FEATURE: Analysing THE JOKER's New Look; Has SUICIDE SQUAD Got It Right?
Last night, the DC Cinematic Universe's Joker was finally revealed by Suicide Squad director David Ayer. Here, we analyse this take on the iconic villain by Oscar winning actor Jared Leto, and ask whether or not they've gone in the right direction for this modern version of The Joker...
Predictably, our first look at The Joker has been met with a mixed reaction. Some love the direction that Warner Bros. are going in for this new take on the iconic Batman villain with actor Jared Leto, while others hate that they're not getting a faithful take on their favourite member of the Caped Crusader's rogues gallery. It's worth bearing in mind that this is an imprisoned Joker and not one who is out in the world making life difficult for Batman, and when he is in that classic purple suit, he'll no doubt look a lot more like the classic Joker we all know and love! Let's take a closer look...
The Smile
Lacking the exaggerated smile from the comic books, Jared Leto's mouth is also extremely different to both the deformed version given to Jack Nicholson in Batman and the scars used for Heath Ledger's version in The Dark Knight. However, the thin lips will no doubt make it appear a little bigger, but it's definitely a normal enough mouth for the most part. However, by far the most interesting thing here are the teeth. All of his front chompers are metal, and if I had to hazard a guess, I'd say it's because they're crowns. Gold ones would have looked a bit silly, and it's believable that a prison or asylum would have only given him the most basic metal ones available regardless. The reason The Joker has them is no doubt because the Caped Crusader has knocked out or damaged them, quite literally ruining the Clown Prince of Crime's smile during their last encounter.
The Hair
It's green. 'Nuff said.
The Skin
He's pale. 'Nuff said.
The Tattoos
"Damaged" - There have been a lot of complaints from fans about this tattoo on The Joker's forhead, but it's no doubt an ironic statement being made by the villain. There are other markings on his face too, though all but the one on his cheek look more like scars than tattoos. They're probably fractures and lacerations from his fights with Batman. Remember, rumour has it that he's one of the few people in the DC Cinematic Universe to have ever met the Gotham City superhero.
"Hahaha" - It's interesting and also kind of random that The Joker is covered in tattoos featuring his trademark laughter, and the font looks very similar to that used in comics like The Killing Joke and Grant Morrison's Arkham Asylum. This seems a tad unecessary, but is still a pretty cool visual.
"The Smiles" - These are pretty out there, and no doubt a nod to The Joker's classic smile. Don't be surprised to see the one on his left hand used to give the impression that he has that grin before revealing his actual messed up mouth. Perhaps he has them to remind himself of the smile he lost after Batman damaged it beyond repair? That would be my guess for their inclusion anyway!
"Harley Quinn" - This is unlikely, but could the skull with a jester's hat be some sort of deranged tip of the hat (no pun intended) to Harley Quinn? That piece of headwear is obviously closely associated with The Joker's sidekick after all, but perhaps it's just where she took inspiration from.
"The Robin" - That looks an awful lot like a robin on The Joker's right bicep and could be a trophy of sorts after he murdered Batman's sidekick years before. We've heard from a number of sources that Robin's costume will be on display in the Batcave, so who else but the Clown Prince of Crime could be responsible for killing the youngster? Don't forget that it's also been rumoured that The Joker [SPOILER] killed Commissioner Gordon [END SPOILER] so maybe he gets a mention too.
The Rest - There's a large tattoo on The Joker's stomach which we're unable to read, not to mention one on the side. Could they reference Batman in some way? The cards meanwhile - which are an iconic piece of imagery when it comes to The Joker - seem to say "All In" beneath them.
The Hands:
The Joker has a pinkie ring, but it's impossible to say what significance it has when we can't see the design. It's his right hand which is most interesting though as he's wearing a purple glove. Chances are that this could have just been given to Leto for this photo alone - which is definitely channelling The Killing Joke - but there might also be a story reason for his decision to wear it. What that might be at this point is anyone's guess...maybe Batman mangled it or it covers an unwanted tattoo?
So, what do you think about this take on The Joker? As always, let us know your thoughts below!