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Joker Cinematographer Was Worried That Joaquin Phoenix Would Go Too Far Into Character


Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures


Joker proved to be a massive success with the awards that the movie has received and is even on the lead with 11 Oscar nominations. There's also no doubt that a lot of people loved Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of the Joker, winning the Best Actor Golden Globe for his performance in the film. His process of preparing for the role wasn't easy that even the film's cinematographer was worried he'd go too far into character.

"Nobody has ever asked me that, but a little bit," Lawrence Sher told NME when asked if he had some worries with Phoenix's commitment to the role. "I did, I thought because of Heath [Ledger] and what happened before the release of the movie, yeah."

He says there was some sort of "tiny bit" in his head that is concerned for people when they take on something "so deeply." In Phoenix and Ledger's case, it was to embody a character that "has madness" inside of him, which is why Sher was worried about how it would affect them.

When asked if he had any specific examples, Sher didn't feel anything too extreme when he was worried. It was something "outside of just feeling like" he wanted to give Phoenix a sandwich because of all the weight the actor had lost for the role. "I was a little concerned for his health," Sher added.

While people admire his dedication to the role, it was previously revealed that Phoenix actually wanted to gain weight for the movie, but director Todd Phillips says it's "important" that Arthur Fleck "kind of looks and feels like wolf," like something that's "malnourished and hungry."

What are your thoughts on Phoenix's performance in Joker? Tell us in the comments below!

Joker is available on Digital HD, DVD, Blu-Ray, and Ultra HD Blu-Ray.

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