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The most disturbing and captivating element of Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker was his take on that infamous laugh. Heath Ledger’s cackle was cruel, mocking. Jared Leto’s was… I don’t even know (let’s just try to forget about that one). But Phoenix’s rendition was pained, choking. He didn’t want to laugh, but it forced its way out of him in tormented bursts, like a fit.
Not only did it make for a haunting take on the Joker character, but it is based on a real life disorder. Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is characterized by uncontrollable laughing and/or crying. PBA can be caused by a neurological disorder or brain injury. And it looks like absolute Hell to live with…
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