The Joker character is one of the most beloved and treasured comic book villains of all time, so the magnitude of anticipation with which this picture was released comes as no surprise.
Joaquin Phoenix has the mammoth task of taking the Joker mantle this time, following the iconic incarnations of Cesar Romero, Mark Hammill, Jack Nicholson and of course the late Heath Ledger.
The onscreen adaptation we see here is certainly unique in terms of story, as it shows the Joker before he became his namesakes at all. At this point, in 1981, the Joker is simply a man called Arthur Fleck who has an odd manner and struggles to connect with others.
The film makes it clear from the off that Arthur has never had any particular luck in life. His only real friend is his off-beat Mother who he lives with, and even she openly questions his aspirations to be a stand-up comedian. He lives in a Gotham City that is brutal and divided to the point of bubbling over.
Whilst this starting premise may feel glum already, it is the events that follow on screen that pushes him to be completely consumed by the anarchic insanity characteristic of the title persona.
Having said that, is this like any other Comic Book origin story? Absolutely not.
In fact, the film clearly takes its inspiration from the Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro partnerships of the 70s- ‘Taxi Driver’ and ‘King of Comedy’ in particular (although I’ll admit I’ve never seen the latter). The proof of this can even be seen in the credits; Scorsese himself was attached to the project for a while and De Niro plays a smug talk show host who has won the aspiration of Arthur Fleck.
So, if you’re expecting large CGI fights and one-liners, this won’t be the film you were hoping for. However, you will be treated to a character study that excels in its daring vision due to its uncompromising and brilliant execution.
With a film so beautifully shot, excellently written and masterfully acted, Todd Phillips (director and cowriter) has justified his sharp turn from Comedy, a genre in which he enjoyed much success with films like the ‘The Hangover’ and ‘Old School’.
A reason ‘The Joker’ has lingered in my mind is that there is no protagonist to ever balance out the nihilism and brutality of the events that transpire. You are boldly pushed into the mind and life of the Joker with no rest-bite and it leaves a film that is extremely dark in tone and, at times, harrowing to experience.
The violence and tone is justified as there is no lack of underlying substance. The script aptly explores the estrangement of mental health and the role society plays in contributing to the creation of a character like the Joker.
Of course, this could not have been pulled off without a brilliant central performance of the title character.
Anyone who takes on the role of the Joker takes on the weight of expectation and the curse of being compared to previous recreations. There is no need to play the compare game here, as Joaquin Phoenix puts in a stellar performance that feels like an entirely new interpretation of the character.
What is so impressive is the mere spectrum he sells. Joaquin is able to make you evoke pity for a mentally-ill odd ball just as well as he can portray the creepiness and lunacy of a crazed serial killer. Most impressive of all, is that he make this journey completely believable.
In this way, the writers and Joaquin managed to add something to the Joker that had arguably never been seen before: humanity.
The film is an explosive standout, and once again, the Joker character has redefined what a comic book movie can be.
By Hugo Hughes
Hughes Reviews 