The madness begins|Jul. 24, 2016|USA|72 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Animation;Crime;Drama;SuperHero
Description: “Batman: The Killing Joke,” a 2016 American animated thriller, is a production by Warner Bros. Animation and features Batman, a prominent character from DC Comics. This film marks the 26th entry in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series, adapted from Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s acclaimed graphic novel. Directed by Sam Liu and written by Brian Azzarello, the movie stars Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Tara Strong, and Ray Wise.
The plot revolves around the Joker’s mission to drive Police Commissioner James Gordon to madness, with Batman striving to prevent this chaos. The film adaptation was first considered in 2009 but faced delays following the lackluster performance of another Alan Moore adaptation, “Watchmen.” In 2015, producer Bruce Timm confirmed the project was in development. Notably, it became the first Batman and Warner Bros. Animation film to receive an R rating from the MPAA.
Premiering at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con, the film was initially planned for home video release. However, due to its popularity, it debuted simultaneously in theaters and digitally on July 25, 2016, followed by its DVD and Blu-ray release on August 2, 2016. The movie grossed $4.4 million globally, securing its place as the 9th highest-grossing R-rated animated film. While the prologue and Batgirl’s portrayal drew criticism, the animation, action sequences, voice performances—especially by Conroy and Hamill—and the faithful second half adaptation of the novel were widely praised.
Critical reception of “Batman: The Killing Joke” was mixed. The film’s adherence to its source material in the latter half was lauded, but certain creative choices, particularly in the prologue, sparked debates among fans and critics alike.
Cast director: Sam Liu
Cast actor: Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Tara Strong, Ray Wise, Robin Atkin Downes, Brian George, John DiMaggio, Rick D. Wasserman, Maury Sterling, Fred Tatasciore
Original name: Batman: The Killing Joke