Todd Phillips talks about the Joker's most famous quote

Todd Phillips' celebrated joker was full of moments and scenes that would gain cult status online, but the director has revealed that he always knew the film's most important line would resonate with fans. With Joaquin Phoenix in the role of the titular DC Comics villain, Phillips' film reimagined the Clown Prince of Crime, turning him away from the criminal mastermind out to thwart Batman's plans and examining the persona beneath the makeup. joker was a sensational success and became the most successful R-rated film of all time (until it was dethroned by Deadpool and Wolverine) and won two Oscars and a nomination for Best Picture.

Speaking to Variety, Todd Phillips looked back at the most iconic lines from his films. Many writers and directors will admit that they never know exactly which scenes or lines will stand out to fans. During the conversation, however, Phillips said he knew from the moment he delivered the popular line, “I used to think my life was a tragedy, but now I realize it's a damn comedy,” it was a hit.. He explained:

“Scott Silver and I wrote Joker together, and Joker 2 – Joker: Folie à Deux. And I forget where that line came from, when in the process it came about. Sometimes you just know that's going to be a breakthrough line, and that line really jumped out at us. And I remember Joaquin really liked that line too. That means a lot, because he never likes anything.”

Todd Phillips wasn't finished with Arthur Fleck after “Joker”

Joaquin Phoenix will return as Arthur Fleck/Joker in the upcoming sequel Joker: Foil for TwoThe end of joker saw on live television how the title character was locked up in an unnamed mental institution after murdering “Murrraayh”.

The first film dealt with the time before the moment when Arthur Fleck collapsed and began to transform into the Joker. Joker: Foil for Two picks up two years after the first film, when the angry citizens of Gotham City have taken on the name Joker and are still rampaging throughout the city. While incarcerated, Arthur meets Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga), while Phillips tries to put his own personal spin on one of DC Comics' most iconic couples.

During the conversation, Todd Phillips revealed why he decided to make a sequel to his successful comic book film. During the filming of jokerPhillips and Joaquin Phoenix agreed that they had not yet told the character's story on screen. When production wrapped, the pair were upset and frustrated, believing they might not finish telling Arthur Fleck's story. He explained:

“Joaquin and I had a very special time working on Joker and we didn't feel like we were done with Arthur. I remember most of the time when you finish the film you celebrate the fact that it's finished. But I remember when we finished the first Joker, there was a deep sadness between me and Joaquin. We weren't really ready to leave Arthur behind.”