Sondra James

Sondra James Biography

Sondra James Weil (July 21, 1939 – September 12, 2021) was an American sound coordinator and actress. She appeared in films such as the Oscar-winning film Joker (2019), Emma Seligman's directorial debut Shiva Baby (2020), and a very small role in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017). She also did ADR voice casting for multiple films such as Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) and Mike Nichols' Closer (2004).

On September 12th, 2021, she passed away in New York City after a five-month battle with lung cancer.

Sondra James Movies

Sondra James TV Shows

Sondra James Videos

2:30

'Don't Think Twice' (2016) Trailer

Sondra James Quotes

A Unique Entrance and Personal Expression

Murray Franklin: Well, that was quite an entrance. You okay?

Joker: Yeah. This is exactly how I imagined it.

Murray Franklin: Well, that makes one of us.

Murray Franklin: So, can you tell us about this look? When we spoke earlier, you mentioned that this look is not a political statement. Is that right?

Joker: That’s right, Murray. I’m not political. I’m just trying to make people laugh.

Murray Franklin: And how’s that going for you?

Murray Franklin: So, I know you’re a comedian. You’ve been working on any new material? You wanna tell us a joke?

Murray Franklin: [audience laughs] He’s got a book. A book of jokes. Take your time. We’ve got all night.

Joker: Okay, okay, here’s one. Knock, knock.

Murray Franklin: And you had to look that up?

Joker: I want to get it right. Knock, knock.

Murray Franklin: [audience laughs] Who's there?

Joker: [laughs; audience gasps; musician in band goes "wah-wah" on trombone] It's the police, ma'am. Your son's been hit by a drunk driver. He's dead.

Dr. Sally: [unsettled] Oh, no, no, no. No, you cannot joke about that.

Murray Franklin: [tense and somewhat spooked] Yeah, that's not funny, Arthur. That's not the kind of humor we do on this show.

Joker: Okay... Yeah, you know what? I-I’m sor-I'm sorry. I know. It's just, you know, it's been a rough few weeks, Murray. Ever since I... killed those three Wall Street guys.

Murray Franklin: [confused, but trying to stay in character] Okay, I'm waiting for the punchline.

Joker: There is no punchline. It's not a joke.

Murray Franklin: [a bit concerned and edgy] You're serious, aren't you? You're telling us you killed those three young men on the subway?

Joker: Mm-hmm.

Murray Franklin: And why should we believe you?

Joker: [chuckles and scoffs] I got nothing left to lose. Nothing can hurt me anymore. My life... is nothing but a comedy.

Murray Franklin: Well, let me get this straight, you think that killing those guys is funny?

Joker: [points to himself; gestures over to Murray] I do. And I'm tired of pretending it's not. Comedy is subjective, Murray. Isn't that what they say? All of you, the system that knows so much, you decide what's right or wrong. The same way that you decide what's funny or not.

Audience Member: [angry yet frightened] Get him off!

Murray Franklin: [trying to stay composed] Well, o-okay, I-I think... I-I might understand that you... did this to start a movement? To become a-a symbol?

Joker: C'mon, Mur-ray. Do I look like the kind of clown that could start a movement? I killed those guys because they were awful. Everybody is awful these days. It's enough to make anyone crazy.

Murray Franklin: Okay. So that's it, you're crazy? That's your defense for killing three young men?

Joker: [smugly; the crowd boos and jeers; Joker/Arthur grows frustrated] No. They couldn't carry a tune to save their lives. Ugh, why is everybody so upset about these guys? If it was me dying on the sidewalk, you'd walk right over me! I pass you every day, and you don't notice me! But these guys... What, because Thomas Wayne went and cried about them on TV?!

Murray Franklin: You have a problem with Thomas Wayne?

Joker: Yes, I do. Have you seen what it's like out there, Mur-ray? Do you ever actually leave the studio? Everybody just yells, shouts, and screams at each other. Nobody’s civil anymore! Nobody thinks what it's like to be the other guy. You think men like Thomas Wayne ever think what it's like to be someone like me? To be somebody but themselves? They don't. They think we'll all just sit there and take it like good little boys! That we won't werewolf and go wild!

Murray Franklin: [growing impatient] You finished? I mean, there’s so much self-pity, Arthur. You sound like you're making excuses for killing those young men. Not everybody, and I'll tell you this, not everyone is awful.

Joker: [coldly whispers] You're awful, Murray.

Murray Franklin: Me? I'm awful? Oh, yeah, how am I awful?

Joker: Playing my video. Inviting me on the show. You just wanted to make fun of me. You're just like the rest of em.

Murray Franklin: [offended; Joker starts to laugh] You don't know the first thing about me, pal. Look what happened because of what you did, what it led to. There are riots out there. Two policemen are in critical condition, and you're laughing. You're laughing. Someone was killed today because of what you did.

Joker: [giggling] I know. How about another joke, Mur-ray?

Murray Franklin: No, I think we’ve had enough of your jokes.

Joker: What do you get...

Murray Franklin: I don't think so.

Joker: ...When you cross...

Murray Franklin: I think we're done with your jokes, that's it.

Joker: ...A mentally-ill loner with a SOCIETY THAT ABANDONS HIM AND TREATS HIM LIKE TRASH?!

Murray Franklin: Call the police, Gene!

Joker: I'll tell you what you get!

Murray Franklin: Call the police!

Joker: YOU GET WHAT YOU FUCKIN’ DESERVE!!!

Joker: [the signal is suddenly cut off, replaced with an [[w:Indian Head test pattern|Indian Head test pattern; [w:Spanish Flea|Spanish Flea] Goodnight. And always remember, that’s li- ]; as "]" plays in the background, the shot gradually pulls away to reveal a multitude of news reports of Joker's act, revealing he was arrested almost immediately]