David Fincher has sparked a debate after appearing to suggest that the Joker movie, directed by Todd Phillips, was ‘a betrayal of the mentally ill’.
The Gone Girl director shared his thoughts on the success of the Joker character in the Dark Knight franchise, helmed by Christopher Nolan, its continuation in Todd’s 2019 standalone film and movie studios’ attitude towards smashing box office sales.
Speaking to The Telegraph, David said: ‘Nobody would have thought they had a shot at a giant hit with Joker had The Dark Knight not been as massive as it was.’
He then added: ‘I don’t think anyone would have looked at that material and thought, “Yeah, let’s take [Taxi Driver’s] Travis Bickle and [The King of Comedy’s] Rupert Pupkin and conflate them, then trap him in a betrayal of the mentally ill, and trot it out for a billion dollars.’
However fans are debating whether David actually meant to accuse the Joker movie of ‘betraying the mentally ill’.
One argued: ‘I think people are taking David Fincher’s quote out of context. Is seems like he’s saying society’s betrayal of the mentally ill rather than the movie’s betrayal.’
Another agreed: ‘I think everyone’s misunderstanding what David Fincher said about Joker. Mostly because a lot of people don’t read past the headline.’
‘I’m pretty sure that he means that Joker *portrays* a “betrayal of mental illness”, rather than that it is one,’ one said.
However other Twitter users agreed agreed with the take that David criticised Joker, with one commenting: ‘David Fincher is 1) not wrong about Joker, and 2) has made Se7en, The Game, Fight Club, Zodiac, The Social Network, and Gone Girl. Dude can talk s**t and back it up.’
One weighed in: ‘David fincher acknowledging taxi driver/king of comedy’s influence on joker ….. here’s your crown king.’
‘I loved Joker and I love how David Fincher does not GIVE A F*CK what people think lmao,’ another Twitter user said.
Joaquin won critical-acclaim for his harrowing performance as Joker in the standalone film, including the best actor Oscar earlier this year.
The blockbuster traces the origins of the iconic Batman villain from when he was a troubled comedian known as Arthur Fleck, before delving into his mental health descent and first murderous spree.
It grossed just over $1 billion (£749 million) worldwide on a budget of roughly $70 million (£52 million).
Metro.co.uk has reached out to David Fincher’s reps for further comment.
Got a showbiz story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Legendary Indian actor Soumitra Chatterjee dies aged 85 from Covid-19 complications
MORE : Max George apologises after dropping F-bomb on Strictly Come Dancing: ‘It was in the moment’
