What started out as a simple, single-camera Youtube production has rapidly turned into my favorite series to follow…on any format. The Joker Blogs is a masterfully constructed web series put together by a group of film-savvy batfans COMPLETELY dedicated to the story that all us bat-nerds know and love. Starting up where The Dark Knight left off, this group has created a captivating series chronicaling the Joker’s time in Arkham. Having only glimpsed the main bat-character’s of The Joker, Jeremiah Arkham, Harleen Quinzel (who we still haven’t ACTUALLY ever seen on camera), and Scarecrow (for a single episode), the group has proven that they know how to create so much with so little. Twelve episodes deep and with multiple shorts that coincided with the holidays, The Joker Blogs is currently in the midst of the Joker’s escape from Arkham.
As I mentioned before, many episodes are straight-on shots of the Joker in a confessional/documentary-esque style. What began as Harleen Quinzel’s attempt to document one of her most alluring patients, has turned into a hobby of the Joker’s; he sees the Youtube phenomenon as a cheap, easy, and intriguing way to broadcast his endeavors to the masses at large. The series has almost no budget, however, and is putting together episodes in literally two to three takes at times, yet it still manages to be an amazing stylistic achievement. The simple fact is that talent abounds in this group. From the exquisite scripts to the beautifully constructed web site and marketing scheme, everything about The Joker Blogs screams quality. The MOST amazing and important part of the equation of awesome, however, are the performances. The portrayal of the Joker is spot-on to Ledger’s iteration, with even a few added touches of genius to the character that help it flourish on its own. From the laugh to the cracked voice to the constant quiver that made Ledger’s clearly-unstable machination of the character stand out, The Joker Blog’s interpretation has nailed every facet of the character in the world that they are painting. While it is a bit awkward to not know who is behind the character himself (I couldn’t find the actor’s name anywhere, if anyone else can provide the info, by all means comment or just message me) it’s simply wonderful to see an actor bold enough and talented enough to take the initiative and succeed in recrafting a role that many critics whined “could never be done successfully again.” For the longest time, I was afraid that after Ledger’s death the mainstream would never ever touch my favorite villain again. With efforts like this, however, I feel safe assuming that the most absurd villain of all time will not forever be equated with the late, great Ledger. It simply wouldn’t be fair. These shorts DEMAND to be watched, though. Become immersed (it doesn’t take too long to catch up, most episodes come in at under 3 minutes), and help these guys garner some recognition for the sensational work that they are putting out! Below are some direct links. I have posted the first ever vid, a link to their home site, a link to their Youtube page, and a link to a radio interview the filmmaker did explaining a bit of how the whole process was started. Enjoy!
Tags: Acting, Alex Hluch, Arkham Asylum, Art, Batman, Blogs, Christopher Nolan, Episodes, Film, Harleen Quinzel, Harley Quinn, Heath Ledger, holidays, Internet, interview, Jeremiah Arkham, Joker, News, page, radio, Scarecrow, Shway, shwayblog, Talent, The Dark Knight, The Joker, The Joker Blogs, TV, Twelve, Villain, Youtube
November 9, 2009 at 2:40 am |
[...] SCHWAYBLOG The Epicenter of Schway Culture Share/Save November 9th, 2009 | Tags: articles, reviews | Category: Interviews and Articles [...]
November 9, 2009 at 2:57 am |
“While it is a bit awkward to not know who is behind the character himself (I couldn’t find the actor’s name anywhere, if anyone else can provide the info, by all means comment or just message me) it’s simply wonderful to see an actor bold enough and talented enough to take the initiative and succeed in recrafting a role that many critics whined “could never be done successfully again.” For the longest time, I was afraid that after Ledger’s death the mainstream would never ever touch my favorite villain again. ”
Ah, but the fun is in NOT KNOWING. He’ll take off the war paint at the end of the series, promise. In the meantime, let the mystery help carry the story along for you and don’t worry about who he is, but how great he is at what he’s doing.
Thanks so much for the fantastic review. I’ve linked to your site from The Joker Blogs websites, Facebook, and from Twitter so, hopefully, you’ll be gettting a fair amount of traffic over the next few days.
Thanks for being a fan and supporter of the Blogs. Every fan counts and matters to the filmmaker behind these, so your words won’t go unnoticed.
Peace,
Tin
November 9, 2009 at 3:26 am |
sorry to nitpick, but that is tecnically not the first ever. its a remake, the (imo superior, if only because thats the first one i saw) original is now called the pilot.
November 9, 2009 at 5:04 am |
I’m so glad to see TJB getting the recognition it deserves. Thank you so much for posting this wonderful review so that others will be able to check out the videos and site. Though we won’t know for awhile who the man behind the warpaint really is, it adds to his character and mystery. We love him for his genius and skill for making the Joker an even more memorable character. I personally can’t wait for more episodes to come out and it will be a sad day when the story comes to an end. But for now thank you for spreading the word. Find patient #4479!
November 9, 2009 at 3:03 pm |
A fantastic series, I’ve been a fan ever since I first heard of it, and I haven’t missed an episode yet. I can only hope that they continue with the great quality of videos, the fantastic acting, and maybe someone up along the food chain will give them the praises they deserve.
November 9, 2009 at 4:36 pm |
Indeed these are fantastic series, I have been following them since April of this year, and can’t even remember how I encoutered them on youtube, but it does not take much time to become addicted and hocked to the stories, acting and directing styles of these videos. I am very glad that with the success of these videos, it reminds audiences, once again, that there is not need of big special effects to make a story entertaining, it’s enough to know how to capture the essence of a character with good writing, acting, but most of all directing (even with the simplest of camera angles, or props). So, I highly congratulate the whole crew and group of talents that have worked and that are still working hard to accomplish every little video, since they are allways mesmerizing and enthrancing to watch! Thanks to all of you for making us escape from our daily problems and issues, since this is the true motive and reason why moviemaking exists, and that is to remind us of the essence of human nature and make us (even for a little while), escape into a different realm.
November 9, 2009 at 8:04 pm |
Excellent review. Two thumbs up!
November 11, 2009 at 8:18 pm |
This is a fantastic review! for a fantastic video collection! For those who love Mistah J, this is fantastic and forever a victory:)
November 11, 2009 at 10:57 pm |
Thanks so much, everyone! It is so refreshing to see the interwebs embrace such a WONDERFUL series as The Joker Blogs!
November 13, 2009 at 2:46 am |
The man behind the clown is a true genius! I feel as if every short is like a mini movie. He is hands down one of the most entertaining and talented actors around today
November 19, 2009 at 11:47 am |
Who DOESN’T like you, Mr. J?