The People’s Joker, a very personal, very irreverent stylized memoir film, made a showy debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022 thanks to Warner Bros., DC Comics ‘ parent company, filing a cease-and-desist order against the film, shutting down all following screenings, and putting the film’s future in doubt. Outside of the sporadic event monitoring, the movie took years to become a reality. Vera Drew was present at the 2023 Fantastic Fest to talk about the practice, but I was careful never to address the possibility that her movie might actually receive a true musical work. However, the flyer claims that it’s” coming immediately.” figuratively. Really?
Although covered in disclaimers, The People’s Joker has finally been approved for release, reminding everyone that it isn’t a legitimate DC project and that its satirical portrayals of Batman, the Joker, Harley Quinn, the Penguin, and other comics characters aren’t canon or associated with WB products. Certainly that anyone who has ever seen the film may make that error. The People’s Joker is clearly a personal story, with a second queer love and a journey of self-definition. It is also known as a transgender awakening and coming-out story.
It’s a type combination that uses costume, simple graphics results, digital veneers, and goofy props to stylize Vera’s coming-of-age tale by turning it into a music epic, despite having a similar plot to Todd Phillips ‘ Joker. The official explanation is as follows:
A painfully unfunny aspiring clown (Vera Drew as Joker the Harlequin) struggles with her gender identity in the absurdist autobiographically inspired dark comedy that boldly reimagines the Joker’s origin while unsuccessfully attempting to join Gotham City’s exclusive comedy program in a world where comedy has been outlawed. Joker the Harlequin forms an illegitimate anti-comedy band that puts her on collision course with the evil caped warrior controlling the city by uniting with a motley crew of denies and misfits.
Tim Heidecker, award-winning actor Bob Odenkirk, Maria Bamford (Netflix’s Big Mouth, Adult Swim’s Teenage Euthanasia), Scott Aukerman (Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis co-creator and host of the Comedy Bang!), and others make guest appearances in THE PEOPLE’S JOKER. Bang! The film’s core cast includes Vera Drew, Lynn Downey (Amazon Prime Video’s Daisy Jones &, The Six), Nathan Faustyn (SADDLED), and Kane Distler in his directorial debut. The text was co-written by close creative partner Bri LeRose (Netflix’s Magic for Humans and Chad &, JT Go Deep), whose personal life as a transgender woman and artist serves as the film’s tale and theme.
The Women’s Joker did debut April 5 in New York’s IFC Center, and it will spread throughout April and May throughout the United States and Canada. On the show’s website, you can find a list of the participating venues and screening times.
