In the absurdist autobiographically-inspired dark comedy, a painfully unfunny aspiring clown (Vera Drew as Joker the Harlequin) grapples with her gender identity while unsuccessfully attempting to join the ranks of Gotham City’s sole comedy program in a world where comedy has been outlawed. Uniting with a ragtag team of rejects and misfits, Joker the Harlequin forms an illegal anti-comedy troupe that puts her on a collision course with the devious caped crusader controlling the city.
REVIEW:
“The People’s Joker,” directed by Vera Drew, is a daring and inventive film that reimagines the iconic Batman universe through a unique and deeply personal lens. This dark comedy, now available on streaming platforms, is a standout for its audacious storytelling and heartfelt exploration of identity.
Vera Drew stars as Joker the Harlequin, an aspiring comedian grappling with her gender identity in a world where comedy has been outlawed. Drew’s performance is both raw and captivating, bringing a fresh perspective to the character of the Joker. The film’s narrative is autobiographically inspired, blending elements of Drew’s own experiences with the familiar tropes of the Batman mythos.
The story follows Joker the Harlequin as she navigates the challenges of being a trans woman in Gotham City, facing societal rejection and personal struggles. Alongside a group of misfit comedians, she forms an underground anti-comedy troupe, challenging the oppressive norms enforced by the city’s caped crusader. This journey of self-discovery and rebellion is both poignant and empowering.
One of the film’s strengths is its visual style, which combines live-action with various animation techniques to create a vibrant and chaotic aesthetic. This eclectic mix mirrors the protagonist’s inner turmoil and the anarchic spirit of the story. The cinematography and production design are equally impressive, capturing the gritty yet fantastical essence of Gotham.
“The People’s Joker” is not just a parody; it is a commentary on the power dynamics within the entertainment industry and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. It tackles heavy themes with a blend of humor and sincerity, making it a thought-provoking watch. The film’s satirical edge is sharp, but it never loses sight of its emotional core.
For those looking for a film that breaks the mold and offers a fresh take on a beloved franchise, “The People’s Joker” is a must-see. It is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the importance of diverse voices in cinema. Vera Drew’s bold vision and compelling performance make this film a standout in the genre of superhero parodies..
The People’sJoker gets a B+. It’s streaming on MUBI.
CREDITS:
Directed by
Written by
- Bri LeRose
- Vera Drew
Produced by
Joey Lyons
Starring
- Vera Drew
- Lynn Downey
- Christian Calloway
- Griffin Kramer
- Kane Distler
- Nathan Faustyn
- Phil Braun
- David Liebe Hart
- Scott Aukerman
- Tim Heidecker
- Maria Bamford
- Bob Odenkirk
Cinematography
Nate Cornett
Edited by
Vera Drew
Music by
- Justin Krol
- Quinn Scharber
- Danni Rowan
- Elias and the Error
Production
company
Haunted Gay Ride Productions
Distributed by
Release dates
- September 13, 2022(TIFF)
- April 5, 2024(United States)
Running time
92 minutes
Country
United States
Language
English
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