Put on a Happy Face: Joaquin Phoenix in 'Joker' Review

'Joker' is arguably the most talked-about film of the year, winning Venice's Golden Lion award, and is fast becoming a strong nominee for the 2020 Oscars. The film follows Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of comic-book villain, 'The Joker,' as he falls into isolation from the destitution going on in Gotham City. Cut off and separated from even himself, Arthur Fleck's day job as a clown and his dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian become an effective mask for his inner torment. As he begins his slow descent into madness, he leaves the whole world dreading the truth beyond that smile.

The reality of Gotham City's troubles is evident through the restlessness of the poor and destitute, who begin to thrive off the backlashing chaos. Among those few, is Arthur Fleck, a clown with uncontrollable laughter, brought about by his emotional incontinence condition. Arthur's personal disarray inspires a mass uprising across the whole city, as people begin adopting the clown appearance as an attempt to provide a less than subtle message to those in power. By mixing comedy with a true sense of unhinged madness, Phoenix delivers a character well-known by the Batman trilogy, but with a deeper edge than anyone would have expected. What made Joker's story exceptional to many who watched it, was the feeling of relatable familiarity, in a world corrupted by political unrest, albeit free of the psychopathic mania. Arthur Fleck was an ordinary man with a troubled past, brought alive by his alter-ego. The excellent acting from Phoenix, alongside Todd Phillips crafting of the simultaneous events, is an unforgettable spectacle to withhold.

The addition and awareness of mental health problems in 'Joker' is a separate achievement in itself. Whilst not centering solely around these difficulties, it is weaved through the film with precision, and with just enough emphasis to allow a true reflection of its implications. "All I have are negative thoughts," says Arthur Fleck, with the added irony of his determination to sustain a career as a comedian, hindered only by the turmoil within his own mind. As we see this turmoil unravel into violence, there are some truly shocking moments that are meant to simply strike a blow with the viewers, and they do just that. There is no ambiguity with 'Joker', and the peculiarity is that what you see is what you get; a real view of a man driven wild by circumstance. The mask is used to beguile us all into a false sense of security; much like modern-day politicians.

'Joker' can't be reviewed properly without discussing Heath Ledger, who won an oscar for his performance as The Joker in 'The Dark Knight.' Whilst many critics are deducing that Joker should be considered a standalone story, I think it's a showcase to influence, as we see older interpretations in the characterisation coming through, joined with Phoenix's personal spin on it. This spin is what drives the movie far beyond any predictions. Phoneix's depiction of delirious humour, but nonchalant approach to chaos, makes him the best, and the most righteous antagonist in cinema since Jack Nicholson in The Shining.

The gradual build in the film's events gives rise to an indelible villain, with an authentic story to tell. In a world full of crime, deprivation, and a rise in mental health cases, it's hardly surprising that society has produced people that are simply products of their environment. From a political perspective, it's daring. From a societal perspective, it's explosive. All in all, it's a classic tale of comedic tragedy and a cinematic masterpiece.

Star Rating:

"For my whole life, I didn't know if I even really existed."

"All I have are negative thoughts."