Twisted Take on Classic Batman Villain
“Joker” shocks audiences with a haunting performance by Joaquin Phoenix
By Colin Smith
“Joker” shocks audiences with a haunting performance by Joaquin Phoenix
By Colin Smith
“Joker” is not for the faint of heart. It deals with the heavy themes of isolationism and violence, with a dark enough tone to make it the most talked-about movie of the year so far.
Following Arthur Fleck, or the Joker, played by Joaquin Phoenix, the movie shows us the mental war inside Fleck’s head, as he deals with the changing world around him. The film doesn’t have a definitive plotline, rather it puts us in the shoes of Fleck and the situations he’s thrown into as a struggling comedian. This makes the movie’s pacing slower than you’d expect, especially in the beginning and middle of the film. However, it’s not until the last 15 minutes that the movie really picks up speed. It is here where Robert De Niro, playing a late-night talk show host, and Fleck share their only scene in the movie, as Fleck transforms into the Joker and gives into insanity. It’s easily the best part of the film, and makes for a strong ending.
If one thing is made clear from “Joker,” it’s that Fleck is damaged. He doesn’t fit into society and as he tells his therapist, “all I have is negative thoughts.” The movie handles the character of the Joker in a much more dramatic, serious way than ever before seen on the big screen. It all comes down to Phoenix’s performance, which he embraces in full force. Laughing uncontrollably throughout and skinny as a twig, he owns the screen. His presence alone is powerful enough to make you uncomfortable and squirm in your seat. The movie is made by Phoenix’s performance and without him, it simply wouldn’t work. It’s hard to imagine who else could play the character with such ferocity.
However, it’s difficult not to compare the movie to other films of similar themes. “Joker” is heavily inspired by other movies about extremist loners, the most notable being “Taxi Driver” and “The King of Comedy,” both films by the great Martin Scorsese, who is also the executive producer of “Joker.” It comes as no surprise that these films were alluded to throughout the movie, making the overall impact of the film feel less significant than its influences.
When it comes to the motivation of the film and the media surrounding it, the decision of whether or not you should sympathize with Fleck is up to you. That is the beauty of art — you get to decide whether you hate it or love it. I appreciate the boldness of “Joker” and if you haven’t seen it yet, I recommend you do.
Following Arthur Fleck, or the Joker, played by Joaquin Phoenix, the movie shows us the mental war inside Fleck’s head, as he deals with the changing world around him. The film doesn’t have a definitive plotline, rather it puts us in the shoes of Fleck and the situations he’s thrown into as a struggling comedian. This makes the movie’s pacing slower than you’d expect, especially in the beginning and middle of the film. However, it’s not until the last 15 minutes that the movie really picks up speed. It is here where Robert De Niro, playing a late-night talk show host, and Fleck share their only scene in the movie, as Fleck transforms into the Joker and gives into insanity. It’s easily the best part of the film, and makes for a strong ending.
If one thing is made clear from “Joker,” it’s that Fleck is damaged. He doesn’t fit into society and as he tells his therapist, “all I have is negative thoughts.” The movie handles the character of the Joker in a much more dramatic, serious way than ever before seen on the big screen. It all comes down to Phoenix’s performance, which he embraces in full force. Laughing uncontrollably throughout and skinny as a twig, he owns the screen. His presence alone is powerful enough to make you uncomfortable and squirm in your seat. The movie is made by Phoenix’s performance and without him, it simply wouldn’t work. It’s hard to imagine who else could play the character with such ferocity.
However, it’s difficult not to compare the movie to other films of similar themes. “Joker” is heavily inspired by other movies about extremist loners, the most notable being “Taxi Driver” and “The King of Comedy,” both films by the great Martin Scorsese, who is also the executive producer of “Joker.” It comes as no surprise that these films were alluded to throughout the movie, making the overall impact of the film feel less significant than its influences.
When it comes to the motivation of the film and the media surrounding it, the decision of whether or not you should sympathize with Fleck is up to you. That is the beauty of art — you get to decide whether you hate it or love it. I appreciate the boldness of “Joker” and if you haven’t seen it yet, I recommend you do.