Writer/Director: Todd Phillips
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro and Zazie Beetz
‘A Magnificent Comic-Book Masterpiece’
Few characters in comic-book culture are as beloved as the Joker. Following introductions in the 1940’s, the Joker has often been depicted many times in movies. With his larger-than-life personality, maniacal smile and evil intentions, the Joker has always been a compelling villain. Batman’s nemesis has created a strong legacy which has commonly resulted in phenomenal movies.
I adore the way the Joker has been portrayed in movies by a variety of actors. Out of all the films I have seen, “Joker” stands out the most. Todd Phillips’ “Joker” is an exceptional comic-book film that brought the Joker’s dark origin story to the big-screen. Intense, gripping and thought-provoking, it’s a groundbreaking film that introduced the Joker towards a modern generation. Boasting breathtaking production, sharp storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of those comic-book movies which works on every level. Ultimately, what makes it stand out is its timely message about the importance of mental health.
Amidst 1970’s Gotham City, “Joker” tells the origin story of how the clown prince of crime came to be. Joaquin Phoenix embodies Arthur Fleck, a struggling standup comedian with a mental condition. Fleck suffers from a severe mental condition which causes him to began laughing for no reason. Fleck’s life changes when he is beaten by a group of Wall Street thugs. As his mental health declines, Fleck transforms into a criminal seeking to fight city corruption.
Todd Phillips is a newcomer to the comic-book genre. Before making “Joker”, Phillips had only made comedies in his career. That being said, Phillips did an exceptional job of directing “Joker”. Through breathtaking cinematography, Phillips draws viewers into a life of a mentally unstable man turning to life of crime. Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. Inspired with Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver”, Phillips uses extreme close ups to capture the mental state of a mentally unstable loner in society. The camera often fixates on Arthur’s face as he faces mental health struggles. Through strong visuals, Phillips honors a comic-book villain in cinematic history.
Another extraordinary aspect of “Joker” that contributes to its success is the sound-design. Phillips deftly uses diegetic sounds to capture tension of a loner struggling to fit in a society. Throughout the movie, Arthur suffers from a painful condition which causes him to laugh uncontrollably. The laugh becomes a symbol of Arthur’s declining mental state. This use of diegetic sound is clearly evident in the scene where Arthur starts laughing at a stranger in a bus. It’s a terrifying scene offering a realistic portrait of mental illness. Through immersive sound design, Phillips celebrates a supervillain that hasn’t lost abilities to shine.
When discussing “Joker”, it’s hard to forget of the strong storytelling. The movie is extremely well-written, and offers a powerful portrait of mental health causing individuals to commit violence. Phillips’ screenwriting strength is his ability to create a compelling supervillain with mental health issues by unreliable narration. Throughout the movie, Arthur often struggles to tell the difference between delusions and reality. For instance, he begins having visions of people which only exist in his imagination. Through this extraordinary technique, Phillips creates a compelling portrait of a supervillain. It allows viewers to empathize with the Joker understanding his mental health plight even if he commits despicable crimes at night. Using a sharp screenplay, Phillips honours one of the most iconic supervillains in the world today.
One admires phenomenal performances.
Joaquin Phoenix delivers one of his best career performances as the Joker. Phoenix achieved recognition by depicting maniacal emperors in Roman history. With “Joker”, however, Phoenix took on his first comic-book role. Following in the footsteps of the legendary Heath Ledger, Pohenix had massive shoes to fill. However, he pulled it off successfully. Through phenomenal expressions, Phoenix captures the depression, frustration and resentments of a mentally ill loner struggling to fit in society. It’s one of the greatest performances ever given by an actor in a comic-book movie.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Phoenix, the supporting cast is also superb and deserving of recognition. Robert De Niro is remarkable, capturing charismatic personality of a famous TV show host which Arthur views as an inspiring hero. Frances Conroy is superb, bringing tender emotion to Arthur’s conflicted mother that worries about her son’s future in a city facing danger. Lastly, Brett Cullen merits appreciation. As Thomas Wayne, he brings an air of menace to the movie.
The final aspect of “Joker” that contributes to its success is its powerful message regarding mental health. The film tackles universal themes including anxiety, parenting and trauma that would strike chord with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of comic books to appreciate it. It delivers a universal message about mental health that resonates with everyone enduring trauma from an early age. Therefore, “Joker” is one of those rare comic-book movies which would leave a smile on everyone’s face.
Comic-book fans would definitely appreciate “Joker” and so will movie-goers recognizing mental health.
Nearly 90 years following the introductions of an iconic comic-book antagonist which carved a lasting smile on the faces of readers that are enthusiastic, it’s an exceptional tribute towards a legendary villain which changed the world whose timeless stories definitely deserve to be celebrated for painting a phenomenal portrait of mental health that’s realistic.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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