By now, I assume everyone knows DC’s Suicide Squad came out with an extended version of its movie. The original cut came out on August 1st, and after audiences expressed disappointment, an extended version was released a few days ago. This longer film featured many scenes we saw promo pictures of, but never made it to the big screen. Well, I’m here to speak about one scene in particular.
The Critics Slammed the Movie Before Anyone Could Form their Own Opinion
Suicide Squad has gotten a lot of flak. Though having a diverse cast and good actors, the plot was weak and its choppy filming style was heavily criticized. Personally, I liked the style. David Ayer directed the movie and as a fan of Fury (another film of his), I had faith in his abilities. These are the bad guys — DC’s crazies — and I thought the style fit.
Among the bad reviews, Jared Leto’s rendition of the Joker was a primary critique. And even though Margot Robbie received praise for her role as Harley Quinn (which she deserved), people were not happy about her relationship with Mr. J. Perhaps those who were unhappy don’t know the nature of the duo’s relationship.
For most of the film, it was obvious that Harley had no control over her transformation and that the Joker forced her into it all. And then we got the extended film, and I believe one clip in particular might have completely changed the narrative for their relationship.
Bad Romance
If anyone read Mad Love or watched Batman: The Animated Series, you know the Joker manipulated Dr. Harleen Quinzel during his time in Arkham Asylum so he could eventually escape. We get this same plot-line in Suicide Squad and it’s assumed he took Harley along for the ride after he broke out.
However, in the deleted scene, it seems this was not the case. SPOILERS! After his escape, the Joker had no intention of pursuing a romance with the doctor. He’s driving away in his very flashy Lamborghini and Harley is chasing after him on a motorcycle. The two have a confrontation with Harley desperately begging him to not leave her, and the Joker is just brushing her off.
So, does this change anything? In the original cut, we see Mr. J. electrocuting Harley and manipulating her. She willingly falls into a vat of chemicals, but it could be argued that she felt pressured by the Joker. In 2011, DC revamped themselves with The New 52 and Harley’s origin story changed. Instead of just naturally being driven crazy, it was a chemical bath that did it, completely taking the choice out of her decision. And for the film, it seemed that this was the background story they went with.
Harley Isn’t Letting the Joker Go
Harley is clearly infatuated by the Joker. She begs him to not leave her, begs him to just admit that he loves her as well, which makes the Joker think she’s crazier than he is. Mr. J. wanted Harley to leave him alone, to just go away. We could say that he just could have killed her and been done with it, because why would he just let someone live who is annoying him? Instead, he simply left her and even told her that he was not a person who could be loved.
“I’m an idea” – The Joker, Suicide Squad.
Harley’s behavior is a result of being manipulated by the Joker. But, this scene does have her in control. She chased him down and begged him to see that there was something between them. We needed this clip in the original cut. Not only did it modify the narrative of their relationship, but it gave the audience more of the Joker. Considering Jared Leto’s performance was based on really no more than ten minutes of screen time, we’re given more to work with.
What I personally like about this scene, is that it almost seems like a normal conversation between two people. Regardless of who they are, this (despite the car chasing and gun pointing) could very well be an interaction between anyone. We don’t see a lot of that in the movie, and perhaps their relationship would have had more significance if this honest interaction existed in the initial cut. For most of the film, they’re a couple in title only.
Disclaimer
I am in no way defending abusive relationships or abusive behavior. The Joker and Harley Quinn are not #RelationshipGoals. Batman and Catwoman, Scarlet Witch and Vision, Luke Cage and Jessica Jones, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy =#RelationshipGoals. Don’t ever strive for a relationship like the one Harley has with Mr. J.
