Let’s give this movie some credit: it is perhaps the definitive examination of a character forced into madness by elements completely out of his control. Everything awful that can happen to Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) does, and it shouldn’t be surprising that this unassuming would-be comedian finally snaps and embraces his dark side, becoming the villain who will be Batman’s arch-nemesis.
Todd Phillips’ film is an original origin story for the Joker; it isn’t about Bruce Wayne or Batman at all, although young Bruce and his parents are important to the story. Phillips’ depiction of Gotham City mirrors that of New York during the infamous garbage strikes of 1977 and 1981, but worse. Urban unrest is simmering, waiting to explode, needing just a spark, which the Joker is about to provide. It’s no wonder Batman became necessary to help save the city.
As well as the movie works as a character study, or as a clinical dissection of mental illness, it is also very difficult to watch. I was uncomfortable much of the time (which, of course, is intentional). I did not find the film valuable as entertainment until near the end, and only for a little while then. Joker is probably going to be one of those movies that I will never revisit, but which I will probably remember fairly well years from now. I understand that the Batman fans will probably appreciate this film as much as the Christopher Nolan trilogy, but I can’t see how anyone could watch this depressing drama over and over again as a favorite.
What is it about the Joker that invites such great portrayals? Jack Nicholson was fabulous back in Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989, while Heath Ledger won a posthumous Oscar for his work in Nolan’s The Dark Knight in 2008, an absolute rarity for a fantasy film / superhero movie. Now we have Joaquin Phoenix joining those ranks, with the deepest portrayal yet. I just wish he wouldn’t have smoked so much; I find the closeups of smoking all the time irritating and artificial and unnecessary. Heck, I didn’t like this movie much at all — but it is well made. ☆ ☆ ☆. 5 December 2019.