Presented through a generous partnership with Iowa City Pride
"The People’s Joker is a self-conscious, intentional cult film, crafted with genuine love for everything in the margins. And it tells a story everyone can relate to, about a kid growing up and trying to find happiness and success in a dark, troubled world."—Jourdain Searles, The Hollywood Reporter
Joker the Harlequin RETURNS to FilmScene for ONE NIGHT ONLY on 35mm for FREE* | Click 7:00pm below to RSVP
This revolutionary DIY parody film and hilarious reimagining of the classic autobiographical coming-of-age story follows an unconfident, closeted trans girl as she moves to Gotham City to make it big as a comedian by joining the cast of UCB Live - a government-sanctioned late night sketch show in a world where comedy has been outlawed. As mainstream success eludes our heroine, leading her to unite with a ragtag team of rejects, misfits, and a certain love interest named Mister J, "Joker the Harlequin" is born again as a confident (and psychotic) joker on a collision course with the city's fascist caped crusader. Vats of feminizing chemicals, sexy cartoon interludes, scarecrow psychiatrists, CGI Lorne Michaels, and psychedelic gender dysphoria all play supporting roles. Helmed by writer/director/editor/star Vera Drew and using her own life experiences as a basis for the film, The People's Joker is a deeply personal journey that's as much documentary as it is parody.
*Empty seats will be filled 15 minutes prior to showtime. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure your seat. Your ticket is not a guarantee of admittance after this time.
