joker...
Clowns, both creepy and, well, slightly less creepy, were lurking about in the shadows for thousands of years before Stephen King’s evil clown Pennywise shambled along with those sinister red balloons of his. The Egyptians had them, the Greeks had them, the Romans had them. But in the 17th and 18th centuries, an interesting and telling thing happened.
See related The Croods 2 has been cancelled
During the Middle Ages, the clown and the performing freak were essentially one and the same. The jesters and fools who entertained in the royal courts of Europe were usually attired in flamboyant and garish costumes and makeup, and were often physically deformed in some way. After that, however, the two began to tear themselves apart, with the...
- 9/13/2017
- Den of Geek
According to reports, "Goodfellas" director Martin Scorsese will produce an 'origin story' feature, focusing on DC Comics' super-villain 'The Joker', with a screenplay by Scott Silver ("8 Mile") and Todd Phillips ("The Hangover"), to be directed by Phillips ("War Dogs"), set in a 'Gotham City' straight out of Scorsese's "Taxi Driver":
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman" (April 25, 1940)...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs", based on the novel by author Victor Hugo.
Actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose father is sentenced to death and that Gwynplaine's face be permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after offending 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, showcasing his disfigurement to a curious public for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind,...
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, the 'Joker' debuted in the first issue of DC Comics' "Batman" (April 25, 1940)...
...inspired by the German Expressionist film "The Man Who Laughs", based on the novel by author Victor Hugo.
Actor Conrad Veidt plays 'Gwynplaine', whose father is sentenced to death and that Gwynplaine's face be permanently disfigured into a grotesque grin, after offending 'King James II'.
Gwynplaine becomes a traveling freak, showcasing his disfigurement to a curious public for money, while falling in love with a blind woman.
DC's 'Joker', is usually portrayed as a deranged, criminal mastermind,...
- 8/24/2017
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
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