Pride Month: The People's Joker

[cyberghostface]

I've talked a few times in the past how even though DC won't officially acknowledge it various creators have interpreted the Joker as being LGBT and how he's since become a pride symbol in some circles. More recently trans filmmaker Vera Drew came out with a parody called 'The People's Joker' which reimagines the Joker as a trans woman. It's not just a parody of the Todd Phillips film; there's a lot of comic pastiches throughout the film including an animated segment done in the style of 'The Dark Knight Returns'.

I'm not going to give it an in-depth review but it was a lot better than I thought it would be... while I respected the idea the trailers made it look like a YouTube fan video/adult swim bit that wouldn't work for an entire feature film. In reality there's a lot going on with the film; a lot of it is an autobiography of Vera Drew's experiences coming out as trans through the lens of the Joker (I.E. her mother's attempt at conversion therapy is depicted as being a trip to Arkham Asylum). 

One thing that came to mind was how much a story worked with the Joker and how it might not have with, say, Spider-Man or Batman. I guess in addition to the queer readings to the character he's just become such a universal archetype that he lends himself to so many different interpretations.

If you're interested the film is available to stream on Mubi.

I included a trailer under the cut.

Watch on YouTube

Comments

[numeronone]

Reminder that Mubi has recently made a deal with Sequioa, an investment firm with a long history of funding Israel since the outbreak of war, one of whose higher-ups has said "It's hard for me to explain how much I love Israel; how important it is to me" and called the oppressed people of Palestine "barbarians at the gates".

So you may want to find an alternate place to watch the movie. But this being scans-daily, you'll probably figure something out.

[ladymidath]

I love this movie.

[heartsways]

thx for the rec, mubi has lots of great films

[icon_uk]

Personally, I comprehensively reject the notion that the Joker is a valid representation of an LGBTQ character, and am relieved DC have not endorsed it.

To me, the Joker is overdramatic, he's flamboyant and camp (which are gay stereotypes already, but such is life) but at his core he is a homicidal monster with absolutely no concept of genuine love or affection, or any understanding of same except as something to manipulate others if he needs them to do something for him (like, say, Harley).

He obsesses over Batman to an unbelievable extent, but the fact they're both men is irrelevant to that obsession. At best, the Joker's actions are those of a stalker, not a lover.

[zachbeacon]

Anyone have scans of the Pied Piper's coming out scene? That seems like the best response to this take on the Joker.