Jok3r

Written by Paul Barrett

Act 1: Arthur's Past and Arkham Asylum

Scene 1: Arkham Asylum - 1994

The film opens in the grim confines of Arkham Asylum. Ne me quitte pas by Jacques Brel plays softly in the background as Arthur Hillson, once known as the infamous Joker, slowly wakes up from heavy sedation. His eyes flutter open, disoriented, and his lips begin to move as he mumbles softly, repeating a phrase.

Arthur (mumbling): "Folie à deux... folie à deux..."

A nurse in her late 30's enters the room, looking at him with a mix of pity and indifference.

He tried to sit up, his body shaky from the drugs still in his system. The nurse said, "You've been in the ICU for ten days. You're lucky to be alive."

Arthur lies there, looking disoriented.

Nurse: "You were found naked, covered in feces, face down in vomit, with a bedsheet tied around your neck. We honestly thought you were a goner."

The nurse speaks in a lowered tone, "Between you and me, Arthur, not everyone wanted to see you survive. You should've seen the disappointment on their faces when you pulled through."

Arthur laughs nervously, but pain shoots through his stomach, making him look down at the white bandage wrapped around it, a result of the operation after his overdose. (He had noticed the code to the medicine cabinet scribbled on a piece of paper during a routine medical examination, which led him to steal and consume a mixture of pills.) Then he closes his eyes, and rolls onto his side. 

The nurse changes his saline bag for his IV and leaves the room. 

His eyes open and he stares at his reflection in the cracked mirror, his hollow eyes empty yet glinting with a strange sense of amusement. Arthur smiles faintly, and slowly a dark, twisted laugh begins—a laugh that grows louder, echoing through the cold, narrow corridor of Arkham.

His laughter reverberates with the madness that has defined his life, and the phrase he murmured—"folie à deux"—hangs in the air, hinting at a shared madness that connects Arthur to his followers.

Scene 2: Arthur's Past - The Seeds of Madness

Flashback to 1973, when Arthur was just 10 years old. The young Arthur Hillson lies in his small Batmobile bed, staring at the ceiling. Nights In White Satin by The Moody Blues plays quietly in the background. He thinks about his father, Thomas Hillson, a Wall Street trader, and his stay at home mother, Penny Hillson. His mind drifts back to a happier time.

Flashback within the flashback:

The setting shifts to a brightly lit elementary school auditorium. The stage is adorned with handmade decorations—stars, moons, and a painted backdrop of a whimsical forest. A young Arthur stands center stage, dressed as a jester, his face painted with a wide grin.

The audience is filled with proud parents, but Arthur only has eyes for two people in the front row—his mother and father. Thomas, a handsome man in a sharp suit, and Penny, radiant and full of life, watch their son with adoration.

As Arthur delivers his lines, his parents clap enthusiastically, their faces beaming with pride.

Thomas (whispering to Penny): "That's our boy. He's a natural."

Penny (smiling): "He's going to make the world laugh one day."

Arthur catches their words, his heart swelling. He finishes his performance with a playful bow, and the crowd erupts in applause. But the only applause that matters to him comes from his parents—their support and love enveloping him like a warm embrace.

Back to Arthur in his bed:

Tears well up in Arthur's eyes as the cherished memory fades. The reality of his father's absence crashes back in. 

The Memory Shifts: The Final Argument

The scene darkens slightly, the warm tones fading as the memory shifts to later that evening. Arthur is upstairs, but the muffled sounds of his parents arguing seep through the floorboards.

Downstairs, Thomas and Penny stand in the kitchen, tension thick in the air.

Penny (frustrated): "We can't keep living off past successes, Thomas! The heater oil investments aren't yielding anything anymore, and we're drowning in debt. We can't keep ignoring this. The bank called again today. We're behind on the mortgage payments—three months behind!"

Thomas (defeated): "I know, Penny. The market's been rough, but I've got a new opportunity lined up. It's just around the corner. I'm close to securing a new deal. Just like with heater oil, this could turn everything around!" 

Penny: "You've been saying that for months! We're drowning in debt. We can't afford Arthur's school fees, let alone this house."

Thomas (raising his voice): "What do you want me to do, Penny? I'm doing everything I can!"

Penny (tears welling up): "I want you to be honest with me! With yourself! This isn't just about us anymore—it's about Arthur's future."

Thomas sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair.

Thomas (softly): "I'll fix this. I promise."

Penny (whispering): "Promises won't keep a roof over our heads."

Penny (tears welling up): "We can't keep living like this. Maybe... maybe it's time to consider other options."

Thomas (sternly): "What are you suggesting?"

There's a heavy silence. Unbeknownst to them, Arthur stands at the top of the stairs, clutching the railing, his young face etched with worry.

Later that night, Thomas enters Arthur's room. He watches his son sleep for a moment before gently shaking him awake.

Thomas (whispering): "Hey, champ."

Arthur (sleepily rubbing his eyes): "Dad? What's going on?"

Thomas: "I have to go on a business trip for a little while. But I'll be back before you know it."

Arthur: "Promise?"

Thomas forces a smile, his eyes portraying a hint of sadness.

Thomas: "Promise. Keep an eye on your mom for me, okay?"

Arthur (nodding): "Okay."

Thomas kisses his forehead and tucks him back in.

Arthur: "Dad?"

Thomas: "Yes?"

Arthur: "I love you."

Thomas (swallowing hard): "I love you too, son."

One night, Thomas was in a hurry to get home, excited after learning he had made a fortune on the stock market. He never made it—his car veered off the road, and he disappeared into the Hudson River. Thomas had dropped a lit cigar, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. Bubbles rise to the surface as the car sinks, disappearing into the depths.

Penny was left alone, consumed by grief and confusion. Penny and Thomas had moved to New York from California in 1964 when Arthur was a baby.  After Thomas's disappearance, she convinced herself that Thomas had abandoned her and 7 year old Arthur, returning to California without them. To protect Arthur from the harsh reality, she lied, telling him that his father was the mayor of New York—a powerful and important figure.

About a year after Thomas's disappearance, the banks seized his estate, leaving Penny and Arthur with nothing. Penny struggled, and soon she became homeless. Unable to provide for her son, she was forced to give Arthur up for adoption. Before Tommy Heys was mayor of New York, he and his wife adopted Arthur, believing they couldn't have children. However, shortly after, she became pregnant with Bruce. Arthur spent a year in the care system, shuffled between homes, feeling abandoned and alone.

Penny worked tirelessly to get back on her feet. She found a low paying job at a massage parlour and saved enough to rent a small apartment on Hilltop Crescent. She kept her empty Moët et Chandon bottle in her cabinet, which only served as a bittersweet reminder of the luxury she had lost.

Despite her struggles, Penny managed to rebuild her life and bring Arthur back. But the experience left deep scars on both of them—Arthur had lost the stability of his former home, and Penny’s pride had been shattered.

When she finally got Arthur back, she tried to resume a normal life, but the damage had been done. At the parlour, she met a man who became her boyfriend. Arthur disliked him instantly, often clashing with him.

Arthur (defiantly): "You're not my dad!"

Penny became overprotective and controlling, her bitterness towards life affecting her relationship with Arthur. The once-bright dreams of a happy family had withered, replaced with resentment and struggle.

Arthur: "Mom... Where's my dad?"

Penny: "Your father was someone special, Arthur. The mayor of New York. He had to leave because he had responsibilities—a bigger purpose."

In Arthur's young, impressionable mind, his father became like Thomas Wayne—a wealthy, respected protector of the city. He imagined New York as a place like Gotham, filled with heroes and villains. Lying in his Batmobile bed, Arthur fantasized that he, too, could become a hero—someone his father would be proud of. But Penny’s health soon began to decline, and those dreams began to twist and darken.

Diagnosed with a degenerative disease, Penny turned to alcohol to cope, her once-loving demeanor giving way to bitterness and anger. The vibrant mother Arthur once knew became a shadow of herself, and her love for humor and joy faded along with her health.

Penny (bitterly): "Arthur, jokes don’t put food on the table. You need to grow up. Dreams are for people who can afford to fail."

Arthur (whispering to his reflection): "Why did the chicken cross the road...? To get away from here."

Arthur, now a young teen, tried to hold on to his dreams of becoming a comedian, practicing jokes in front of the mirror, hoping to make his mother laugh again. Yesterday by The Beatles plays quietly as Arthur struggles to find humor in his difficult life. But her scorn and growing indifference crushed his spirit, pushing him further into isolation. Arthur began to create a fantasy world, where he was beloved and respected—a stark contrast to his grim reality.

Scene 3: False Accusations and Police Harassment

By the time Arthur was 19, he found himself at the center of a local controversy. One night, Arthur saw a school on fire from a distance and called the fire department, trying to do the right thing.

Despite his efforts, the police had the actual culprit who lit the fire, but let him go when they saw Arthur appear at the scene, choosing instead to point fingers at him.

Suddenly, police officers approach him—Officer Greg Waldron leading the charge, a man who had tormented Arthur since childhood.

Officer Waldron (smirking): "Well, well, if it isn't Hillson. Fancy seeing you here."

Arthur: "I... I called it in. I was trying to help."

Officer Waldron: "Sure you were. Funny how you're always around when trouble starts."

He was an easy scapegoat—a socially awkward young man from a broken household. Paint It Black by The Rolling Stones plays in the background, emphasizing the bleakness of Arthur's situation.

The false accusations marked the beginning of Arthur’s troubled relationship with the Gotham Police Department. Officers began harassing him regularly, showing up at all hours, questioning him about various crimes, and mocking his aspirations of being a comedian.

Officer 2 (mocking): "You, a comedian? The only joke around here is your miserable life, Hillson."

The harassment deeply affected Arthur, isolating him even further. His few neighbors who once spoke to him began to avoid him. Arthur became entirely withdrawn, focusing only on caring for his ailing mother, who continued her downward spiral.

Scene 4: Penny’s Decline and Arthur’s Breaking Point

Penny’s health continued to decline, and she eventually became bedridden. Arthur did his best to care for her, feeding her and managing her medication. Sometimes, Penny showed glimpses of the mother she once was.

Penny (softly): "Arthur, you deserved so much more. I wish things had been different."

But those moments of tenderness were rare. More often, Penny lashed out at Arthur, her frustration over her condition manifesting as bitterness. One night, overwhelmed by exhaustion and hopelessness, Arthur experienced a delusion. He imagined himself placing a pillow over Penny's face, ending her suffering and his own. In his mind, she smiled at him, whispering her thanks before slipping away.

Arthur snapped out of it, horrified by his thoughts. He realized he was still sitting beside her, the pillow untouched. Shortly after, Penny passed away. Arthur came home one day to find her lifeless, her face finally free of pain.

Arthur stood in the doorway, numb. The grief hit him like a wave—not just for her death but for the years of suffering, the love that had turned into resentment, and the dreams that had twisted into nightmares. Arthur was now utterly alone, spending his days watching old comedy specials, with Penny’s empty chair beside him.

Scene 5: Penny's Grave

Arthur visits his mother's grave on a gloomy, overcast day. The cemetery is filled with rows of gravestones. Arthur walks to Penny's plot, where instead of a proper headstone, her grave is marked by a small wooden stake with her name crudely etched onto it. It looks forgotten, out of place among the others.

Arthur kneels, staring at the marker, his eyes welling with tears. He touches her name, his lips curling into a bitter smile.

Arthur (whispering): "No headstone for you, Mom. Just a piece of wood. I guess they figured you weren't worth it... Just like me."

He places a wilted flower by the wooden stake. His laughter starts soft, but it grows louder—tinged with grief, anger, and hopelessness.

Act 2: Escape from Arkham and Gotham’s Underworld

Scene 6: The Hurricane and the Escape

It is now 1994, and Gotham City is being hit by a fierce hurricane. Riders on the Storm by The Doors plays as Arkham Asylum shakes under the force of the storm. The power fails, and parts of the building collapse, allowing inmates to escape. Arthur, among them, steps into the stormy night, convinced this is his chance at freedom—believing his followers have come to liberate him. Arthur (thinking): "They came for me. This is my moment."

Arthur walks through the shattered halls of Arkham, his laughter echoing amidst the chaos as he disappears into the darkness.

Scene 7: Returning to Crime - Meeting Eddie

Arthur finds himself in the Gotham underworld, reconnecting with an old acquaintance, Eddie, a small-time gang leader whom he met the night of the school fire at 'Hehe's' comedy club house. Eddie and his gang are wary of Arthur, but they are intrigued by his reputation and erratic energy. They see potential in his unpredictability, despite their wariness.

Eddie: "Arthur, didn’t think we'd see you again. Thought Arkham had swallowed you for good."

Arthur (grinning): "Arkham tried, but it couldn't handle the punchline."

Arthur becomes involved in the gang's operations, indulging in drugs and violence. At first, Arthur hesitates, unsure if he wants to go down this path, but the thought of belonging somewhere and escaping his grim reality outweighs his doubts. Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones plays as Arthur descends deeper into the criminal world. One night, Eddie offers Arthur a line of cocaine.

Eddie (smirking): "This stuff will knock your clock off, Arthur. Trust me, it's just what you need."

Arthur hesitates, then snorts the cocaine. His pupils dilate, and his grin widens as the rush hits him.

Arthur (laughing maniacally): "Feels like I’m finally in on the joke."

The cocaine fuels Arthur’s delusions, and he feels invincible.

Scene 8: Planning the Heist

Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones plays as the gang parties and decides to pull off an ambitious heist—stealing gold bars from one of Gotham’s most secure banks. Eddie and Arthur play chess while discussing the details of the robbery, wired on cocaine, strategizing every move like pieces on the board.

Arthur (casually moving a bishop): "You know, Eddie, planning this heist is a lot like this game. Every piece has its purpose, every move has consequences."

Eddie (studying the board): "True, but unlike chess, we don't get to see all of our opponent's moves."

Arthur (smirking): "That's where intuition comes in. We anticipate, adapt. The police think they're the kings of the board, but we'll show them otherwise."

Eddie (pausing before moving a knight): "So, your idea to jam the doors at the police station and chain the compound gates—that's your opening gambit?"

Arthur (nodding confidently): "Precisely. It buys us the time we need. While they're fumbling to get out, we'll be making our escape."

Eddie (raising an eyebrow): "Bold move. But if they catch on too quickly, we could be cornered."

Arthur (leaning back): "Every plan has its risks. But fortune favors the bold, right?"

Several gang members drift closer, intrigued by the conversation.

Gang Member 1: "What's all this about chaining up the cops?"

Arthur (addressing the group): "We'll split into two teams. One team hits the bank; the other secures the police station. Synchronize watches, stick to the schedule, and we’ll be ghosts before they even know what happened."

Gang Member 2: "And if something goes sideways?"

Arthur (meeting his gaze): "We have contingency plans. Routes mapped out, safe houses ready. But stick to the plan, and it won't come to that."

Eddie (after a moment of contemplation): "You've thought of everything, haven't you?"

Arthur (smiling): "I prefer to leave nothing to chance."

The gang exchanges nods, a sense of excitement building.

Gang Member 3: "Alright, we're in. Let's make history."

Arthur (raising his glass): "To us—the ones rewriting the rules."

The gang, inspired by Arthur's audacity, agrees to the plan. They prepare for the heist, with Arthur leading the way.

Scene 9: The Diversion

Late at night, team 2 sneaks to the main police compound. They carry heavy chains and locks, working quickly to chain the gates shut. Inside the station, officers are oblivious, engrossed in their late-night routines—paperwork, coffee, and idle chatter.

Gang Member 4, tightening the last chain, smiles as he looks at the sealed gate.

Gang Member 4 (radios through): "All good to go!"

Arthur (whispering to himself): "Who's laughing now?"

Scene 10: The Heist

Team 1 hits the bank, masked and armed. They storm inside, overpowering the guards and quickly reaching the vault. The gold bars are loaded into an armored truck as Arthur keeps watch, his manic grin never fading.

Eddie: "Let’s go, Arthur! We’ve got to move!"

Arthur lingers, holding a gold bar, admiring its shine.

Arthur (to himself): "All that glitters… It’s mine now."

He tosses the gold bar into the truck and jumps into the driver’s seat. The gang makes their escape, speeding into the dark streets of Gotham. Eddie and the gang escape in a separate van as planned, heading to the abandoned warehouse where they had originally planned the robbery. The warehouse is the combination of a chop shop and a man cave, filled with stolen classic cars, including a black 1955 Ford Lincoln Futura, along with a pool table, couches, tables, and chairs.

Act 3: The Chase and Arthur's End

Scene 11: The Getaway and Bruce’s Pursuit

As the gang speeds away from the bank, things quickly go wrong. The police manage to break free from the compound sooner than expected—a vigilant officer notices the chained gates and raises the alarm. The police, already equipped with large bolt croppers, laugh as they cut away the chains. Sirens blare across the city as patrol cars flood the streets.

Among them is Bruce, a young ex-cop whose father—the former mayor—was killed by one of Arthur’s apparent followers in the early 80's. Bruce, driven by vengeance, is relentless in his pursuit of Arthur.

Arthur drives the armored truck with a twisted grin, swerving through Gotham’s streets, the weight of the gold making the truck lurch from side to side.

Arthur (yelling to himself): "Catch me if you can, Brucey boy!"

Scene 12: The High-Speed Chase

The police, led by Bruce, chase Arthur through the dark streets of Gotham. The rain pours down, making the roads slick and dangerous. Arthur drives recklessly, the truck skidding and swerving wildly. Bruce, in close pursuit, radios for more units, determined to put an end to Arthur’s madness.

Scene 13: The Crash at the Bridge

The chase leads them to an old, crumbling bridge on the outskirts of the city. Arthur, pushing the truck beyond its limits, loses control. The vehicle swerves violently, flips onto its side, and skids across the bridge before coming to a stop, upside down.

Gold bars spill out of the truck, scattering across the wet surface of the bridge. Arthur, dazed but alive, crawls out of the wreckage. He sees the gold and begins to stuff the bars into his clothes—his jacket, his pants, and his sleeves.

Arthur (gasping, laughing): "All mine... It’s all mine..."

Scene 14: Crossing the River

Hearing the approaching sirens, Arthur stumbles to the edge of the bridge, where a dark, fast-flowing river rushes below. Desperate to escape, Arthur climbs over the side of the bridge and carefully makes his way down a steep embankment to reach the riverbank. Once there, he wades into the water, the weight of the gold making each step a struggle.

He laughs as he tries to cross, muttering to himself.

Arthur (mumbling): "I’m rich... richer than all of them..."

But the deeper he goes, the more the weight pulls him under. The water reaches his chest, and the gold begins to drag him down. Arthur fights to keep his head above water, but it’s no use. He slips into a deeper part of the river, panic flashing across his face as he struggles for breath.

Scene 15: The Final Confrontation

Bruce arrives just in time to see Arthur struggling in the river. He runs to the riverbank, watching as Arthur attempts to crawl out, weighed down by the gold. Arthur, gasping for air, manages to reach a shallower area.

Bruce steps into the water, approaching Arthur. He looks down at the man who has caused him so much suffering.

Arthur (weakly, grinning): "Well, Brucey... here we are again."

Bruce, his face hardened, presses his boot onto Arthur’s head, shoving him back underwater.

Bruce (coldly): "This ends now."

Arthur’s hands flail for a moment, his laughter bubbling up and fading as the river swallows him whole. The water calms, leaving only ripples behind.

Scene 16: The Division of the Spoils

With Arthur presumed dead, Bruce and the remaining corrupt cops secure the gold. They divide $200 million worth of gold among themselves, planning their escape from Gotham.

Corrupt Cop: "We need to lay low until the heat dies down."

Bruce: "Stick to the plan. We disappear, and no one traces this back to us."

They drive off into the night, each heading in different directions.

Epilogue: The Morgue

The scene transitions to New York State Hospital. The hospital’s morgue is cold and sterile, fluorescent lights flickering overhead. Arthur’s lifeless body is wheeled into the morgue, a white sheet covering his face. The attendant pulls back the sheet, revealing Arthur's still, pale face, his expression frozen somewhere between agony and laughter.

The attendant takes notes and tags Arthur’s toe with his name—Arthur Hillson—before closing the drawer. The sound of the metal door sliding shut echoes through the silent morgue.

Closing Montage

Scenes of Gotham flash by:

The camera pans over Gotham as dawn breaks, the sky painted in a dim, gray haze.

End credits roll

The End by The Doors plays, transitioning to The Mask by Fugees.

Fade to black.