Joker (2019) isn’t your typical comic book film — it’s a haunting character study, a descent into madness, and a bold cinematic statement. Directed by Todd Phillips and led by Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar-winning performance, the film explores how isolation, neglect, and societal failure can create a monster in plain sight.
From grim subway rides to disturbing talk show moments, how well do you remember this bleak Gotham tale? Take this 10-question trivia challenge and see if you’re truly in on the joke.
Joker (2019) Trivia Questions & Answers
Here are the correct answers to the Joker quiz, along with insight into the film’s layered storytelling, symbolism, and unforgettable descent into madness.
1) Who directed Joker (2019)?
Correct Answer: Todd Phillips
Known previously for comedies like The Hangover, Todd Phillips took a sharp turn with Joker, crafting a dark, grounded reimagining of the infamous villain’s origin. He drew inspiration from 1970s character studies, especially Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy.
2) Who plays the role of Arthur Fleck, aka Joker?
Correct Answer: Joaquin Phoenix
Phoenix delivered a transformative, Oscar-winning performance as Arthur Fleck, a man discarded by society. He lost over 50 pounds for the role and infused Arthur with a unique physicality and vulnerability, capturing both the tragedy and terror of his evolution.
3) What is Arthur Fleck’s day job at the beginning of the film?
Correct Answer: Party clown
Arthur works for a clown agency, performing in hospitals and store promotions. His job — meant to bring joy — becomes ironic as he’s mocked, beaten, and humiliated. This daily rejection contributes to his unraveling.
4) What medical condition causes Arthur to laugh uncontrollably?
Correct Answer: Pseudobulbar affect
Arthur suffers from a real condition known as pseudobulbar affect (PBA), which causes sudden, uncontrollable bouts of laughter disconnected from emotion. This unsettling trait becomes a symbol of how disconnected Arthur is from the world — and even from himself.
5) Which late-night talk show host does Arthur admire?
Correct Answer: Murray Franklin
Played by Robert De Niro, Murray Franklin is a charismatic TV host whom Arthur idolizes as a father figure. However, their connection turns dark when Murray mocks Arthur’s failed comedy, leading to the film’s shocking TV studio climax.
6) What is written on the sign Arthur carries that gets destroyed?
Correct Answer: “Everything must go”
In the opening scene, Arthur is twirling a sign advertising a closing store. When a group of teens steal and smash it, he’s physically assaulted. It’s an early metaphor for Arthur’s world collapsing — economically, socially, and emotionally.
7) Who does Arthur kill on live television?
Correct Answer: Murray Franklin
In one of the film’s most harrowing scenes, Arthur pulls a revolver and shoots Murray during a live broadcast. This act transforms him from a disturbed loner into a symbol of rebellion — sparking riots across Gotham.
8) What is the name of the mental hospital Arthur is seen in at the beginning and end?
Correct Answer: Arkham State Hospital
Arkham, a staple of Gotham lore, is depicted here as a bleak, bureaucratic institution. Arthur is interviewed there in the final scene, leaving us to question what was real and what may have been a delusion all along.
9) Who is revealed to be Arthur’s potential biological father, according to his mother?
Correct Answer: Thomas Wayne
Arthur’s mother, Penny Fleck, claims that Thomas Wayne — billionaire and father of Bruce Wayne — is Arthur’s real father. While Thomas denies it and presents medical records suggesting Penny is delusional, ambiguity remains, fueling Arthur’s identity crisis.
10) How does the film end?
Correct Answer: Arthur walks down a hallway leaving bloody footprints
In the final moments, Arthur is seen laughing during a session at Arkham. When asked what’s so funny, he replies, “You wouldn’t get it.” As he strolls down the hallway with blood on his shoes, it’s unclear whether the ending is real, imagined, or symbolic of Joker’s final transformation.
Joker is a slow-burn tragedy that asks difficult questions about society, mental illness, and alienation. If you scored high, you’ve clearly looked into the abyss — and didn’t blink. But remember… all it takes is one bad day.
