Joker

An uncomfortable watch. This film is terrifying but not for its violence or disturbing imagery. Joker scares me because it feels so damn real. Here's a joke for you: What do you get when you under fund mental health services, the gap between rich and poor widens, and it feels like society has lost its compassion for those who struggle through hard times? A feedback loop in the form of crime, violence, and hopelessness spiraling out of control. Joker enjoys that downward spiral like a child laughing down a twisting park slide. No one should look at Joker like a hero. He's not even an anti-hero or a villain. The Joker is a victim. And sometimes victims will do anything to take back some semblance of control over their lives. Joaquin Phoenix brilliantly captures the spirit of a victim caught in his own delusions, desperate to matter as a person when "society" - as vague a term as that is - seems to care so little about him, personally. Joker is an uncomfortable film to see. But it is also worth seeing. And if you feel uncomfortable seeing this film, do something in your community to fight the root causes of so much suffering we see everyday. I'm not saying we're at risk of seeing a real-life Joker in our midst any time soon. But then again... *gestures broadly*

Joker sets out to try to prove it has big ideas, but ultimately falls short. The world feels like a setup specifically to create the Joker, and ends up with a sad version of the character in a universe where batman would never exist. On top of that, it's uncomfortable to watch, the repetitive violin reminds me of a laugh track, and the entire movie feels more like the director whining about not being able to make comedy movies anymore. Strongly recommend skipping this one.

"Joker" is probably the most important and controversial comic movie ever made. It dives into modern society's economical separtion even though the movie takes place over 30 years ago. It manages to create, develop and display the physche of a mentally ill individual who (with the societal disconnect) becomes a psychopathic killer. Though dark, depressing and daringly honest, "Joker" may go down to be one of the greatest character studies in cinematic history. As for the acting: perfection! 5/5