Joker - Review

“The worst part of having a mental illness is people expect you to behave as if you don't” – A review of Joker. 

There are few villains who are as well known and enjoyed as The Joker. The ultimate comic book villain, The Joker has been played on screen dozens of times and by multiple actors. When Joker released in 2019, however, we didn’t get a standard superhero movie, but a dark reimagining of the characters origins, a deep social commentary and plenty of psychological drama.

Joker follows Arthur Fleck, a man who struggles with mental health issues and is an aspiring stand up comedian. He lives in Gotham City, where he faces societal rejection and isolation. The worse his isolation becomes, the worse his mental illness becomes, and as his grip on reality becomes looser, his transformation into the infamous Joker progresses.

Joaquin Phoenix is absolutely phenomenal in this film. I found his portrayal to be refreshing, unsettling and completely sympathetic. Whilst The Joker is a villain, this is an origin story which really makes you feel for him, as you watch a man who is very much on the edge. He’s expressive and emotional, and his gaunt frame helps to give the character a truly haunting feel. The Joker is a big role, one which has had some of the best actors in the world portray, but Pheonix genuinely did a brilliant job.

Something that stands out about this film to me is the way in which it deals with some really difficult themes. Alienation, neglect and the way in which society acts towards vulnerable people are all explored, and not in a subtle way. The film tackles these issues head on, casting a critical eye over subjects which are often taboo, holding a mirror up to society and forcing us to reflect on the way we treat those who don’t quite fit into the norms and values we’ve developed. Is The Joker a monster, a villain, or a victim? Where does the boundary lie, where is the line?

Gotham itself is grim, bleak and crumbling, almost becoming a character in its own right. The muted colours often reflect the inner turmoil Arthur is going through, and the city itself really does embody the sadness and chaos of the plot. The score is haunting and atmospheric, helping to add a feeling of uneasiness and adding to the overall dark feel to the film.

So is Joker perfect? Not at all. I can’t say I am completely on board with the portrayal of mental illness and violence in the film, and I must say it’s perhaps not as action packed as I had been expecting. With that being said, I do still think it’s an excellent film, and Phoenix received an Academy Award for Best Actor for good reason.

Joker isn’t the easiest film to watch. It’s gritty and dark, it deals with incredibly troubling themes, and it forces the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about society and mental health. This isn’t your standard superhero movie; Joker is a mature, challenging film, full of thought-provoking moments and incredibly compelling performances. If you’re a fan of the classic villain and want to see him in a new light, I cannot recommend Joker enough.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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