Joker Transformation Caused Joaquin Phoenix To 'Start to Go Mad

Joaquin Phoenix's Joker has gotten almost unanimous praise amongst critics but the role definitely took a tole on the 44 year old actor.

Joaquin Phoenix lost 52 pounds for the role which he said was an emotional and physical rollercoaster. He said to reporters, "It turns out that affects you psychology," he said. "You start to go mad."

His experience trying to become the Joker was one that took all of his physical and mental fortitude. Although he gave an amazing performance, he was left drained from the toll it took on him.

Phoenix's version of the Joker is without a doubt the most deranged to hit the big screen. Phoenix highlighted his transformation into the Joker in an interview at the Venice Film Festival.

“The first thing for us was the weight loss—I think that’s really what I started with. And, as it turns out, that then affects your psychology. You start to go mad when you lose that amount of weight in that amount of time,” said Phoenix. “There’s a book that I read about political assassins and would-be assassins that I thought was really interesting, and kind of breaks down the different types of personalities that do those sorts of things.”

If you have not checked out the new Joker movie, you are doing yourself a disservice.