Arthur Fleck, later known as the Joker, is portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix in the films Joker and Joker: Folie à Deux, both directed by Todd Phillips. Adopted by Penny Fleck in Gotham City, Arthur suffers severe abuse from her and her boyfriend, leading to mental health problems and uncontrollable laughter. Despite aspiring to be a comedian, Arthur faces failure and humiliation, especially after a violent subway incident. His transformation into the Joker involves violent acts, including killing his adoptive mother and TV host Murray Franklin, solidifying his infamy in Gotham.

Trivia/Facts

• Arthur Fleck, known later as the Joker, was born to unknown parents and adopted by Penny Fleck in Gotham City. His adoptive mother and her boyfriend abused him physically and mentally, causing him to develop Pseudobulbar Affect. This condition made him laugh uncontrollably during stress and sadness. Arthur’s mental health deteriorated due to the trauma and abuse he suffered.
• As an adult in 1981, Arthur frequently visited a therapist and took several medications to manage his depression and psychosis. Despite his efforts, his condition worsened, and he requested increased medication. His struggle with mental illness continued as he tried to balance his life and dreams. Arthur’s deteriorating mental state was compounded by his lack of success as a comedian.
• Arthur aspired to be a popular comedian and bring joy to the world, a dream encouraged by his mother. To support this goal, he worked as an advertising clown, hoping to earn enough to help his mother. His job as a clown led to more problems when teenagers stole his sign and beat him, further worsening his mental state. Arthur’s fragile sanity was pushed to its limits by these incidents.

Joaquin Phoenix in Joker

• Arthur idolized Murray Franklin, a late-night talk show host, and fantasized about being on his show. He was excited when he received an invitation to appear on the show after his stand-up performance gained attention. However, Franklin’s humiliation of Arthur on TV shattered his remaining hope. This event contributed to Arthur’s descent into madness and his transformation into the Joker.
• After being fired from his job and experiencing a series of personal crises, Arthur intervened to help a woman being harassed on the subway. His uncontrollable laughter drew the attention of the attackers, and he ended up killing them in a violent outburst. This act of violence marked a turning point in his transformation into the Joker. It also sparked the rise of the Clowns movement, which led to widespread riots.
• Arthur’s mental state further declined after discovering the truth about his origins and his mother’s delusions. He killed his adoptive mother in a fit of rage and grief after learning that he was not Thomas Wayne’s biological son. This act solidified his break from reality and his complete embrace of his Joker persona. Arthur’s transformation was marked by his increasingly erratic behavior and violence.

Joaquin Phoenix in Joker

• Embracing his Joker identity, Arthur prepared for his appearance on the Murray Franklin Show, where he planned to make a statement. During the show, he openly confessed to the subway murders and then shot Franklin on live television. This shocking act of violence solidified his reputation as a notorious figure. The act also triggered further chaos in Gotham, as the Clowns movement gained momentum.
• After his TV appearance, Arthur was rescued by the Clowns, who celebrated his actions. He painted a wide smile on his face with his own blood and accepted his new role as Gotham’s most infamous criminal. His actions led to further riots and destruction across the city. Arthur’s journey from a failed comedian to a criminal mastermind was complete, with his legacy cemented in Gotham’s history.
• Arthur’s final moments saw him being taken to Arkham State Hospital, where he was interviewed by a psychiatrist. His laughter and chaotic behavior continued even as he was pursued by hospital orderlies. It is implied that he killed the psychiatrist, reflecting his complete descent into madness. Arthur Fleck, now fully embraced as the Joker, remained a controversial and infamous figure in Gotham’s criminal underworld.

Joaquin Phoenix in Joker

Arthur Fleck’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Penny Fleck: Arthur’s relationship with his adoptive mother, Penny, was complex and troubled. Penny’s abusive behavior and her boyfriend’s mistreatment caused Arthur significant emotional and psychological trauma. Despite the abuse, Arthur cared deeply for her and sought to support her throughout his life. Her eventual death at Arthur’s hands marked a critical turning point in his descent into madness.
• Randall: Randall was a co-worker of Arthur’s at the clown agency and played a role in his downfall. He was initially seen as a source of support when he gave Arthur a gun, which later became crucial in Arthur’s violent acts. However, Randall’s actions also led to Arthur’s anger and subsequent murder of Randall. Their relationship was marked by manipulation and betrayal.
• Sophie Dumond: Sophie was a young woman Arthur became infatuated with after meeting her in an elevator. Arthur fantasized about a romantic relationship with her and stalked her, leading to blurred lines between his fantasies and reality. His obsession with Sophie was part of his unraveling sanity, and he later imagined a relationship with her that never materialized.

Joaquin Phoenix in Joker

• Murray Franklin: Murray Franklin was Arthur’s idol, and the host of the late-night talk show Arthur admired. Arthur looked up to him and hoped to gain recognition through his show. However, Franklin’s humiliation of Arthur on TV was a key factor in his transformation into the Joker. Arthur’s violent act of killing Franklin on live television symbolized his complete break from society.
• Thomas Wayne: Arthur believed Thomas Wayne might be his biological father, which fueled his desire for connection and recognition. When Arthur discovered the truth about his parentage, his anger and disappointment contributed to his mental breakdown. His encounter with Thomas Wayne led to a violent confrontation and further fueled Arthur’s descent into the Joker persona.
• Bruce Wayne: Arthur’s interaction with young Bruce Wayne was brief but significant. Arthur’s visit to Wayne Manor, where he performed magic tricks for Bruce, was an attempt to connect with his alleged half-brother. The murder of Bruce’s parents, which occurred during the riots sparked by Arthur, indirectly linked Arthur to Bruce’s future as Batman.
• Gotham City and Its Inhabitants: Arthur’s relationship with Gotham City was one of growing resentment and disillusionment. He felt marginalized and abused by society, which contributed to his transformation into the Joker. His actions, including the subway murders and the Clowns movement, had a profound impact on the city, leading to widespread riots and chaos.