A Villain Reimagined: A Review of Joker
Reviewed by Katy Ryan.
A lot of films have debuted this year, including the long-awaited Avengers: Endgame, IT: Chapter 2, The Lion King, and Spiderman: Homecoming. By nature, I like to think of myself as a film connoisseur. I love to study the art, camera angles, and acting depth. Having seen Joker, I think I have finally found the best film of the year, but hold that thought until Doctor Sleep comes out next month.
Since childhood, I have always been entertained by Batman and his adventures. I had all the action figures of Catwoman, the Penguin, the Riddler, and, most importantly, the Joker. I was born in the 1980s when Tim Burton’s Batman was released. A rather dark movie, it was my first introduction to DC’s main villain and Batman’s biggest arch nemesis: the Joker. In that film, he was portrayed by the fantastic Jack Nicholson, and since then, the character has been portrayed by Mark Hamil, Heath Ledger, and Jared Leto. Each actor has always brought something new to the table and highlighted each one of the Joker’s many characteristics. However, I think that the newest incarnation is the most realistic version to date.
Joker is directed by Todd Phillips, whose previous works include the Hangover series and A Star Is Born. It stars Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker, Robert De Niro, and Zazie Beetz. It was released worldwide in October 2019 and so far has positive reviews among critics and audiences. The setting, of course, is Gotham City, a.k.a. New York City. The city is rife with crime, humongous sewer rats, civil strife, unemployment, and overflowing piles of trash. The movie, which feels more like a Scorsese picture than a comic book film, does a fantastic job of putting a spotlight on mental health and the lack of support many people receive.
Phoenix portrays Arthur Fleck, who is employed by a clown agency but whose dream is to be a stand-up comedian. Fleck’s struggles to work, articulate, and survive are portrayed in an ultra-realistic fashion. The movie is a slow-burn. The first half of the film is Fleck struggling to keep his sanity, while the second half portrays his descent into madness as he becomes the Joker.
I was on the edge of my seat during the second half. In most comic book films, namely those by Marvel, you can predict what a character will do. In Joker, you question his next move and every thought process. The fact that you do not know what is going to happen is unnerving. Fleck starts out as a good man. He is loving and kind to his ailing mother, loves to make children laugh, and is chivalrous. Deep down, as a viewer, you know that there is something dangerous waiting to be activated. The soundtrack to the film is majestic, haunting, and sometimes upbeat. The cinematography is captivating, and the city views are reminiscent of Detroit, Michigan.
This film is not for children, as it is not a standard comic book film. More than anything, it is a character study. If you took the Joker out of the movie and replaced him with another character, it would be a dark character study about a crime-lord’s descent into madness. The film does an excellent job at making you understand how someone could reach the limit and turn to crime. So many social factors are mentioned: healthcare availability, job stability, urban management, illiteracy, and civility. It shines a light on how important it is for people to be able to show empathy toward their fellow man, instead of apathy.
I cannot say too much about this film without spoiling the plot, Easter eggs, and your overall enjoyment, so I will leave it to you to see. I do have to say that in the theater, I was impressed that I saw no one on their phones. The room was half-full, but everyone was silent and transfixed. This is a truly mesmerizing performance, and if you do not mind slow-burn thrillers, I highly recommend this film. I will be watching for this movie to win at the Academy Awards.
The Reviewer
Katy Ryan is from Memphis, Tennessee. She loves to critique film and has a degree in criminology. She lives in Mokpo.