10 Scenes From ‘The Joker’ That Shocked Everyone
Joaquin Phoenix’s raw performance in ‘Joker’ (2019) redefined the iconic Batman villain, delivering a dark and unsettling origin story. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film follows Arthur Fleck, a struggling clown spiraling into chaos in a gritty Gotham City.
The movie’s bold take on mental illness and societal neglect sparked intense reactions, with some praising its depth and others debating its violence. Here are ten scenes that shocked viewers and fueled countless discussions.
10. Subway Shooting
Arthur Fleck’s descent begins on a grim subway ride. Harassed by three wealthy men, he snaps, shooting them with a gun he wasn’t supposed to have.
The scene’s brutal violence, paired with Arthur’s chilling calm afterward, marks his first step into chaos. It’s a raw moment that sets the tone for his transformation.
9. Arthur’s Dance in the Bathroom
After the subway killings, Arthur hides in a dingy bathroom. Instead of panic, he starts a slow, eerie dance, embracing his newfound power.
This quiet, haunting moment shows Arthur shedding his old self. The shift from fear to confidence is unsettling and unforgettable.
8. Smothering Penny
Learning his mother, Penny, lied about his past and allowed his childhood abuse, Arthur visits her in the hospital. As she struggles to speak, he suffocates her with a pillow.
The betrayal and cold execution stunned audiences. It’s a heartbreaking turning point, showing Arthur’s complete break from his past.
7. Randall’s Brutal Death
When former coworkers Randall and Gary visit, Arthur’s rage boils over. He stabs Randall repeatedly, splattering blood across his painted face.
The graphic violence and Arthur’s indifference afterward are jarring. Yet, letting Gary go unharmed adds a twisted layer of compassion.
6. Meeting Young Bruce Wayne
Arthur, wearing a clown nose, approaches a young Bruce Wayne at the Wayne estate. He forces a smile on the boy’s face, teetering on the edge of menace.
The tense encounter, hinting at a possible shared lineage, left viewers uneasy. Alfred’s intervention saves the moment from spiraling further.
5. Sophie’s Imagined Romance
Arthur believes he’s in a relationship with his neighbor Sophie, but a chilling reveal shows it was all in his head. He sits in her apartment, uninvited, as she begs him to leave.
This scene exposes Arthur’s fractured mind. The quiet horror of his delusion hits harder than any violence.
4. Murray Franklin’s Murder
On live TV, Arthur, now fully the Joker, confronts talk show host Murray Franklin. After admitting his crimes, he shoots Murray point-blank.
The raw brutality and public execution shocked viewers. It’s a moment that cements Arthur’s embrace of chaos over comedy.
3. Staircase Dance
Arthur’s iconic dance down a Bronx staircase, set to a triumphant song, is both mesmerizing and chilling. Fully embracing his Joker persona, he moves with eerie grace.
The scene’s blend of beauty and menace became a cultural touchstone. It’s Arthur’s bold declaration of his new identity.
2. Riot in Gotham
After his arrest, Arthur rides through Gotham’s chaotic streets in a police car. A stolen ambulance crashes into it, and his followers pull him free, cheering as he stands atop the wreckage.
The city’s descent into anarchy mirrors Arthur’s own. His blood-smeared grin, painted with his own wounds, is hauntingly triumphant.
1. Arkham’s Bloody Footprints
In the final scene, Arthur laughs during a session with his psychiatrist in Arkham Asylum. He walks away, leaving a trail of bloody footprints, hinting at unseen violence.
The ambiguity of his laughter and the chilling imagery close the film on a deeply unsettling note. It’s a moment that lingers long after the credits.
Which scene rattled you the most, or did I miss a moment that stuck with you? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
