Joker (2019) A bold study into insanity and cruelty!

In a time where division in society is more common than ever before, a film like Todd Philips’ Joker is really important to give a unique perspective on the world we live in. Despite being set in a fictional city, and focusing on a man’s transformation into a psychotic murderer in clown make up, the concept could easily play out in modern society. Just think about it, someone belittled and ignored by a heartless and cruel society gets pushed and pushed further away til he reaches the brink of insanity, leaving them with violence as the only solution in their mind. How many high profile killers in recent years does that remind you of?

But it’s not just the social commentary and strong views on society’s cruelty that makes Jokera masterpiece, the film is beautifully crafted, from photography by Lawrence Sher, to the teeth grinding and suspenseful music score by Hildur Guðnadóttir. Both give this incarnation of Gotham a run down, dangerous and intimidating feel to it, continuing to emphasise the cruelty around our main character. Both aspects become characters themselves, each putting as much pressure on the character as the beatings our lead receives throughout the picture. Leading the superb production is a more than definite candidate for best actor at the Oscars.

Joaquin Phoenix is unrecognisable in this role, which makes him perfect to depict Arthur’s downward spiral from struggling clown and comedian, to broken and deranged man. Sometimes when you watch a film, it’s hard to differentiate the character from the person playing them. But people like Phoenix do a first class job of keeping the audience engaged in the character, and not himself as an actor. See Jared Leto, this is how you get lost in your work, and make the audience genuinely believe who you are.

Beyond Phoenix, my biggest praise goes to the bold and unique vision by Todd Philips. Despite the restraints of his 15 certificate rating in the UK, Philipsstill has the film feel gritty, hard hitting and gory, which keeps the audience truly lost in the run down world of Gotham. Additionally, the inclusion of the seeds that would build up the world of Batmanand Gotham later on helps keep the world feel bigger, leaving the seeds of possibilities, without forcing these foreshadows down the audiences throat. Glad to see you finally figured it out, DC!

It’s been rare in recent years for a DC Comicsfilm to surpass any MARVELrivals in the same year, but if one was gonna do it, I’m really glad that this was the one. It may not have the grand, epic battles of Avengers: Endgame, but to be quite frank, not every comic book film needs fizzes and bangs to keep me engaged, sometimes a simple but suspenseful character study is all you truly need!

SCORES

Story - 5/5

Characters - 5/5

Production - 5/5

Acting - 5/5

Music - 5/5

Overall - 10/10