Batman: The Killing Joke Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Batman and Joker share a laugh because the only difference between them is that Batman refuses to have a bad day.

🍿 Batman: The Killing Joke: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Batgirl’s Struggle and Retirement

The film opens with Batgirl trying to prove herself to Batman, leading to a conflict with the mob and a tense relationship with the Dark Knight. She confronts a mob boss nephew named Paris, which leads to her questioning her partnership with Batman. Their complicated dynamic culminates in a controversial and ultimately regrettable intimate encounter, leading Batgirl to retire from crime-fighting after realizing Batman was right about her recklessness.

The Joker’s Escape and Attack

Later, Batman investigates a series of murders bearing the Joker’s signature, leading him to Arkham Asylum where he discovers the Joker has escaped. The Joker, meanwhile, purchases an abandoned amusement park and sets his sights on Commissioner Gordon. He seeks to prove that even the most sane individual can be driven to madness with ‘one bad day.’

Gordon’s Ordeal and Batman’s Pursuit

The Joker brutally attacks Barbara Gordon, paralyzing her, and kidnaps Commissioner Gordon, subjecting him to psychological torture in the amusement park. Flashbacks reveal the Joker’s origin as a failed comedian driven to crime by desperation and tragedy. Batman races against time to save Gordon and confront the Joker, determined to prevent him from breaking Gordon’s spirit.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Batman (Kevin Conroy): The caped crusader, driven by justice, seeks to stop the Joker’s descent into madness and protect Gotham.
• The Joker (Mark Hamill): The Clown Prince of Crime, seeks to prove that anyone can be driven to insanity with just one bad day.
• Barbara Gordon (Tara Strong): Also known as Batgirl, she fights crime alongside Batman and becomes a target of the Joker’s cruelty.
• Commissioner Gordon (Ray Wise): The unwavering police commissioner and father of Barbara Gordon who is subjected to psychological torture by the Joker.
• Alfred (Brian George): Batman’s loyal butler and confidant, offers counsel and support in his fight against the Joker.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• The Joker: “All it takes is one bad day to reduce the sanest man alive to lunacy. That’s how far the world is from where I am. Just one bad day.” – The Joker explains his twisted philosophy to Batman, suggesting that anyone can be driven insane under the right circumstances.
• The Joker: “Memories are like puzzle pieces, kid. The more you put together, the clearer the picture.” – The Joker explains the distortion of memories.
• The Joker: “You know, it’s funny. This reminds me of a joke. See, there were two guys locked in a lunatic asylum and one night… one night, they decided they didn’t like that anymore. They decided to escape. So, they made it up to the roof and there, just across this narrow gap, they see rooftops, stretching across town, stretching to freedom. Now, the first guy, he jumps right across, no problem. But his friend, oh, no way, he’s afraid of falling. So, the first guy has an idea. He says, ‘Hey, I got this flashlight with me. I’ll shine it across the gap between the buildings and you can walk across the beam and join me.’ But the second guy says, ‘What do you think I am, crazy? You’ll just turn it off when I’m halfway across!’” – The Joker tells his infamous joke that encapsulates the themes of madness, trust, and despair.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,775,000
• Worldwide Gross: $4,462,034

💥 Batman: The Killing Joke Reviews

Personal Review

As a massive Batman fan, I had huge expectations for The Killing Joke. Mark Hamill is incredible as the Joker. However, the first act with Batgirl felt completely out of place and made the story feel disjointed. The movie certainly isn’t terrible. It had emotional moments, the end was very good, but it just didn’t live up to the hype of the comic. If you’re a fan of Batman and The Joker, it’s still worth a watch. Just be prepared for the strange Batgirl story to begin with.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Batman and Joker lore”
  • “Those interested in dark and psychological superhero stories”
  • “Viewers who appreciate mature animated content”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and disturbing imagery”
  • “Sexual content and implied sexual assault”
  • “Psychological torture”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• IGN: “While Mark Hamill’s Joker is undeniably great, the unnecessary Batgirl prologue and inconsistent animation hinder this adaptation. The core Killing Joke story remains powerful, but the added content detracts from the overall experience.
• Collider: “Despite its R rating and faithfulness to the source material in its second half, Batman: The Killing Joke struggles with pacing and an ill-conceived prologue. Hamill’s performance is a highlight, but the movie fails to capture the comic’s true essence.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Batman: The Killing Joke benefits from strong voice acting, particularly Mark Hamill as the Joker. However, the added prologue focusing on Batgirl feels disjointed and undermines the impact of the central narrative.

Audience Reactions

Mark Hamill’s performance as the Joker is phenomenal and true to the character.: The voice acting, especially by Hamill, is the most praised aspect of the movie.

The movie’s animation style does not live up to its storyline.: The animation quality is criticized, with many viewers considering it subpar.

Overall Consensus: The Killing Joke is a mixed bag. While Mark Hamill’s Joker is a highlight, the added Batgirl prologue and animation quality disappoint many viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Mark Hamill has stated that due to the strain it put on his vocal cords, he would never voice the Joker again unless “Batman: The Killing Joke” was adapted into a film.”
• “The film is based on the acclaimed graphic novel of the same name by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland.”
• “This is the first animated Batman film to receive an R rating.”
• “The first 30 minutes of the film are an original story focusing on Batgirl, which was added to expand the runtime.”

🖥️ How to Watch Batman: The Killing Joke?

Batman: The Killing Joke is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Batman: The Killing Joke, you might like these similar films:

• Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010): Explores a dark and personal conflict for Batman involving a former protégé, delving into themes of morality and justice.
• Joker (2019): A psychological character study of a mentally troubled individual who descends into madness and violence, much like the Joker’s origin.
• V for Vendetta (2005): Features themes of anarchy and freedom.

🛒 Batman: The Killing Joke Related Products

• Batman: The Killing Joke (Deluxe Edition): A deluxe hardcover edition of the iconic graphic novel that inspired the movie. It includes exclusive artwork and behind-the-scenes content.
• Batman: Arkham Knight: The culmination of the Arkham series, where you become the Batman and face off against iconic villains, including a memorable portrayal of The Joker by Mark Hamill.
• Batman: The Animated Series – The Complete Series (Blu-ray): Relive the classic series that defined Batman for a generation, featuring the iconic voice talents of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.
• The Joker: A Visual History of the Clown Prince of Crime: Explore the evolution of the Joker through comic book art, film stills, and behind-the-scenes content.

🎧 Soundtrack

Batman: The Killing Joke features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Go Looney” – performed by Mark Hamill
• “Main Title Theme” – performed by Kristopher Carter, Michael McCuistion, Lolita Ritmanis

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Honest Trailers – Batman: The Killing Joke

Want a laugh at the expense of Batman and Joker’s dark and twisted past? Screen Junkies hilariously breaks down all the ridiculousness of ‘The Killing Joke’ in their signature Honest Trailers style. You might just agree with some of their points!

The Philosophy of The Joker – Wisecrack Edition

Ever wonder what makes the Joker tick? This Wisecrack video dives deep into the philosophical underpinnings of the Clown Prince of Crime, with ‘The Killing Joke’ playing a crucial role in understanding his madness. It’s a surprisingly insightful look at a complex villain!

Was the Killing Joke That Bad?

Was ‘The Killing Joke’ really as offensive as everyone says? The Nostalgia Critic gives his brutally honest take on the movie, dissecting its flaws and defending its merits. Prepare for some strong opinions, and maybe you’ll change your own!

THEORY: Killing Joke’s Secret Ending REVEALED! || Comic Misconceptions || NerdSync

Is there more to the ending of ‘The Killing Joke’ than meets the eye? NerdSync presents a compelling theory about what REALLY happened between Batman and Joker in those final, ambiguous panels. Prepare to have your mind blown!

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