Look into the eyes of madness…
It was just last month that ‘Suicide Squad’ director David Ayer finally released a picture of actor and musician Jared Leto in character as the Clown Prince of Crime. Out there on Twitter for the whole world to see was a “wild” and “radical” reinterpretation of the beloved DC icon. There was no grimy face paint, no vicious scars, but neither was there the cruel pearly-white smile or even the signature purple suit.
No, instead there was sickly pale skin – A lot of sickly pale skin – acting as a living canvas for a plethora of grotesque images, from a chorus of “HAHA”s to a skull in a jester’s hat. Tattoos snaked around Jared Leto’s body, covering his torso, his arms, even his face. That last bit of information turned out to be the main point of contention among Joker fans everywhere, as the word “damaged” was printed in loving cursive across Mr. Leto’s once handsome mug.
Because he’s all messed up!
Reception to this new iteration of The Joker has been rather mixed to say the least. There are some out there in the untamed wild of the internet who have embraced Mister Jay’s new style, while an equal many loathe it vehemently. Phrases such as “try hard”, “edgy” or “classless” have been thrown around, with the most vocal of detractors claiming that Warner Bros. and DC have no idea what to do with their characters.
They may as well just give the rights back to Marvel, correct?
Make Mine A Persistent Internet Troll!
However, as readers can tell from the title of this article, I feel that it would be best to remain open-minded.
‘Suicide Squad’ is a comic book movie unlike any other before it, shining the spotlight on the villains for the majority of the story rather than the heroes, showing what happens after the good guys beat the baddies to a pulp and throw them behind bars – where the baddies are promptly recruited by a shady black-ops group.
The talent working both in and behind the scenes is most impressive, from proven action director David Ayer to accomplished and talented actors such as Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and especially Jared Leto.
Looks like Jesus. Is probably Jesus.
It is important to remember that context is key. Why is The Joker adorned in such ugly ink? Why does he wear metal on his teeth? Why does his ride resemble a hot wheels toy more than an actual car? All of these questions will undoubtedly be answered in the film proper (or, given how frequent they are, by leaked set photos) which is entirely David Ayer’s domain.
Director David Ayer in his natural habitat, fighting the urge to violently murder someone.
Ayer himself has proven to be a force to be reckoned with regarded hard-hitting, gritty action dramas. ‘End of Watch’ and ‘Fury’ showed audiences that he is more than capable of balancing bloody violence with genuine human drama. ‘Training Day’, written - but not directed - by Ayer, is a testament to his ability to craft an engaging story from the actions of a morally bankrupt individual.
Enter Jared Leto, the Academy Award-winning actor. This is a man who is supremely talented, who gives more than most when it comes to molding himself to fit the role he is given. A "method actor", as they call it. This is a man who doesn’t just take any role willy-nilly. Leto is a professional and more than intelligent enough to know whether or not a job is worth it. If a man like Jared Leto is willing to trust David Ayer and his vision, then what does that say about them? What does that say about the people writing them off so soon?
Even with the tattoos, even with the grill, even with the garish car, Jared Leto and David Ayer are skilled and talented enough to make this new Joker not only work, but
kill.
Give Ayer and Leto the benefit of the doubt, because come August 2016, there’s a very good chance they will blow your minds… figuratively, I mean. The actual exploding heads can stay firmly in the film world.
Kablooie!