Joker 2019: Joaquin Phoenix speaks out on what movie ending REALLY means

Joker actor Joaquin Phoenix, who played the title character, AKA Arthur Fleck, in Todd Phillip’s Oscars-tipped movie, has opened up about his thoughts on the film’s meaning. Having ended ambiguously, leaving viewers with more questions than answers, the tense thriller has been hotly debated ever since its release last month.

In an interview with the LA Times, Phoenix addressed the swirling speculation around what was real and what wasn’t, as well as questions regarding Fleck’s responsibility when it comes to his crimes.

“It’s been super interesting how people react to the movie and what they see — and to me, all of those answers are valid,” he said.

“Normally you have to answer those questions. But this really is participatory and interactive. It’s up to the audience.

“That’s so rare, especially with a big studio movie, and I don’t want to ruin that by saying, ‘No, this is what it is,’” the actor added.

READ MORE: JOKER MOVIE: DELETED SCENE CONFIRMED CHARACTER’S FATE

It was once again unclear whether the genetic link was true or imagined by his mother (Frances Conroy), whose letters revealed she believed Thomas Wayne (Brett Cullen) was his father.

When Fleck turns up at Wayne Manor in a bid to speak to the man he thinks is his father, he is turned away by Alfred Pennyworth (Douglas Hodge).

He later sneaks into an event to confront Wayne, who is far from pleased to see him.

Wayne tells Fleck, in no uncertain terms, that he is not his father and that his mother was deluded, but Fleck is left unsure of the truth.