Joker
Joker is a 2019 American psychological thriller film directed by Todd Phillips, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Silver. The film, based on DC Comics characters, stars Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker. Joker was produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Films, and Joint Effort in association with Bron Creative and Village Roadshow Pictures, and distributed by Warner Bros.
Arthur Fleck is one of those people that tries incredibly hard to make the best out of a really bad situation. Take his job for example. With no real education, and dependent on his aging mother for support, Arthur spends his days working as a traveling clown in many different capacities—whether it’s dancing around in his clown costume holding up a sign to advertise a business or perhaps clowning around [ha ha] at a children’s hospital. You might ask yourself, why Arthur chose this particular profession?
Well, you see, Arthur has always had the gift of laughter, and also a problem with UNCONTROLLABLE laughter. As it turns out, Arthur laughs at various times (some which are inappropriate) which are out of his control, due to a neurological impairment, for reasons that remain a mystery. This makes many social situations incredibly difficult for Arthur, while also making him the laughingstock (pun intended) of Gotham. Poor Arthur, all he wants to do is make people laugh.
But an event on a subway, in which Arthur takes a brutal beating for taking a stand for a woman who was being harassed, flips a switch in Arthur’s brain. “I’m not going to be the victim anymore,” says Arthur. “I’m not going to be the one laughed at… I’m the one who will DO the laughing.” And sure enough, the victim becomes the attacker, and Arthur begins his life of brutal crimes.
“Joker” is a story that begs to ask the question: What happens when the lonely and downtrodden have had enough? What are the consequences of berating and belittling those some consider “beneath them.”
Ever since the character, Joker, first appeared in Batman Comics Issue #1 in 1940, the Joker’s origins and upbringing have always remained a mystery, to both fans and to the occasional Batman enthusiast such as myself.
What was and still does not remain a mystery, however, is Joker’s personality. From the very beginning and throughout the history of the comics themselves to the feature films we witness today, Joker has been described as a narcissistic, albeit dangerous sociopath, with an insatiable desire to commit crimes using chemicals and tricks. Joker has also been described as a character adept at studying others and modifying or adapting his personality to achieve his intended outcome.
Why bring all this to your attention? Because this movie embodies and emboldens the “Joker” character in every possible manner, but in the worst ways. “Joker” is unlike any film I’ve ever encountered, and that’s not a compliment. “Joker” takes Bob Kane’s iconic villain, flips him on his head, and then insults his memory by making us watch the character Arthur slowly and painfully descend into sheer madness, until there’s nothing left but rage, violence, and hate for the world. As one reviewer stated,
“…the movie lionizes and glamorizes Arthur even as it shakes its head, faux-sorrowfully, over his violent behavior. …Arthur is a mess, but we’re also supposed to think he’s kind of great—a misunderstood savant.” —Ulrich, Slant magazine (2019)
To add insult to injury, we have an exasperating amount of graphic violence (including a disturbing head smashing scene) that only further strengthens the film’s message that madness and revolt are eminent when you ignore those in need for so long. In an age when it seems that serious acts of violence across America and around the world (mass shootings and the like) are becoming more and more prevalent, we don’t need a film like “Joker” to reinforce or encourage such dangerous behaviors and events. As Richard Trenholm, from CNet, states, “Joker” is a…
“…violent, visceral experience… several cringy attempts to be edgy, like a song by convicted pedophile Gary Glitter on the soundtrack… No one’s laughing in this bleak Batman spin-off… Seriously, everyone in this movie is miserable. …Arthur is disturbed and violent… everybody else is cynical, mistrusting and cruel…”
To be fair to the film, Joaquin Phoenix, who reportedly, unnecessarily lost 50 pounds for the role, is a very accomplished actor. He takes his role as Arthur Fleck with grace and precision. And yes, even the supporting actors, such as Robert DeNiro’s brief appearance, are relatively strong. However, Phoenix GOES TOO FAR. The film goes too far. My mouth was literally dropping… to the end.
Well, you see, Arthur has always had the gift of laughter, and also a problem with UNCONTROLLABLE laughter. As it turns out, Arthur laughs at various times (some which are inappropriate) which are out of his control, due to a neurological impairment, for reasons that remain a mystery. This makes many social situations incredibly difficult for Arthur, while also making him the laughingstock (pun intended) of Gotham. Poor Arthur, all he wants to do is make people laugh.
But an event on a subway, in which Arthur takes a brutal beating for taking a stand for a woman who was being harassed, flips a switch in Arthur’s brain. “I’m not going to be the victim anymore,” says Arthur. “I’m not going to be the one laughed at… I’m the one who will DO the laughing.” And sure enough, the victim becomes the attacker, and Arthur begins his life of brutal crimes.
“Joker” is a story that begs to ask the question: What happens when the lonely and downtrodden have had enough? What are the consequences of berating and belittling those some consider “beneath them.”
Ever since the character, Joker, first appeared in Batman Comics Issue #1 in 1940, the Joker’s origins and upbringing have always remained a mystery, to both fans and to the occasional Batman enthusiast such as myself.
What was and still does not remain a mystery, however, is Joker’s personality. From the very beginning and throughout the history of the comics themselves to the feature films we witness today, Joker has been described as a narcissistic, albeit dangerous sociopath, with an insatiable desire to commit crimes using chemicals and tricks. Joker has also been described as a character adept at studying others and modifying or adapting his personality to achieve his intended outcome.
What was and still does not remain a mystery, however, is Joker’s personality. From the very beginning and throughout the history of the comics themselves to the feature films we witness today, Joker has been described as a narcissistic, albeit dangerous sociopath, with an insatiable desire to commit crimes using chemicals and tricks. Joker has also been described as a character adept at studying others and modifying or adapting his personality to achieve his intended outcome.
Why bring all this to your attention? Because this movie embodies and emboldens the “Joker” character in every possible manner, but in the worst ways. “Joker” is unlike any film I’ve ever encountered, and that’s not a compliment. “Joker” takes Bob Kane’s iconic villain, flips him on his head, and then insults his memory by making us watch the character Arthur slowly and painfully descend into sheer madness, until there’s nothing left but rage, violence, and hate for the world. As one reviewer stated,
“…the movie lionizes and glamorizes Arthur even as it shakes its head, faux-sorrowfully, over his violent behavior. …Arthur is a mess, but we’re also supposed to think he’s kind of great—a misunderstood savant.” —Ulrich, Slant magazine (2019)
To add insult to injury, we have an exasperating amount of graphic violence (including a disturbing head smashing scene) that only further strengthens the film’s message that madness and revolt are eminent when you ignore those in need for so long. In an age when it seems that serious acts of violence across America and around the world (mass shootings and the like) are becoming more and more prevalent, we don’t need a film like “Joker” to reinforce or encourage such dangerous behaviors and events. As Richard Trenholm, from CNet, states, “Joker” is a…
“…violent, visceral experience… several cringy attempts to be edgy, like a song by convicted pedophile Gary Glitter on the soundtrack… No one’s laughing in this bleak Batman spin-off… Seriously, everyone in this movie is miserable. …Arthur is disturbed and violent… everybody else is cynical, mistrusting and cruel…”
To be fair to the film, Joaquin Phoenix, who reportedly, unnecessarily lost 50 pounds for the role, is a very accomplished actor. He takes his role as Arthur Fleck with grace and precision. And yes, even the supporting actors, such as Robert DeNiro’s brief appearance, are relatively strong. However, Phoenix GOES TOO FAR. The film goes too far. My mouth was literally dropping… to the end.
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