Influences from New Hollywood cinema

• The New Hollywood era (1967-1980) was characterized by auteur-driven films that explored complex characters, moral ambiguity, and societal critiques
• • TAXI DRIVER (1976)

  Travis Bickle, like Arthur, is a mentally unstable loner living in a decaying city, whose growing disillusionment leads to violent outbursts

  Both films use the urban setting as a reflection of the protagonist's psychological state, with themes of alienation, loneliness, and a desire for recognition
• • THE KING OF COMEDY (1982)

  Rupert Pupkin, like Arthur, dreams of becoming a famous comedian despite lacking talent and being socially inept

  The blurring of reality and fantasy in 'Joker' is a direct homage to 'The King of Comedy' as is Robert Di Niro's role as Murray Franklin, a talk show host similar to Jerry Langford in 'TKOC'