#distrubing

“Outlets declaring this as controversial clearly missed the whole message of it all.”

BY COLLIN DELADE

You can’t review the latest DC Comics adaptation, JOKER, without addressing the controversy. This R rated drama about the origins of the most psychotic comic book villains has been dogpiled with so much controversy and criticism for its criminally inspiring behavior. Having actually seen the movie and understanding the whole point of the character, all this controversy is incredible misguided. 

JOKER is a character study of the socially unaccepted Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) as he tries to cope with life’s hardships. All Arthur wants to do with his life is to bring laughter to others. Unfortunately, his mental condition and society’s neglect of the mentally ill is causing him to struggle. At the root of it all, JOKER is a cautionary tragedy on the result of reduced funding and support to the mentally disturbed. Where the controversy comes in is how the film successfully makes you sympathize with the mass murderer. 

More than any other film in the sub-genre, JOKER is the definitive representation of an origin story. From beginning to end, this movie is a character study of Arthur’s descent into madness and chaos. Every second of the runtime is focused on Arthur. His aches to be seen and heard in this society that abandons people like him. Describing an actual plot that the film follows takes away from the overall point and suspense of this dark tragedy. 

Many comparisons will be made between Phoenix’s portray of the character and the late Heath Ledger’s performance eleven years ago. Ironically, with all the finger-pointing at Phoenix’s interpretation as encouraging mass shootings and violence, Ledger’s Joker is way more controversial and dangerous. 

Without giving any spoilers away for JOKER, Phoenix’s Joker is shown to have a bit of logic and focus as to who he is going after. Ledger, on the other hand, is a mysterious evil with zero humanity that can’t be figured out. If any Joker portrays were to inspire mass shooters, it would be the critically praised and adored Ledger version. 

Based on the actor’s performance, though, Phoenix is right up there with Ledger as giving the best interpretation of the character. I adored Phoenix and his performance in the film as he balances an incredible amount of sympathy with an uncomfortable level of disturbing moments. For the vast majority of the film, I really felt terrible for Arthur and aches to see his life turn around for the better. 

Arthur doesn’t start off as a violent psychopath that clearly belongs in an insane asylum. Instead, he begins as a simple struggling comedian who’s harmless enough to attempt to make a kid smile on the bus. All the praises you have heard about Phoenix is absolutely right, as he deserves to be nominated, if not win, the Oscar for Best Actor.

While I walked in expecting to be blown away by Phoenix, I was really surprised by the fantastic direction and filmmaking with Todd Phillips and his creative team. Just a simple sweeping shot of the gritty Gotham streets look like a work of art. This is a perfect showcase of how a great director and cinematographer can make any setting look beautiful. 

With the fantastic cinematography comes my favorite element about the film; just how disturbing it is without the need for an uncomfortable amount of violence. Right from the very first frame, everything about the psychological mindset of Arthur is established. As the film continues, Phillps perfectly captures Phoenix’s chilling performance with long, drawn-out shots that appropriately makes the audience uneasy. Aside from a violent moment on the subway, all of the violent imagery is saved for the film’s climax, where the Joker comes out to play. 

Until then, you get sucked into Arthur’s journey for acceptance that beautifully sets up for the main event of Joker revealed to the public. The element that makes JOKER such an incredible film is how it doesn’t portray anyone as completely good or bad. Everyone is a mixture of sinister intentions and human beings that deserve a chance to live. You will sympathize and root against all the characters as they truly reflect the flawed human nature. 

Even though I absolutely love JOKER, I can completely understand why some people will not enjoy it. Take away audiences that would reject it merely due to the controversy, JOKER really is an unconventional character study that isn’t much of a crowd-pleaser. If you can’t see yourself enjoying a two-hour movie where you need to get sucked into the mindset of a twisted character, then this is not the film for you. 

JOKER is definitely one of the best movies of the year that takes so many risks and deep turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat. While it has it’s problems that involve its revealing information, it still is worth checking out in theaters for adults only. Please, do not take your kids to see this movie; it is very much a mature and deep movie that they don’t need to see. 

9/10

I can’t get the images from this scene out of my head. I couldn’t sleep for so long last night... I just kept thinking about Alucard and how much pain that would have been for him. Does anyone else feel like their fear and discomfort about this scene are lingering? It’s really hard for me to shake off. Last night I just kept remembering his faces and the betrayal and I don’t know, it just got to me. I cried so much. 

After season two, I felt something similar because I couldn’t get the patricide scene out of my head. I kept thinking about how horrible it would be to be either one of them. The tragedy of that season has stayed with me for a long time and it still hurts when I see/think about it. 

Goretober, Day 5: Prescription Dreams

For a while I went without Patreon tier logos and I finally sat down and did some. Here are the rewards for my Patreon, have a gander and please consider supporting my work as it helps me continue what I love to do.

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