While most superhero films follow a tried and true formula, DC’s latest film Joker looks to be far from that. Teaming up unlikely names like The Hangover director Todd Phillips and Oscar-nominated actor Joaquin Phoenix is a start, but this new adaptation of Gotham’s signature clown looks to take the character down a decidedly dark route than involves the issues of our contemporary society. With the film set to attend film festivals before its October release, some are going as far to speculate the film as a possible awards contender.
Signifying a darker tone even further is the fact that The Joker has received an R-rating according to its official website. Here’s what the MPPA rated the film R for:
Strong bloody violence, disturbing behavior, language and brief sexual images.
This news doesn’t come as much of a surprise, but it is satisfying to hear that DC has finally decided to give one of their films an R-rating. Many were disappointed back in 2016 when Suicide Squad flirted with that before ultimately being PG-13, as many questioned Warner Brothers for making a decision in favor of profit over quality (and it showed in the final product).
With superhero content being at its apex in popularity, I don’t think that an R-rating holds a film back from reaching success in the genre. ProBoxOffice is already tracking an 81 million dollar opening for Joker, a figure that would be an assuring win for a relatively smaller budgeted film (55 million dollars, which is pennies for a superhero movie). If The Joker can reach that figure, it should be a noteworthy moment that signifies that mass appeal of superhero movies, no matter how dark or oft-kilter they look.
Who knows, maybe Marvel would even consider making their latest Blade adaptation R-rated if Joker can profit. We’ll be seeing a new trailer for the movie on Tuesday, according to a recent report.
What do you think of The Joker’s R-rating? Let us know in the comments!