The People’s Joker: A Transgressive Triumph of Personal Expression
Explore the audacious film ‘The People’s Joker’ that challenges the conventions of superhero cinema and celebrates personal expression. Follow the journey of Joker the Harlequin, portrayed by trans comedian Vera Drew, as she discovers her own trans identity and finds solace in the world of comedy. Experience a vibrant collage of animation styles and a rebellious work of outsider art that defies corporate constraints. ‘The People’s Joker’ invites viewers to question societal norms and embrace their own alter egos.
The People’s Joker: A Transgressive Triumph of Personal Expression
In Vera Drew’s audacious film ‘The People’s Joker,’ a subversive exploration of identity and artistic rebellion, the boundaries of corporate control and emotional freedom collide. The movie, which made its debut at the 2022 TIFF, faced obstacles and threats from Warner Bros., leading to its limited release. However, now available to wider audiences, ‘The People’s Joker’ is a captivating and unapologetic journey that resonates with the marginalized and challenges the conventions of superhero cinema.
( Credit to: Rogerebert )
Drew, a New York-based trans comedienne and editor for alternative comedy shows, infuses her own experiences as a trans woman and underground comic artist into the film’s narrative. The protagonist, Joker the Harlequin (played by Drew herself), undergoes a traumatic origin story, stemming from a sheltered Midwestern childhood, an absent father, and a judgmental, emotionally distant mother. As gender dysphoria looms over her, she finds solace in Batman comics, the playful antics of ‘SNL’-like sketch shows, and the allure of Gotham City.
Leaving her hometown behind, Joker embarks on a journey to Gotham City, seeking validation and a place within the comedy world. However, her dreams are shattered when she fails to make the cut at UCB, a renowned comedy institution. Undeterred, she finds kinship with Penguin (Nathan Faustyn), another comedy dropout, and together, they establish an ‘anti-comedy’ venue alongside the city’s other villains. Amidst the chaotic and garish backdrop, Joker discovers her own trans identity, undergoing a transformative process akin to her beloved Batman villains.
A Celebration of Personal Expression
‘The People’s Joker’ masterfully weaves together a tapestry of references from various Batman stories and eras, paying homage to the character’s rich history. The film embraces the messy and amateurish nature of anti-comedy, enhancing its authenticity and relatability. Drew’s performance effortlessly captures Joker’s initial shyness, gradually building towards the character’s iconic manic cackle and physicality.
Despite lacking the exorbitant budgets typically associated with DC movies, ‘The People’s Joker’ compensates with inventive green-screen scenes and a vibrant collage of animation styles. Drew enlisted the talents of numerous artists, resulting in an unpredictable visual experience that constantly surprises the audience. The film feels like a rebellious work of outsider art, created by and for outsiders, unbound by the constraints of corporate IP.
‘The People’s Joker’ challenges the status quo of superhero cinema and offers a fresh perspective on the transformative power of masks and alter egos. By exploring the parallel between the world of professional comedy and the journeys of trans and nonbinary individuals in finding their authentic selves, Drew invites viewers to question societal norms and embrace personal expression.
A Refreshing Alternative to Superhero Cinema
In an era where superhero fatigue seems prevalent, ‘The People’s Joker’ arrives as a refreshing and daring alternative. It dares to seize the town, liberated from the shackles of conventional superhero narratives, and serves as a testament to the triumph of personal expression. Vera Drew’s film is a rebellious triumph, encouraging us all to embrace our own alter egos and defy the boundaries imposed upon us.