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Joaquin Phoenix is back running through the streets of Gotham as the Clown Prince himself -- but despite the action being filmed on the ground ... some are scoffing from above.

Check out this footage, obtained by TMZ, where the actor can be seen on the set of 'Joker 2,' which was filming on location Saturday in DTLA ... and where JP was doing a few takes where he's being chased by some bad guys, who happen to be dressed in Joker gear.

It's pretty interesting ... you see Joaquin here (as Arthur Fleck) in a business suit, sans makeup, and a couple of goons going after him as they weave in and out of traffic. One of the dudes on his tail is actually dressed in his 'Joker' outfit from the first movie.

There's some good action captured on camera here, but the photog doesn't seem to be that big a fan of Joaquin or 'Joker' in general ... 'cause he talks a lot of crap throughout.

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