We've seen a lot of Jared Leto's Joker via the load of pictures leaked from the set of Suicide Squad. But before such material made its way online, the Academy Award winner graced the web with an early look at the centermost villainous figure he'll portray in Ayer's venture.
We also got to - possibly - have a taste of the Joker's voice via a recording said to have leaked from the set. And while this recording should be taken with a pinch of salt, the pictures have made a strong impression.
Strong, but not favorable, that is. Keep in mind Jared Leto's Joker is a concept which doesn't exclusively belong to Leto. He's a mix of influences that should be pointed out in order to see why exactly his version of the Clown Prince of Crime could be a success.
1. Jared Leto's Joker is fresh and complex
Well, the fact Leto's version of the Joker is different couldn't be more obvious. This is, in fact, the main reason why it was received with waves of criticism. But is "different" per se "bad" by default?
Ayer is the first to leave his mark on Jared Leto's Joker: there are urban gang-culture influences clearly distinguishable on the character's looks. The LA street culture is a sort of personal signature of Ayer.
And before I rush into dismissing it as inappropriate, I'll just wait and see how that plays out in this particular case.
Secondly, Jared Leto's Joker is a mix of Frank Miller's personal take on the villain, as reinvented in The Dark Knight Returns and in All-Star Batman and Robin.
Finally, there's no reason to doubt Leto's acting abilities: in all likelihood, he'll also leave a mark on the character. He'll make it memorable (fingers crossed)!
2. The new Joker could be a trendsetter
Well, in truth, that's not a fact - yet - but my best guess is Jared Leto's Joker has the power to set a new fashion trend.
And no, I don't mean Halloween costumes. Sure the neon green hair, the metal tooth caps and the one purple glove are difficult to blend in the average casual attire of a normal person. Not to mention the forehead tattoo.
I'm sure there are a lot of fashion victims out there who don't shy away from eccentricities. And Jared Leto's Joker imagery - as revealed so far - is poignant enough to appeal to the sensitivity of fashion aficionados willing to go beyond and above to gain some extra visibility.
There's one idea: hard to digest colors and slim fit clothing could easily become a staple of one's daily wardrobe routine. As to the more challenging details (forehead tattoos, metal caps), I bet there's no shortage of fanboys willing to copy the imagery and make it their own.
3. The most twisted version we got to see so far
This can't be inferred from what the leaked pics with utter certainty. But it can be interpreted. So, that's what I make of them.
Sure DC's Joker is twisted by design. And Nicholson and Ledger's versions lacked nothing of what it takes for a villain to be deranged.
And if Leto will throw in his own artistic touches as expected, I bet he'll make the character his own and produce a version that will outclass his predecessors.
Do you agree? Do you think Jared Leto's Joker will be a success, proving the initial outcry has no ground? Have your say below and stay tuned, we'll bring you the hottest scoop on all things Suicide Squad!
