Batman Beyond Return Of The Joker Deleted Scene
Okay, let's talk about something kinda taboo in the Batman Beyond fandom. Something that involves the Clown Prince of Crime and a scene that never saw the light of day. Specifically, we are talking about the Return of the Joker deleted scene.
We all know the movie. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker. Dark. Twisted. Made us question our childhoods. And it all revolved around the terrifying return of, you guessed it, the Joker.
So, What's the Big Deal About this Deleted Scene?
Well, it's...intense. Like, even for a movie already pushing the PG-13 rating to its absolute limit. Think of all the jokes that can make you feel super uncomfortable and make you want to pause the movie.
Some fans claim it adds much needed context to the Joker's actions. It supposedly explains why Joker is the way he is in the movie. Others believe it's way too much and it undermines the already established story.
My Unpopular Opinion: It's Overrated!
Yeah, I said it! Maybe you are going to disagree with me and maybe not! I think the deleted scene, while interesting, ultimately detracts from the overall impact of the final cut. It is Return of the Joker, it is not a documentary about Joker's childhood!
Hear me out. The mystery surrounding Joker's resurrection and his connection to Tim Drake is what makes the movie so gripping. That little bit of mystery makes the movie worth watching.
The deleted scene, with its supposed revelations, feels unnecessary. It adds a layer that we just do not need.
It is too much! Is it just me, or does anyone think this way? Is the purpose of a scene to shock the audience? I think it is way too much unnecessary shock value.
Does it *Really* Add That Much?
Seriously, does it actually improve the film? I am not convinced. We already know the Joker is a monster. We do not need him spelling it out for us in excruciating detail.
Sometimes, less is more. And in this case, the absence of that scene strengthens the movie's atmosphere of dread and suspense. The mystery around this movie just makes it better.
The theatrical cut allows us to fill in the blanks ourselves. That's more effective than being spoon-fed every single detail, in my humble opinion.
Think about some of the other most famous villains from movies! Hannibal Lecter? Keyser Soze? You are left to use your imagination and that makes the characters even scarier.
The Power of Suggestion
The original cut plays on our fears and anxieties. It is all about the terrible things Joker *could* do. The deleted scene spells out all of it. It just makes the viewing less tense.
It robs us of the power to imagine the horrors ourselves. I'd rather have that lingering dread than a graphic depiction that leaves nothing to the imagination.
I believe this scene could be damaging to the Joker character as a whole. It removes his mystique as an agent of chaos. It limits the Joker's character.
Maybe it's just me being a contrarian. But I genuinely believe the Return of the Joker is a stronger, more impactful film *without* that deleted scene. Am I wrong? Maybe!
So, let me know what you think! Is it better with or without? Should it have stayed in the movie?
Either way, one thing's for sure: Batman Beyond still rocks! And even this deleted scene debate makes it more fun.
