This is largely what you are saying. It worked just fine.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joker_(graphic_novel)
This looks more directed at the arthouse crowd more than comic fans. Phoenix might be one of the only actors who can pull this type of thing off, that transitional facial expression from smiling to exasperation was brilliant.
I am beginning to think that they are gonna use John Wayne Gacy as a model and the Joker is going to be a less a crime boss/robber and more of a "realistic" serial killer or a proto serial killer.
Think a big budget episode of Criminal Minds with the Joker as the Monster Of the Week/Season Arc Arch-Psycho.
Mind you, I REALLY hope I'm wrong.
On one hand, i always thought that Phoenix would be a great Joker and it was one of those who i wanted to take Ledger's place if Nolan wanted to use Joker in Rises. From what we saw,he looks more close to Romero/Ledger in style than the extravagant gangster of Leto's version.That's a good thing.
On the other hand,i am still against making a Joker-centered movie and an origin one,because part of Joker's appeal is his mysterious past.
" I am Loki Scar-Lip, Loki Skywalker, Loki Giant's Child, Loki Lie-Smith. I am Loki, who is fire and wit and hate. I am Loki. And I will be under an obligation to no one."
Previously known as Nefarius
"The New Joker Movie Is Going to Be Good and You’re All Just Going to Have to Deal With It"
https://freebeacon.com/blog/new-joke...st-going-deal/