Todd Philips’ “Joker” took home the festival’s big prize, the Golden Lion for Best Film.
The movie, which stars Joaquin Phoenix and is slated to hit theatres on Octobers 4, explores the origins of the Joker, Batman’s archenemy.
The story follows the life of Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian who faces violence while roaming Gotham city dressed as a clown. Fleck falls into madness as he slowly transforms into the criminal mastermind known as Joker.
During his acceptance speech, Philip thanked “Warner Bros. and DC for stepping out of their comfort zone and taking such a bold swing on and this movie”.
Phillips also thanked Phoenix, who joined him on stage.
Phoenix is the new face of Gotham’s grinning villain. The character was previously played by Jared Leto in “Suicide Squad” and Heath Ledger in “the Dark Knight.”
