We’re about to have a big season of Robert De Niro. He seems to play a talk show host in Todd Phillips’ “Joker,” referencing his Rupert Pupkin character from Scorsese’s “The King of Comedy.” This should be interesting. In the trailer just released, “Murray Franklin” just seems like an older Pupkin.
But Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker is clearly obsessed with Murray, as we can see. And Phoenix looks like a potential Best Actor nominee in a movie that break new ground and also be a Best Picture nominee. Wow. If “Joker” is as good as this clip, it’s going to be a wild awards season. I don’t like to hype comic book movies, but this could set a new standard.