Joker 2019: Joaquin Phoenix speaks out on what movie ending REALLY means

Joker actor Joaquin Phoenix, who played the title character, AKA Arthur Fleck, in Todd Phillip’s Oscars-tipped movie, has opened up about his thoughts on the film’s meaning. Having ended ambiguously, leaving viewers with more questions than answers, the tense thriller has been hotly debated ever since its release last month.

In an interview with the LA Times, Phoenix addressed the swirling speculation around what was real and what wasn’t, as well as questions regarding Fleck’s responsibility when it comes to his crimes.

“It’s been super interesting how people react to the movie and what they see — and to me, all of those answers are valid,” he said.

“Normally you have to answer those questions. But this really is participatory and interactive. It’s up to the audience.

“That’s so rare, especially with a big studio movie, and I don’t want to ruin that by saying, ‘No, this is what it is,’” the actor added.

READ MORE: JOKER MOVIE: DELETED SCENE CONFIRMED CHARACTER’S FATE

“To me, there are so many different ways to view this character and his experience that I don’t think you can come up with a particular meaning.”

Phoenix told the publication the ongoing debate surrounding Joker is testament to the film’s ability to encourage viewers to question everything and stir up emotional responses from audiences.

He did, however, reveal where he stands on one contentious rumour about Fleck: whether or not he is the actual Joker.

Revealing he does believe the character is the real Joker, he added: “But I don’t know. It’s just my opinion.”

It was once again unclear whether the genetic link was true or imagined by his mother (Frances Conroy), whose letters revealed she believed Thomas Wayne (Brett Cullen) was his father.

When Fleck turns up at Wayne Manor in a bid to speak to the man he thinks is his father, he is turned away by Alfred Pennyworth (Douglas Hodge).

He later sneaks into an event to confront Wayne, who is far from pleased to see him.

Wayne tells Fleck, in no uncertain terms, that he is not his father and that his mother was deluded, but Fleck is left unsure of the truth.

“I liked leaving the idea of Arthur being Thomas Wayne’s son ambiguous,” Phillips told Empire Magazine. “Part of the fun is that question being out there.

“What would that change if Joker is somehow a blood relation to Bruce Wayne?

“So, this idea of Arthur not knowing who his father is, where he came from, if he was adopted, what the story was, was another element in his search for identity,” he added.

Joker is in cinemas now.

source: express.co.uk