14 Disturbing Facts You Should Know About The ‘Joker’

The psychological thriller details the origin story of Batman’s archnemesis, The Joker, and how he became the notorious villain he is.

But, while the eagerly-anticipated movie has been a huge hit so far, it hasn’t been without its criticism, with many people calling out the film for its representation of mental illness – with some saying that it’s so dark that people are walking out of theatres.

Keep scrolling to learn more about the “disturbing” movie and why so many viewers have been left unable to carry on watching:

The Joker is one of the most infamous villains in the comic book world

The supervillain made his debut in the Batman comic books in 1940 and has since become one of the most notorious faces of the franchise.

He was originally meant to be killed off during his initial appearance

But he stuck around to become Batman’s archenemy, were not complaining.

He was most famously brought to life by Heath Ledger in 2008

The Dark Night was a box office smash hit, receiving rave reviews and grossing over a staggering $1 billion in revenue.

The movies the Joker appears in seem to garner worldwide success

Seems fans of the franchise can’t get enough of the psychopathic anti-hero, so do we.

This time, the infamous criminal mastermind is portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix

Speaking to Ladbible, the Oscar-nominated actor explained: “I thought it was important for it to be its own thing, to be its own interpretation. What’s interesting about this character is that everybody can interpret it however they want.

Arthur Fleck is a lonely, failed comedian

Set in 1981, Fleck, who is working as a party clown, lives with his mother in Gotham City – a town full of crime and unemployment.

Fleck also has a neurological disorder that causes him to laugh at inappropriate times

Due to this, he often lands himself in bad situations.

He becomes an outcast of society

Fleck is isolated, bullied, and lonely.

The movie chronicles his descent into madness

Soon enough, Fleck’s life becomes rife with out-of-control into delusions, violence, and anarchy and thus, the clown-faced criminal is born.

The movie has solicited some extreme reactions

I've just walked out of the Joker. Maybe I was naive in going/didn't realise what an origin story would be like, maybe because I live with someone with MH, it was just far too dark for me to be able to watch.

— Sam (@alwaysheapstodo) October 4, 2019

Many people slamming the movie for its representation of mental health and “glamorization” of violence.Several have been saying the movie should have come with a trigger warning.

The movie has already broken a major record…

Over the weekend alone it raked in an eye-watering $93.5 million at the US box office – although we aren’t entirely surprised, given the huge anticipation in the lead up to its release.

Theatre-goers have also been left outraged by a particular song used in the movie…

Convicted pedophile, Gary Glitter’s 1972 “Rock and Roll Part 2” is used in one scene.

Glitter was jailed in 2015 for a number of sexual assault offenses, including one count of raping a 13-year-old girl, so it’s no wonder so many viewers were disgusted.

The movie is apparently so disturbing, viewers have been leaving cinemas midway

Several people took to Twitter to call out the “horrible” movie, saying how they’ve been left terrified while watching.

Other’s cut the movie more slack

Went to see The Joker last night with my son – its on another level of dark, disturbing and graphic, but we all know who is winning the Oscar..amazing performance by Joaquin Phoenix – but don't expect to come out feeling light, motivated and upbeat! #joker

— Lady Karren Brady (@karren_brady) October 7, 2019

Watch the full trailer below: