Even Joaquin Phoenix Didn't Get That Ambiguous Joker Ending
But then again, were we really expecting a clear cut ending from a film about a mentally unstable clown?
Joker, one of the (arguably) best recent additions to DC cinematic universe from director Todd Phillips, has been causing quite a stir in the entertainment world since its release in 2019. The film, which stars Joaquin Phoenix as the titular character, has been met with both praise and criticism, with many viewers struggling to make sense of the film's ambiguous ending.
Phoenix himself has admitted that he didn't fully understand the ending of the film, and that he, like many viewers, is still trying to make sense of it.
Discussing the Joker message, the actor said that Phillips' unlikely cinematic masterpiece is film that requires engagement and reflection from the viewer. The ending is open to interpretation, and that's one of the things Phoenix actually loves about it.
Of course, fans being fans, can't help but create numerous theories trying to make sense of the ending.
One popular theory about the Joker's hidden message is that it takes place not in reality, but in the twisted imagination of Arthur Fleck, the Joker's alter ego. According to this theory, Fleck has been institutionalized in a psychiatric facility, and the events of the film are the product of his fevered imagination. Phoenix has said that he is "intrigued" by this interpretation, but that he doesn't necessarily subscribe to it himself.
Despite its ambiguous ending, Joker has been a box office success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. The film has also received numerous award nominations, including an Oscar for Phoenix's performance as the Joker. The sequel, titled Joker: Folie à Deux and starring Phoenix & Lady Gaga, is set to premiere in October, 2024.