The Plot Thickens

Joker

As I was walking to the office yesterday, I decided that maybe I should dress up as The Joker for Halloween. I figured it was about time to revisit that outfit, as I haven’t been The Joker since 2008. I also figured there would be a higher-than-usual number of those sort of costumes this year since DC’s new film about the villain was just released.

Full disclaimer: I haven’t actually seen Joker yet but I am doing so tonight. I really, really wanted to go opening weekend, but then life happened and I couldn’t. It’s kind of nice though because when I called my parents Sunday afternoon, my Dad mentioned that he hadn’t seen it yet either (because my Mom doesn’t want to). So, the great news is that I’m driving to Castle Rock tonight to catch the 7 p.m. showing with my Dad.

To understand the context in which the previous line was not sarcasm, I have to explain that the first Batman-affiliated film I saw in theaters was The Dark Knight. I was nine years old when it came out. My Mother thought it was too violent for me to see at such a young age, but my Dad, being the cinephile he is, knew it was something I had to experience. He turned out to be right. The Dark Knight is one of (if not) my favorite movies of all time. It has been profoundly influential on my life and on my filmmaking. It sort-of is the reason I wanted to become a filmmaker. No biggie.

Anyway, ever since then I’ve seen every film featuring Batman in theaters and with my father. He’s both of ours favorite superhero (we’re a DC family) and there’s something comforting in watching Batman with my Dad. It’s part of the reason I like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as much as I do (which is a lot): I saw it in theaters with my Dad and my first boyfriend opening weekend and it was a great time. Plus, I like Batman.

But to get back to Joker for a moment; I am genuinely excited to be able to continue the unofficial tradition of seeing a Batman-esque movie with my Dad in theaters. I also think it would be almost like a 10-year challenge sort of costume. I’d be able to see if I grew into The Joker’s looks at all, or if I still look like a kid in a $40 Party City one-piece suite.