Joker (2019)
Raiting: 
8,4 /10
Genre: Crime
Director: Todd Phillips
Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro and Zazie Beetz
Country: United States
Release date: 1 October 2019
Length: 122 minutes
The 2019 film "Joker", directed by Todd Phillips, presents an origin story for the iconic comic book villain against a gritty, realistic backdrop. The film is a character study of Arthur Fleck, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, a man struggling with mental illness and societal neglect in a decaying Gotham City.
Arthur works as a clown-for-hire while aspiring to be a stand-up comedian, but he is hindered by a neurological condition that causes uncontrollable laughter. His life is a constant battle with depression, loneliness, and a society that is both uncaring and cruel. Living with his ailing mother Penny, Arthur discovers that she has been writing letters to Thomas Wayne, a wealthy businessman and mayoral candidate, whom she claims is Arthur's father.
The narrative follows Arthur's descent into madness as he faces a series of setbacks: he is fired from his job, mocked on a popular talk show for his failed stand-up routine, and beaten by thugs. His mental state deteriorates further when he learns that his mother's claims about his parentage might be delusions, and he is adopted. This revelation shatters Arthur's identity and his grip on reality.
Arthur's transformation into the Joker begins after he kills three Wall Street employees in self-defense, which inadvertently sparks a city-wide movement against Gotham's rich. As the divide between the wealthy and the poor grows, Arthur becomes an unintentional symbol of rebellion. His actions lead to escalating violence and chaos in the city.
The climax of the film occurs when Arthur is invited onto the talk show that previously mocked him. There, he confesses to the murders and delivers a monologue criticizing society's abandonment of the disenfranchised. He then kills the show's host on live television, fully embracing his Joker persona. The film ends with riots engulfing Gotham, and Arthur being celebrated by a mob of protesters. He is eventually arrested, but the Joker has become a symbol of anarchy and resistance against a broken system.
"Joker" is a dark and unsettling portrayal of a man's spiral into insanity and the societal factors that fan the flames of his transformation. The film's ambiguous narrative, combined with Phoenix's powerful performance, invites viewers to interpret the story in various ways, making it a compelling and controversial addition to the superhero genre. Its stark departure from traditional comic book storytelling and its commentary on mental health and social inequality have sparked much discussion and debate.
Top cast - Joker (2019)
Trailer - Joker (2019)
"Joker", directed by Todd Phillips and released in 2019, is a film that stands out for its dark, unsettling exploration of the origins of one of comic book lore's most infamous villains. Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Arthur Fleck, the man who becomes the Joker, is a tour de force, capturing the character's descent into madness with unsettling authenticity. The film is a departure from typical superhero fare, offering instead a character-driven narrative that delves deep into themes of mental illness, societal neglect, and the genesis of evil.
Set against the backdrop of a decaying Gotham City, "Joker" paints a bleak picture of a world on the brink of chaos. Arthur Fleck's life is marked by suffering and humiliation, both personal and systemic. As he struggles with a condition that causes uncontrollable laughter and seeks connection in an increasingly disconnected world, the audience is given a front-row seat to his unraveling. Phoenix's performance is both nuanced and powerful, earning him widespread acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actor.
The cinematography and production design of "Joker" contribute significantly to its oppressive atmosphere. The grimy streets of Gotham, the stark lighting, and the haunting score by Hildur Guðnadóttir, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Score, all serve to underscore the film's tone and Arthur's instability. Phillips's direction ensures that the film maintains its focus on character development, while also offering commentary on broader societal issues such as wealth inequality and the failures of the mental health system.
While "Joker" has been the subject of controversy for its violent content and its portrayal of mental illness, it has also been praised for its willingness to tackle such difficult subjects. The film does not shy away from showing the consequences of a society that marginalizes and ignores its most vulnerable members. It raises questions about the nature of empathy and the societal responsibility to care for those who are struggling. The film's ambiguous storytelling leaves much open to interpretation, inviting discussions and debates among audiences.
In conclusion, "Joker" is a provocative and compelling film that offers a new perspective on an iconic character. It is a bold and stylistically confident piece of filmmaking that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the world we live in. While it may not provide the escapism typically associated with comic book movies, "Joker" delivers a memorable and impactful cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.