{"id":16651,"date":"2019-10-29T16:50:07","date_gmt":"2019-10-29T23:50:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theculturednerd.org\/?p=16651"},"modified":"2019-10-31T15:34:05","modified_gmt":"2019-10-31T22:34:05","slug":"lex-luthor-deserves-the-joker-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theculturednerd.org\/?p=16651","title":{"rendered":"[Opinion] Why Lex Luthor Deserves The “Joker” Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Joker<\/em> is the biggest R-rated film ever worldwide<\/a>. Audiences want more DC films like that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But how will Warner Bros. react to this unforeseen success? Will they make a sequel to Joker<\/em> or explore another character in DC’s expansive library? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Todd Phillips expressed a desire to make more films like this<\/a> under a new “DC Black” label, where filmmakers are free to make a comic book film however they want. Even if a Joker<\/em> sequel gets announced, I’m sure WB would want to make another maturely grounded film that focuses on another iconic character. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DC has a lot of characters with mature storylines that would be perfect for this hypothetical new label. But if Joker<\/em> told the story of Batman’s greatest foe, then it’s only fair if the next DC Black film is the story of Superman’s greatest foe, Lex Luthor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Story of a Ruthless Megalomaniac<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like the Joker<\/em>, a Lex Luthor film would focus on the gradual rise of a villain. A Luthor film, however, would definitely be a different type of movie than Joker<\/em>. Luthor is a megalomaniac who wants to be in control of everything, while Joker just wants to watch the world burn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The possible film could explore Luthor’s dark family life, his eventual rise in power with Lex Corp, and maybe a run for the presidency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather than looking at the comics, Joker<\/em> is much more inspired by films like Taxi Driver<\/em> and King of Comedy<\/em>. Lex Luthor’s film could be directly inspired by films\/shows like Wolf of Wall Street<\/em>, Vice<\/em>, House of Cards<\/em>, etc. where its main characters are obsessed with obtaining as much power as they can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lex is an undeniable genius who’ll do what it takes to get what he wants. He’s selfish, narcissistic, ruthless, sinister, but also charismatic. Unlike Joker, Lex is organized, calm, calculating, and commits more political\/white-collar crimes than the average comic book villain. Lex could be just as unrelenting as the Joker but in a different way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A grounded take on a man who’s pretty much bent on ruling the world with the above-mentioned influences would be awesome. But what about Superman?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why Lex doesn’t rule the world is because of Superman. Lex’s xenophobia stems from his fear of Superman. He genuinely thinks Superman is a danger to society who causes nothing but trouble. If a film like this were to happen, the filmmakers would definitely have to find a creative angle to avoid using Supes so the focus is always on Lex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My Dream Lex Luthor film<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Director<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

David Fincher<\/strong>, known for films like Se7en, Fight Club, The Social Network<\/em>, and Gone Girl<\/em> would be my personal top pick for directing a Lex Luthor film. Fincher is great at directing films with really dark characters. He could bring that style he brought with Social Network<\/em> and apply it to this film. Fincher’s skillful direction applied to scenes where Lex is performing some evil ruthless acts to get where he wants would be amazing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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