The "How about another joke, Murray" scene from The Joker (2019). Performed by Sam John
1All content rights belong to Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures.
For the second one of these videos, I wanted to push the envelope and truly show off my range. From the wholesome Jack Pearson to the misunderstood and homicidal Arthur Fleck, I wanted to push myself as far as I could go and that is what happened during the process of making this video.
This scene required me to practice one of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my study of Performance: To avoid the urge and the desire to replicate the original performance. Joaquin Phoenix’s performance is etched in my mind as one of the greatest acting clinics I’ve ever seen. To find my objectives, stakes, and voice for the scene was incredibly challenging and at times counter-intuitive but I found personal influences and imaginary circumstances to help build a realistic and believable interpretation of The Joker.
The moments of brand new interpretation and exploring undiscovered creative avenues is what makes this piece stand out to me as one of the best I’ve done. I feel a complete full circle journey from when I auditioned for NYU with a reproduction of an iconic scene, unaware of the danger of replication to this performance where despite the brilliance of Joaquin Phoenix, I was able to take the necessary steps of research, analysis, and imagination to craft this video.
I am beyond proud of this piece, and I am humbled and excited to share it with you all.
Content: Warner Bros Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures
Music: Hildur Guðnadóttir
Performance: Sam John