It’s rare to see your favorite comic book character almost up close and personal. But that’s exactly how I felt when I saw Joaquin Pheonix during the red carpet premiere of “The Joker”. Even though he wasn’t in full-on Joker-garb, he evoked a vibe that very much like the iconic villain. And I dare say, after watching the movie many times, he’s the best Joker I’ve ever seen!
He arrived in a plain black suit and tie, looking farthest from the menacing character he portrayed on-screen. He looked well and normal, but the moment he smiled, I recognized the Joker. His smile, in a way, since the trailers and teasers dropped, has become iconic. Sometimes, I even felt that he didn’t need the animated makeup to look like the scary Joker. His own smile and I say this with the utmost respect to Phoenix and his look, are enough to convince me that he’s Batman’s arch-nemesis.
As the red carpet premiere event drew on, he went from one interview to another, I waited with bated breath, holding my bunch of “Joker” movie posters, till he went to me. It was clear to me that he was rocking the red carpet, exuding a confidence that’s almost unusual from the famous movie star. From what I can in his many interviews with the media, he has shrugged off the criticisms and complaints that the movie promotes violence and mass shootings. I’m glad he has that mentality. He’s on his way to earning his first Oscar. The second after the late-great Heath Ledger for the same character!
But then, he stopped right at me. I almost couldn’t’ believe that I was face-to-face with the Joker himself. Having watched a preview before attending the red carpet event, I had trouble separating the character from the actor. That’s how good he was in it! I shyly offered him my congratulations, assured him that he’ll, at the very least, get nominated for an Oscar, and asked him to sign my posters. He gladly did so and then went on to talk to another fan beside me. It was an exhilarating moment!
If you’ve ever been a huge fan of the Joker, as I am, do yourself a favor and watch this movie. It’s possibly the best, the most real, and the most complex take on one of the world’s most interesting comic book characters ever!
Please note: Our inventory is limited as we may have only received a few posters in total. Most of our items are obtained from film premieres, studios, and from autographed hounds such as the one in the story above.
