Joaquin Phoenix improvised one of the creepiest scenes in Joker, the film’s cinematographer has revealed.
[Director Todd Phillips] started playing Hildur’s score [for the bathroom scene], Joaquin came in, closed the door and [camera operator Geoff Haley] and Joaquin just organically worked around each other.
Some scenes, the cinematographer explained, had been mapped out in advance, while others were left up to Phoenix’s improvisation talents.
“We set up two camera positions, and Joaquin just thought about what he would do if he was a massive insomniac.