Forever alone in a crowd, failed comedian Arthur Fleck seeks connection as he walks the streets of Gotham City. Arthur wears two masks — the one he paints for his day job as a clown, and the guise he projects in a futile attempt to feel like he’s part of the world around him. Isolated, bullied and disregarded by society, Fleck begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as The Joker.
It’s the movie we’ve all been looking forward to. I will admit when this film was first announced, I was skeptical. I have not been a fan of any of the DCEU films and this take on the Joker just felt desperate. But when we saw the first teaser, I let up a tad. Then, the early reviews slowly rolled in and they were glowing wherever you looked. So walking into “Joker,” I had very high expectations and the Todd Phillips’ film delivers big time.
Joaquin Phoenix plays Arthur Fleck, a socially awkward man who has an issue with holding in his laughs. As he learns more about himself internally and externally, he begins to spiral out of control to a point of no return. First things first, give Phoenix the Oscar, hand-wrapped and shipped overnight. His performance steals the show every time he is on the screen to a point that it elevates anyone who he is sharing the screen with. A lot of comic book fans, including myself, weren’t fans of learning more about the mysterious character of the Joker. However, the take that Phillips and Scott Silver pen is brilliant and Joaquin does a phenomenal job of bringing it to life. A human, but troubled and disturbing character that I think is level with Ledger’s interpretation in “The Dark Knight.” Speaking of those other performances, “Joker” features exceptional supporting performances from the likes of Robert De Niro, Brett Cullen, and Zazie Beetz. Gold star stickers all around for everyone.
The story, on the other hand, is where my issues with the film lies. The first half of the film is this true character piece that really only focuses on Arthur and I fell in love with the personal feel it had. The second half attempts to grow a bit larger in scale and that’s when the movie lost me a bit. The relationship storyline with Zazie Beetz’s character had no real purpose in the grand scheme of the film. There is another subplot that I just wasn’t a fan of but the mention of it would be a spoiler. I will say it isn’t the worst take, it just wasn’t polished enough and felt like a desperate attempt at connecting this film to the rest of the DC universe. It’s presence did telegraph the ending and it took me out of the movie somewhat. Also, there is a scene towards the end that goes on for too long, to a point that it is unrealistic and awkward (not in a good way). With all that being said, the majority of the film tells a great story and when it is going, you can’t take your eyes off the screen.
If I could give multiple MVP awards, Todd Phillips would be second on the pecking order after Phoenix. The way he tells this story from a very quiet but captivating standpoint is a pure marvel. The grit he brings to the screen is nothing short of brilliant. There was noise about this film glorifying violence when I think Phillips created a piece that depicted a very sick individual who just happens to turn to violence. The technical elements of this film are breathtaking also. The color palette is beautiful with vibrant color juxtaposed to a dark and gritty society. The cinematography cannot be praised more with the exquisite stills it produces. Every frame of this film could be your next wallpaper and that’s rare for a comic book movie. Last but not least, the score is chilling and plays a key character throughout the entire runtime. Phillips and company do everything plus some with this one.
Even though you were probably already going to see “Joker,” I will reiterate that you need to watch this as soon as possible. A few story issues here and there but Phoenix and co’s performances, coupled with what Todd Phillips brings to the table, creates DC’s best film in almost a decade. Do yourself the favor and see this on the biggest screen possible.
Now available on Digital and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD January 7th
