Joaquin Phoenix’s Surprising Joker Inspiration: The Actor Behind the Mask

When Joaquin Phoenix stepped into the shoes of Gotham’s most infamous villain, he delivered a performance that felt entirely new. While many actors have left their mark on the Joker, Phoenix’s approach stood out for its originality and depth. Instead of drawing from the well-known portrayals that came before him, he looked elsewhere for inspiration —toward a figure few would expect.

Redefining a Legendary Villain

Over the years, the Joker has become a coveted role for actors eager to leave their own stamp on the character. Cesar Romero first brought the villain to life in the classic Batman TV series, while Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable turn in Tim Burton’s 1989 film and Mark Hamill’s chilling voice work in Batman: The Animated Series added new layers to the character. Heath Ledger’s haunting performance in The Dark Knight, which earned him a posthumous Oscar, seemed to set an impossible standard. Jared Leto’s attempt in Suicide Squad didn’t quite land, making it seem like the role had reached its peak. But then came Phoenix, who took a bold risk by accepting the lead in Todd Phillips’ gritty origin story.

Unlike any superhero movie before it, Joker transformed Gotham into a harsh, realistic world reminiscent of 1970s New York, echoing the tone of classic Martin Scorsese films. Phoenix portrayed a lonely, troubled man who, after enduring relentless cruelty, transforms into the Joker. The film sparked heated debates about its take on mental health and violence, but it also became a cultural phenomenon, breaking records as the first R-rated movie to gross over $1 billion. Even critics who questioned the film’s message couldn’t deny Phoenix’s mesmerizing performance, which earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor.

The Real Source of Phoenix’s Performance

What set Phoenix apart was his ability to create a Joker that felt both fresh and deeply human. He didn’t simply echo the work of Romero, Nicholson, Hamill, or Ledger. Instead, he found his muse in a place few would think to look: the world of classic song and dance. Phoenix revealed,

“I think what influenced me the most was Ray Bolger,”

referencing the legendary performer best known for his role as the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. He continued,

“There was a particular song called ‘The Old Soft Shoe’ that he performed, and I saw a video of it, and there’s this odd arrogance almost to his movements and…”

Bolger’s unique physicality and expressive style left a lasting impression on Phoenix. Rather than mimicking previous Jokers, he borrowed from Bolger’s distinctive mannerisms, infusing his character with a strange, almost unsettling grace. This unexpected source helped Phoenix craft a version of the Joker that was both sympathetic and unpredictable, setting his performance apart from all those that came before.